TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS
Click on headline to go direct to story : use the BACK key to return
- First View : KARIYUSHI LEADER
- Pirates attack container ship Demeter, six crew taken hostage
- Southern African Shipyards awarded docking of former detained tanker Pretty Scene
- Iranian ship seized by Yemeni fishermen/pirates?
- MSC Cruises launches new World Cruise featuring unique itinerary
- Volta Lake Transport Company unions call on GPHA to take over
- HMAS Hobart sets sail as commissioned naval ship for first time
- PRESS RELEASE: The Transnet of Tomorrow
- Expected Ship Arrivals and Ships in Port
- Cruise News and Naval Activities
- Pics of the Day : SILVERFJORD
SEND NEWS REPORTS AND PRESS RELEASES TO
info@africaports.co.za
News continues below
NYK’s Ro-Ro car carrier KARIYUSHI LEADER (51,917-gt) seen in Durban harbour earlier in October where she arrived to discharge and load motor vehicles. The ship is owned by Japanese interests and is managed by Tohmei Shipping Co Ltd of Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan. She was built in 2008 in the Philippines at the Tsuneishei Heavy Industries shipyard in Balamban. Until July this year she operated with the name GLORIOUS EXPRESS, having then been owned and managed by United Ocean Shipmanagement of Singapore. This picture is by Keith Betts
News continues below
PIRATES ATTACK CONTAINER SHIP DEMETER, SIX CREW TAKEN HOSTAGE
Pirates have attacked the German-owned containership DEMETER (41,647-dwt) off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. Six of the crew have been taken hostage and removed from the ship – the men are the ship’s master, chief mate, second officer, second engineer, bosun and cook.
The remaining 12 crewmembers are reported to be safe and unharmed.
The 3,091-TEU Demeter is…[restrict] owned by Puerto Varas Shipping of the Isle of Man and is managed by Peter Döehle Schiffahrts-Kg. She is registered in Liberia.
The attack by armed pirates in a speedboat came at shortly after 06h00 on Saturday morning, local time, with eight armed men boarding the ship. Demeter was sailing from Malabo in Equatorial Guinea to Onne in Nigeria when the attack came as the ship was 40 nautical miles south of Bonny Island.
According to reports the same pirates attempted unsuccessfully to board a supply ship the previous day.
Ship managers Peter Döehle confirmed the kidnapping of the six seafarers and said that the respective families had been advised and were being kept in touch with the situation.
“Peter Döhle is working closely with the local authorities and professional advisors to secure the earliest release of its crew,” the German company said.
The 219-metre long, 32m wide container ship has since sailed from the scene of the attack and is under escort.
Demeter is on a regular schedule calling at West Africa ports. Until May this year she had been a regular caller at the Durban Container Terminal.[/restrict]
News continues below
SOUTHERN AFRICA SHIPYARDS AWARDED DOCKING OF FORMER DETAINED TANKER PRETTY SCENE
Southern African Shipyards (SAS) in Durban has been awarded the docking of the previously detained chemical and oil products tanker PRETTY SCENE.
The tanker will enter the Durban dry dock tomorrow (25 October) for its Special Survey II. This follows as long session of legal issues lasting 14 months which have finally been resolved with the sale of the ship to an undisclosed bank.
The docking will include the renewal of her coating system, which will…[restrict] include the removal of substantial underwater growth due to her prolonged period of inactivity mostly at the Durban outer anchorage.
In addition, the normal survey works will be undertaken on all the below water line machinery and equipment surveys including the tail shaft inspection.
Spokesman for Southern African Shipyards, Charles Maher said the shipyard continues to have confidence in the economic viability in the Port of Durban to support vessels calling the port by offering a Ship Repair service that offers owners running maintenance services and for scheduled dockings.
“SAS has recently expanded its international representation in six territories which had led to an increased awareness of South African ports and the services on offer in the various ports,” he said.
The docking of the 183-metre long Pretty Scene will be an interesting and testing experience. She is one of the widest vessels to be docked in the Prince Edward Graving Dock, being 32.2 meres wide and the dock being 33.56 metres wide at the lower coping, which leaves a clearance of just 660mm on either side.
This has been achieved before but it still remains a tight squeeze requiring the utmost skill.
Pretty Scene (51,255-dwt) currently flies the flag of Hong Kong and was built in 2006.[/restrict]
News continues below
IRANIAN SHIP SEIZED BY YEMENI FISHERMEN/PIRATES?
An Iranian ship with a crew of 19 on board is reported to have been seized by local Yemeni fishermen of the coast of Socotra, the Yemeni island off the Horn of Africa.
Yemen’s prime minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr said on his Twitter account at the weekend that the ship had been ‘detained’ by local fishermen and was suspected of carrying arms to the rebel Al Houthi movement in Yemen.
Regional and Western sources accuse Iran of arming the rebels with advanced weapons which has included providing them with the ability to fire missiles into Saudi Arabia. A number of dhows carrying weapons believed to…[restrict] have been from Iran have been intercepted and seized.
The US, which is aiding the Saudi’s in their efforts to reinstate the official Yemeni government, which was evicted from the capital Sanaa by the Houthi rebels, has accused the Al Houthi movement of attacking shipping in the waters off Yemen. Several ships have come under attack especially in the narrow Bab-el-Mandeb Strait which provides the southern entrance into the Red Sea.
There has been no official response from Iran over the claims that one of its ships was detained off Socotra. Iran usually stations several naval vessels in the Gulf of Aden to escort its ships through the area.
Iran remains under a series of international sanctions prohibiting it from exporting arms.[/restrict]
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
News continues below
MSC CRUISES LAUNCHES NEW WORLD CRUISE FEATURING UNIQUE ITINERARY
MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe and South America, announced yesterday the opening of sales of its second world cruise, setting sail in 2020.
Sales opened yesterday, 23 October, for MSC Voyagers Club members and will open for everyone else on 23 November.
The 2020 MSC World Cruise boasts a new itinerary that includes more exotic and aspirational destinations than ever before, with more than 40 destinations and 23 countries. Guests will be able to realise their dreams of travelling the world without ever needing to leave the comfort of their comfortable cabin on board MSC MAGNIFICA, in style and comfort.
“Following on from the highly successful launch of our first MSC World Cruise last year due to set to sail in January 2019, we are now delighted to open sales for a new world cruise for 2020 developed to offer guests experiences and destinations that they will never forget,” said MSC Cruises’ Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato.
“In addition, the experience onboard MSC Magnifica – one of the jewels of our fleet – has been designed to reflect the cultures and cuisines of the countries that the ship visits, giving guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a true around the world voyage of discovery both on board and on shore.”
Guests embarking from Civitavecchia/Rome, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona on 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th January 2020 respectively will cross five continents on a three-month voyage of discovery to some of the world’s most talked-about destinations. To maximise exploration opportunities, eight destinations include an overnight stay in port, giving guests up to two days to experience local attractions, cuisine and unique atmosphere.
Among the 43 destinations of the 2020 MSC World Cruise are a whole host of brand new and exotic destinations including, among many others, Ushuaia, Argentina; Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island; Darwin, Australia; Valparaiso, Chile; Mumbai/Bombay, India; and Salalah, Oman.
MSC Cruises has a reputation for providing authentic experiences through its wide range of shore excursions that allow guests to get closer to the action, discover new cultures and visit unique locations. The 2020 MSC World Cruise is no different and to help guests make the most of their voyage, 15 shore excursions have been included in the cost of the booking. Other excursions can be booked both in advance or during the cruise.
Guests on the World Cruise will also benefit from complimentary Mealtime Restaurant Drinks Package and a 30% reduction on all laundry services; more than 90 shows performed in the ship’s Royal Theatre, including 30 Broadway-style shows and a wide range of live music incorporating acts inspired by the itinerary; a comprehensive activity schedule with theme evenings, language classes, cultural guest speakers and much more.
Guests will travel in real style and comfort aboard MSC Magnifica, featuring an award-winning Balinese spa, one of the highest ratios of balcony cabins at sea and fresh and authentic dining options that are a key feature of a MSC Cruises holiday.
To learn more about MSC Magnifica and further details of the World Cruise itinerary, visit: www.msccruises.co.za
News continues below
VOLTA LAKE TRANSPORT COMPANY UNIONS CALL ON GPHA TO TAKE OVER
The senior and junior staff unions of the Volta Lake Transport Company have called for the immediate takeover of the company by Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
At present, the Volta Lake Transport Company which was incorporated in 1970 operates river transportation for passengers, bulk haulage of petroleum products and significant quantity of cement and cross-lake ferry services along the Volta Lake following the construction of the Akosombo Dam.
For some reason, the Volta Lake Transport Company has been operating under the management of the Volta River Authority (VRA) since its inception. This situation meant that automatically, the Transport Company was supervised by the Energy Ministry as a result of its being a subsidiary of the VRA.
According to the union executives this development has placed…[restrict] the company at a disadvantage position for a very long time.
They complain that, because it’s a company offering transportation services, Volta River Authority does not regard its services as a core function, hence, it pays less attention to them and by extension gets less support from its mother ministry which is the energy ministry.
The Union Executives say it is for this reason that they have come to the conclusion that they want to be placed under the Ministry of Transport since it provides river transportation services. According to the union the only way they can be placed under the Ministry of Transport is for Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to take over the management of the Volta Lake Transport Company in place of the VRA.
Chairman of the Senior Staff Union of VRTC, Moses Larbi said the company is struggling to replace old vessels and equipment with modern ones. He said some of the equipment that was imported has remained at the port and attracted demurrage and unfortunately, VLTC has not been able to clear them.
They argue that a takeover by the Port Authority is their only hope as the port authority intends to expand the transit trade.
“The name of Tema Port has reached very far. In West Africa and in Africa it is becoming the number one port so everybody has to strategise. If the cargo should reach here, and the railway will facilitate the movement of goods to Akosombo, then [we] need to reposition ourselves,” he said.
The Acting Director General of GPHA, Paul Asare Ansah promised the VLTC Union Executives that the Port Authority will intervene to assist Volta Lake Transport to clear the equipment that has been abandoned in the port.
He also laid emphasis on the Port Authority’s commitment to doing everything in his capacity to facilitate the trade and transport sector with intermodal transport connectivity.
“I am obliged to do everything possible to ensure that the intermodal transport connectivity helps to lift up the activities at Volta Lake Transport Company,” he said.
On the request for GPHA to take over the management of Volta Lake Transport Company, the Director General told the union executives that the management team of the Port Authority will first meet with the management team of VLTC to see how best the Port Authority can support VLTC to grow.
“We will reciprocate this gesture by visiting your management. We cannot discuss your management issues here,” he added.
He however advised the union executives to unite with their management to fight for the common good of the company.
Sandra Opoku, GPHA Administrative GM said the GPHA would also assist in inviting VRTC staff in their training programmes. source: GPHA[/restrict]
News continues below
HMAS HOBART SETS SAIL AS COMMISSIONED NAVAL SHIP FOR FIRST TIME
The Royal Australian Navy’s new Aegis-equipped destroyer, HMAS HOBART, the first of her class, was commissioned into the fleet in a formal ceremony at Garden Island in Sydney last week Wednesday (18 October).
In attendance was the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull who joined with other dignitaries, ship’s company and family and friends to welcome the newest ship to the Australian Fleet.
Mr Turnbull said Australia plays a…[restrict] leading role in ensuring the world remains at peace.
“In these uncertain times, a strong, well equipped Australian Defence Force is absolutely critical,” he said.
“The commissioning of HMAS Hobart provides clear evidence of our determination to keep Australians safe and ensure we are ready and able to meet the challenges that come our way in the years ahead.
“Wherever she may travel around the world, Hobart will serve our nation and take action in Australia’s name.”
The third Australian Navy ship to carry the name Hobart will provide air defence for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft.
Hobart’s state-of-the-art Aegis combat system, including the phased array radar and missile systems, will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres.
She will also be capable of undersea warfare and be equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys, surface-launched torpedoes and an array of effective close-in defensive weapons.
For more information about HMAS Hobart (III) CLICK HERE source: Royal Australian Navy[/restrict]
News continues below
Send your Press Releases here info@africaports.co.za and marked PRESS RELEASE. Provided they are considered appropriate to our readers we will either turn them into a story, or publish them here.
THE TRANSNET OF TOMORROW
Yesterday, Transnet began hosting its premier and digitally-charged stakeholder engagement, the Transnet Indaba. This two-day event, taking place on the 23rd and 24th October 2017, is dedicated to customer interface, innovation, manufacturing, regional integration, and supplier development and empowerment.
First of its kind, the Transnet Indaba is a platform designed for Transnet’s community of customers, developers, partners, industry champions and thought leaders to witness the transformation of the business through innovation, partnerships and training.
This premier event seeks to take Transnet’s customers through a transitional journey which will connect it from its current Market Demand Strategy (MDS) to Transnet 4.0, a strategy which will see the organisation accelerating growth in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The digital 4th Industrial Revolution will see a fusion of technologies poised to disrupt almost all industries and transform production, management and governance systems affecting all economic sectors including the freight and logistics sector.
The first day of the event will comprise of robust discussions and themed speeches on the latest developments in the freight and logistics industry.
Speaking at the event (yesterday), the Group Chief Executive, Mr Siyabonga Gama said: “At the first annual Transnet Indaba, our key stakeholders will have an insight in to the latest developments and innovations at Transnet. Since customer centricity is one of our key priorities, we look to give our stakeholders an opportunity to personally engage with us about the industry and how we can foster healthy relationships with them.”
“Disruptive innovation is here, it is creating new markets and displacing established ones. Transnet does not have a choice but to catch up.”
“To be the Transnet of Tomorrow, we need to embrace technology and lead the logistic sector in filling the gaps in the supply chain solution. From pit to port, we should be able to use the available technology in order to optimise our services to our customers.”
Transnet is looking into technology to deliver services in a most cost effective way, the growth strategy which plans to grow the company’s turnover to R100 billion by 2020 will focus on private public partnerships and tap into markets beyond the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“We are in a cusp of a technology revolution and on a brink of greatness and we cannot do this without engaging our customers at every level of change or shape that Transnet is taking,” added Mr Gama.
On the second day, learners from the Kempton Park area and the Transnet School of Excellence will get a detailed understanding of Transnet, its Operating Divisions (Freight Rail, Engineering, National Ports Authority, Pipelines and Port Terminals) and Specialist Units (Transnet Foundation, Enterprise & Supplier Development and Capital Projects). This will be achieved through an exhibition of live demonstrations which will include Transnet’s Smart Ports and Uber for containers.
The learners will also be exposed to career and bursary opportunities that are available at Transnet and how they can make use of them. For those looking to be entrepreneurs the Transnet Enterprise & Supplier Development will be showcasing their programmes, projects and the support they offer to potential and existing suppliers.
This event will also depict the role Transnet plays as an integral part of South Africa’s socio-economic landscape. source: Transnet Press Release
News continues below
GENERAL NEWS REPORTS – UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY
in partnership with – APO
News continues below
TO ADVERTISE HERE
Request a Rate Card from info@africaports.co.za
EXPECTED SHIP ARRIVALS and SHIPS IN PORT
Port Louis – Indian Ocean gateway port
Ports & Ships publishes regularly updated SHIP MOVEMENT reports including ETAs for ports extending from West Africa to South Africa to East Africa and including Port Louis in Mauritius.
In the case of South Africa’s container ports of Durban, Ngqura, Ports Elizabeth and Cape Town links to container Stack Dates are also available.
You can access this information, including the list of ports covered, by going HERE remember to use your BACKSPACE to return to this page.
News continues below
CRUISE NEWS AND NAVAL ACTIVITIES
QM2 in Cape Town. Picture by Ian Shiffman
We publish news about the cruise industry here in the general news section.
Naval News
Similarly you can read our regular Naval News reports and stories here in the general news section.
An interesting perspective of a well-known name and visitor in local shipping circles, the general cargo vessel SILVERFJORD. Like her sister company vessel Diamond Land that was featured here in yesterday’s edition, she is not the first ship to carry the name Silverfjord. As part of the MACS Carrier fleet she operates between Europe and Southern Africa. The 185-metre long, 29m wide Silverfjord (37,420-dwt) was built in 2002 and is registered in Singapore. This picture is by Trevor Jones
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Most of us, I suppose, are a little nervous of the sea. No matter what its smiles may be, we doubt its friendship.”
– H. M. Tomlinson
ADVERTISING
For a Rate Card please contact us at info@africaports.co.za
Don’t forget to send us your news and press releases for inclusion in the News Bulletins. Shipping related pictures submitted by readers are always welcome. Email to info@africaports.co.za
SHIP PHOTOGRAPHERS Colour photographs and slides for sale of a variety of ships.Thousands of items listed featuring famous passenger liners of the past to cruise ships of today, freighters, container vessels, tankers, bulkers, naval and research vessels. P O BOX 809, CAPE TOWN, 8000, SOUTH AFRICA |
| South Africa’s most comprehensive Directory of Maritime Services will shortly be listed on this site. Please advise if you’d like your company to be included. To sign up for a free listing contact info@africaports.co.za or register online |
