TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS
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- First View : MSC BIANCA
- SA Agulhas II sets off for South Africa’s 57th Antarctica expedition
- Large shipment of Mozambique ivory intercepted by Cambodia police
- HM The Queen commissions HMS Queen Elizabeth into the Royal Navy
- Arrested tanker Pretty Scene sells on auction in Durban for R164-million
- Fishing vessel Ellis S sinks in rough seas, crew rescued
- The House of Lords Brexit-Deal or No Deal report
- Transnet Freight Rail employees celebrate GCU qualifications
- Expected Ship Arrivals and Ships in Port
- Cruise News and Naval Activities
- Pics of the Day : MSC EARTH
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CMA CGM’s container ship MSC BIANCA (IMO 9436367) is seen sailing from Cape Town earlier in December, having completed working her cargo of containers at the port terminal. The 100,400-dwt ship with a container capacity of 8,530 TEU is owned and managed by Danaos Shipping of Piraeus, Greece and is operated by French line CMA CGM. She was built in 2011 at the Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipbuilding in China as hull number Z0003 and is now flying the flag of Malta. This picture is by Ian Shiffman
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SA AGULHAS II SETS OFF FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S 57th ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION
Not long after the SA AGULHAS II set off on the International Indian Ocean Expedition*, the vessel has once again left the shores of Cape Town on a scientific research expedition to Antarctica.
This is not to be confused with another expedition involving the Department of Transport/SAMSA operated ship SA AGULHUS which has also departed via Mauritius to the Antarctica, carrying a number of scientists from India as well as young South African cadets.
Will Jelbert from the Department of Environmental Affairs, who is heading the SA Agulhas II expedition, is leading a team of 10 people with different skill sets on a voyage that will see the vessel replenishing supplies to the SANAE IV, which is one of South Africa’s three research bases in Antarctica.
Jelbert is also the expedition’s team doctor.
Antarctica has, due to its below-freezing weather conditions and peace, become a haven for scientific research with many countries having research stations on it.
South Africa maintains bases at three locations in the Deep South. One is Marion Island, which is part of the Prince Edward Islands group, while the other is Gough Island, which is part of the Tristan da Cunha chain of islands in the South Atlantic, where South Africa has had a weather station since the 1950s.
The SANAE IV base is located in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maud Land on Antarctica.
Jelbert said that every year, Agulhas II sails down to the continent as part of the South African National Antarctic Programme.
“The SA Agulhas II resupplies these bases every year and there are teams that man them all year round.
“The basic purpose is for scientific research and to maintain our bases out there. So I am part of a team of 10 people and we will be staying there the whole year,” he said.
Jelbert said while the SA Agulhas II will return to South Africa in March next year, he will stay on with his team until 2019.
Jelbert said that after a two-week voyage, the research and polar vessel, which was built in 2012 and is dedicated to the memory of the late activist and songstress Miriam Makeba, will reach the Ice Shelf.
He said cargo will be unloaded from the vessel and transported from the Ice Shelf to the SANAE IV research base at the Antarctica, which is 120 kilometres inland.
“There are guys who will be maintaining the base, who will be installing water treatment systems,” he said.
He said South Africa was one of the original 12 countries to sign the Antarctic Treaty System back in 1959, which paved the way for the country to set up a research base onsite.
“The whole point of it is to make it a place of peace and scientific research. So there are no military bases, no weapons testing of any kind. There is very strict environmental controls on tourists and of course on research that is conducted there.
“We have got very strict environmental controls on how the base is run, and how the generators that are working there must operate,” Jelbert said.
Antarctica research key to understanding global changes
While Jelbert and his team of 10 will spend over a year in Antarctica, the department has also established a project collaborating with other countries, like Norway and Germany, in looking at land-breeding marine predators as bio-indicators of change in Antarctica.
The research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is vital to understanding natural variability, the processes that govern global change and the role of humans in the earth and climate system. The potential for new knowledge to be gained from future Antarctic science is considerable.
Overall, there are 120 people on board the vessel consisting of 30 crew members and about 90 scientists.
Jelbert said research scientists on site SANAE IV were busy with all sorts of research – from oceanography, marine biology, climatology, meteorology and space science, among other topics.
Antarctica job opportunities
The expedition has also created work opportunities for Cape Town locals.
Ashley Mikkelson from Athlone in Cape Town, a fire technician for DCM electronics, said when the Agulhas reaches the Antarctica base, he and his colleagues will do maintenance work on the gas suppression systems, fire alarm systems and electrical work at the SANAE base.
The company Mikkelson works for is sub-contracted to another engineering firm.
“We do maintenance for the base. We replace old electrical systems with new ones. I do the gas suppression system for the fire and safety for the engine rooms.”
This is the second time Mikkelson is going to the Antarctica.
“There are a lot of positives that I have taken from the whole experience. I am from a very poor background but I work hard. This is something that is out of this world for me – something that people hardly get to experience,” he said.
* See those reports CLICK HERE
and CLICK HERE
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LARGE SHIPMENT OF MOZAMBIQUE IVORY INTERCEPTED BY CAMBODIA POLICE
A large shipment of ivory which was poached in Mozambique has been intercepted in a joint operation by Cambodia police.
The seizure, which was led by Lim Bum Heng, Sihanoukville’s deputy prosecutor, weighed almost one tonne and was discovered in a container.
A joint police operation led to the seizure of nearly a tonne of ivory hidden in containers in the port of Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s only deep water port. The discovery was made last week.
The deputy prosecutor said authorities opened three containers in the Sihanoukville port container terminal where they initially found lengths of wood. Further investigation revealed that the wood was used to hide 279 pieces of ivory, with a total weight of 941 kilograms.
“We had suspicions that these containers hid illegal items, which is why we opened them,” Mr Bum Heng said. “We are keeping the ivory at the customs office for examination.”
Cambodian authorities said the containers belonged to Cam Transit Import Company, which had transported them from Mozambique.
The company was earlier caught hiding 1.3 tonnes of elephant tusk ivory in Phnom Penh in December 2016. source Khmer Times & Club of Mozambique
The smuggling of ivory and rhino horn poached within the country’s large game reserves as well as that of logs cut illegally from the forests of Mozambique continues to be a problem for the southern African country.
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HM THE QUEEN COMMISSIONS HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH INTO THE ROYAL NAVY
HM The Queen spoke at a ceremony in Portsmouth’s Naval Base on the morning of 7 November. She was attended by HRH The Princess Royal, the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and service chiefs.
In her role as the ship’s Lady Sponsor Her Majesty addressed guests before the Ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Jerry Kyd, read the commissioning warrant. The iconic White Ensign was then raised, symbolising the commissioning of the nation’s future flagship into the Royal Navy’s fleet.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Today marks the start of a hugely significant chapter for the Royal Navy, and indeed the nation, as the future flagship is commissioned into Her Majesty’s fleet. It is an honour to witness the crowning moment of an extraordinarily busy year for the Royal Navy that has seen us name the second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, cut steel on the first Type 26 frigates and launch the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
“Our new aircraft carrier is the epitome of British design and dexterity, at the core of our efforts to build an Armed Forces fit for the future. For the next half a century both carriers will advance our interests around the globe, providing the most visible symbol of our intent and commitment to protect the UK from intensifying threats, wherever they may come from.”
Having successfully completed her second stage of sea trials off the south coast of England, the carrier is currently alongside at her home port of Portsmouth. Over 10,000 people across the UK have contributed to the delivery of the ship under the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.
Completing final build activity and preparing for helicopter trials in the New Year, HMS Queen Elizabeth will head to the United States for initial flight trials off the coast in autumn 2018. There are currently 150 Royal Navy and RAF personnel training in the US on the F-35 jet.
The UK has worked closely on both the F-35 and carrier programmes with the US which will enable flights by the aircraft from each other’s ships. Both of the new carriers will be able to operate alongside NATO and coalition allies.
Edited by Paul Ridgway
London
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ARRESTED PRETTY SCENE SELLS ON AUCTION IN DURBAN FOR R164 MILLION
A large 2006 Korean-built chemical and oil tanker has been sold on auction in Durban for R164-million by online auctioneers Clear Asset. The vessel, named PRETTY SCENE (IMO 9354179), belonged to the Parakou Group in Asia and was under judicial arrest in Durban, reported a spokesman for the auctioneers.
The vessel, purchased by a Chinese buyer, measures 183m in length, 32.2m in breadth and has a gross tonnage of 30,068 (51,255-dwt).
The auction was hotly contested and took over 45 minutes to reach a final bid price of US$12-million, approximately R164-million excluding the additional payment for bunker fuel at US$ 288,282 (R3,9-million).
This is the 5th major international vessel sale by Clear Asset in the last 23 months, with 2016 confirming US$40 million for commercial maritime arrests.
Legal firm Bowmans were acting on behalf of Credit Agricole Asia Ship Finance (the applicant) and instructed premier maritime and mining auction house, Clear Asset to take the vessel to public auction. As per conditions stated in the Court Order, the vessel was to be sold within 90 days of the Final Court Order dated 1 November 2017.
Auctioneers Clear Asset saw global interest coming from Nigeria, Brazil, USA, Greece, the UAE and across Asia. The second highest bidder was from Greece.
“There is no doubt that we are seeing an increase in such vessels going to auction,” said Clear Asset MD, Ariella Kuper. “The key to this sale was to ensure a central portal for swift due diligence as a means to facilitate preparation by international participants. Thereafter, such interest was supported by inspections on board the vessel, with approval being required in advance by the Sheriff and launches onto the vessel (at anchorage) arranged by court-appointed Agents, Rennies.”
The auction took place at the premises of Bowmans in Durban, the correspondent law firm in the matter.
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FISHING VESSEL ELLIS S SINKS IN ROUGH SEAS, CREW RESCUED
The South African Maritime Safety Authority’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) coordinated the rescue of 22 crew members in the early hours of Friday (8 December) after their fishing boat encountered rough seas approximately 70km south west of Danger Point off the Cape South Coast.
The fishing vessel ELLIS S, owned by Sevlak Investments, sunk after the crew was rescued.
The vessel took in water after wrestling with waves of approximately three to four metres in height and with a light wind blowing at around 30km per hour.
MRCC received a distress signal at 00h49 on Friday morning via the Maritime Radio Service, reporting that the fishing vessel was taking in water and starting to sink.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) it appeared that Ellis S began taking water in her engine room from an unknown cause and despite running all bilge pumps the vessel took on a list and started to sink.
With motor mechanical, steering and hydraulic failure as a result of the intake of water, the ship’s Captain sent off a Mayday distress call.
MRCC Chief, Jared Blows said that prompt action was taken to coordinate the rescue. “MRCC also used the Automatic Identification System installed at the centre for monitoring vessels to quickly identify which vessel it was and also contacted vessels that were in close proximity to the scene.
“Vessels that were identified to be the closest to the scene were requested to change course to the location to assist.”
First on the scene was the I&J fishing vessel FUSCHIA, following was the REALKA and finally the Singaporean flagged motor tanker ARAL SEA.
Fuchsia, even with waves breaking over the stern of the partially submerged Ellis S, was able to go alongside it and transfer all 22 crew on board.
The tanker Aral Sea stood by and provided lighting using its spotlights thereby enabling an easier handling of the transfer.
All crew members were brought to safety on board the Fuchsia at 02h38 on Friday morning. The distressed and now abandoned vessel sank less than an hour later at 03h30.
The National Sea Rescue Institute was initially dispatched to assist, however nearby ships were able to come to the rescue.
Fuchsia proceeded towards Hermanus with the recued crew on board. With the assistance of the NSRI the crew of the Ellis S were taken ashore to awaiting medical services.
“Rescue efforts concluded at 08h24 on Friday morning when all rescued crew were landed safely ashore in Hermanus,” said Blows.
The NSRI Hermanus commended all vessels that responded, especially Fuschia and her crew who successfully rescued all 22 crew from the sinking fishing trawler.
SAMSA said it will be conducting further investigations into what caused the vessel to flood and eventually sink.
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THE HOUSE OF LORDS BREXIT: DEAL OR NO DEAL REPORT
On Thursday, 7 December in the UK Parliament House of Lords (Upper House) EU Committee published its report ‘Brexit: deal or no deal’, outlining the potential impact on the UK of leaving the EU without a deal, and examining the feasibility of a transition period immediately post-Brexit.
The report is available by:
CLICKING HERE
Key findings
The report states that no deal would not only be economically damaging, but would bring an abrupt end to cooperation between the UK and EU on issues such as counter terrorism, police and security and nuclear safeguards. It would also necessitate the imposition of controls at the Irish land border.
The Committee agrees with the Government that concluding all aspects of the negotiations before March 2019 would be the best outcome, but notes that the overwhelming weight of evidence suggests that this will be impossible. The Committee concludes that enshrining the Article 50 deadline of 29 March 2019 in domestic law would not be in the national interest.
The Committee questions whether a legally binding transition deal can be reached in time to prevent damage to the UK economy. The Committee notes that negotiations on the future relationship could last several years, and that a standstill transition period may therefore be needed to buy time for negotiations to continue beyond March 2019.
The Committee notes that the only secure legal basis for transition may be to use one of the two options available under Article 50, either to extend UK membership of the EU for a time limited period, or to set a date later than March 2019 for withdrawal to take effect.
Freight, transport and ports
Evidence to the Committee on freight, transport and ports can be read in box 4 on page 14.
To see evidence by the Freight Transport Association readers are invited to view Appendix 2, the List of Witnesses. See Freight Transport Association, page 54, clicking on code DND 0023 takes you to their evidence.
The House of Lords European Union Committee
The European Union Committee is appointed each session to scrutinise documents deposited in the House by a Minister, and other matters relating to the European Union.
In practice this means that the Select Committee, along with its Sub-Committees, scrutinises the UK Government’s policies and actions in respect of the EU; considers and seeks to influence the development of policies and draft laws proposed by the EU institutions; and more generally represents the House of Lords in its dealings with the EU institutions and other Member States.
The six Sub-Committees are as follows:
Energy and Environment Sub-Committee
External Affairs Sub-Committee
Financial Affairs Sub-Committee
Home Affairs Sub-Committee
Internal Market Sub-Committee
Justice Sub-Committee
Publications, press notices, details of membership, forthcoming meetings and other information is available at www.parliament.uk/hleu
General information about the House of Lords and its Committees is available at www.parliament.uk/business/lords
The Committee can be followed on Twitter: @LordsEUCom.
Reported by Paul Ridgway
London
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Transnet Freight Rail employees celebrate GCU qualifications
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) employees celebrated the completion of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) qualifications at a ceremony in South Africa on Thursday, 7 December.
GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE led the fourth graduation ceremony held at the TFR’s School of Rail campus in Esselenpark with a leadership speech from Transnet Group Chief Executive Mr Siyabonga Gama.
On Thursday a total of 183 TFR employees graduated with a BSc in Railway Operations Management, Diploma of Higher Education and Certificates of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management.
Glasgow Caledonian University’s School for Work Based Education, has for four years worked in partnership with the University of Johannesburg to deliver this unique, bespoke programme to Transnet Freight Rail with the collaboration originating in a UK partnership with the Institution of Railway Operators. The sister programme in the UK is delivered to train operating companies and freight operating companies across the UK rail sector.
More than 530 TFR employees have now successfully completed the programme since its establishment in 2013. The programme is designed to enable Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy for 2021, and has been extended through a new contract to continue until 2021.
TFR is Transnet’s largest division with 30,000 employees and maintains around 80% of Africa’s total rail network. Transnet is investing around R7 billion in skills development and training as it develops its infrastructure.
Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “I congratulate our latest cohort of graduates and I am proud that the partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University, the Transnet Freight Rail, the University of Johannesburg and the Institution of Railway Operators continues to develop, as we co-create courses to enhance the life chances of Transnet employees and enabling the business to be as efficient and productive as it can be. This activity is an important part of our enduring commitment, as the University for the Common Good, to provide educational opportunity to working people in Africa.”
Siyabonga Gama, Transnet Group Chief Executive, said: “The new knowledge and skills attained during this programme speaks directly to the company’s road to rail strategy which seeks to increase rail freight and reduce trucks on our roads. The men and women that we are celebrating today remain key players for Transnet to achieve this goal.”
The University signed a new five-year strategic partnership in September to expand its portfolio of sector-specific railway operations management programmes, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg.
The portfolio of flexible, work-based qualifications is an evolution of GCU’s successful 11-year partnership in the UK with the Institution of Railway Operators.
Transnet Freight Rail, which specialises in the transportation of freight, is making its undergraduate BSc in Railway Operations Management and the new Masters Degree programme a core feature of its talent-management programme to achieve the company’s seven-year growth strategy. The company aims to expand and modernise the country’s rail, port and pipeline infrastructure to promote economic growth in South Africa. Almost 1400 employees at middle, senior and management levels will enrol from 2017 to 2021.
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QM2 in Cape Town. Picture by Ian Shiffman
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Naval News
Similarly you can read our regular Naval News reports and stories here in the general news section.
The hugely impressive MSC EARTH (IMO 9725110) called at Durban last week and is seen here on her departure on Saturday, 9 December, bound for her next port, Ngqura. Built in 2016 the 124,092-dwt, 10,081-TEU capacity ship is owned by British interests and managed by Zodiac Maritime Ltd also of the UK. She started off in service with the name Hyundai Earth and entered the MSC fleet a little over a year later, in April this year. MSC Earth has a length of 324 metres, a width of 48 metres and a draught of 13.4 metres and was built at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard in Okpo, South Korea as hull number 4290. Note the relatively low superstructure in her design. These pictures are by Keith Betts
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