Africa PORTS & SHIPS Maritime News

Bringing you shipping, freight, trade and transport related news of interest for Africa since 2002
Bringing you shipping, freight, trade and transport related news of interest for Africa since 2002

TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

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FIRST VIEW: ONE COMMITMENT, ONE’S FIRST MAGENTA CONTAINERSHIP

One Commitment. Picture courtesy: ONE
One Commitment.      Picture courtesy: ONE

It has been a while since we last witnessed a ship fitted out in a bright pastel colour scheme. We are also unsure whether magenta qualifies to be called pastel, but it certainly is startling to see a large container ship in such bold yet ladylike colours – and why not! The ship is one of ONE’s 240 container ships – ONE being the new consortium consisting of the three main Japanese container companies – MOL, K Line and NYK. In 2017 the three lines combined their forces in the face of similar consortia to bring about economies of scale through the use of large and ultra large ships operating in combined joint services.

The Ocean Network Express (ONE) commenced operating from last year with a fleet of 240 container ships, sailing mainly between the Far East and Europe and Far East to Northwest America although its ships may also be seen on some of the secondary services.  One of the vessels commencing her maiden journey in her new ‘colours’, both figuratively and literally, is ONE COMMITMENT (IMO 9629902), previously named MOL COMMITMENT, that set sail in her startling new livery, specially chosen to be noticed. The 89,880-dwt One Commitment has a container capacity of 8,560 TEU and is deployed on ONE’s PN2 service with a rotation of Singapore, Laem Chabang, Cai Mep, Kaohsiung, Yantian (YICT) and then across the Pacific to Tacoma and Vancouver before returning to Asia to call at Ports of Tokyo, Kobe, Kaohsiung and Singapore.     Picture: courtesy ONE

 

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CALABAR PORT TO RECEIVE US$40 MILLION OF EQUIPMENT

Port of Calabar, Nigeria, appearing in a news report featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Port of Calabar, Nigeria

Nigeria’s Port of Calabar is to benefit to the tune of US$40 million of port-related equipment in an aim of improving efficiency and service levels at the Cross River State port.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman at a stakeholders meeting held in Calabar.

According to the statement read on her behalf by Joshua Asanga, General Manager Marine and Operations, Calabar is to receive…[restrict] several tug boats, pilot cutters and other marine equipment considered necessary to improve efficiency levels at the port.

The statement did not elaborate on where the tugs and pilot boats would be sourced from but it seems they will be transferred from one of the other ports.

Port of Calabar, appearing with a news report in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Port of Calabar

Dredging of the channel leading to the port is also to be undertaken – this follows a bathymetric survey carried out to determine whether this was necessary.

One of the challenges facing the NPA at Calabar is with the shipwrecks that remain in the river. Ms Usman’s statement condemned the indiscriminate abandonment of these vessels. Those responsible will face sanctions, she warned.

The MD said that security at the port and its approaches would be improved. Other government agencies involved with port operations were urged to collaborate with the Federal Government’s policy on improving the means of doing business through the ports particularly when t came to boosting cargo clearance and facilitating trade. source: Maritime First and The Nation[/restrict]

 

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GIRLS GET A GLIMPSE OF MARITIME & ENGINEERING CAREERS WITH TNPA

Port Elizabeth Take girl child to work program, in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Port Elizabeth

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) observed “Take a Girl Child to Work Day” on Thursday, 31 May 2018, allowing hundreds of female learners to gain a glimpse into the operations of the South African national port system and the wide range of career opportunities offered.

TNPA has supported the “Take a Girl Child to Work Initiative” since inception and has seen the number of participants growing steadily over the past 15 years. Through various TNPA programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s development, women are increasingly taking up key operational roles traditionally filled by men, such as dredge masters, tug masters and pilots, as well as senior leadership roles.

To participate in TNPA’s programme for the day girls must be in grades 9 to 12 and studying English, Pure Mathematics and Physical Science at high school level, as these are required for many of the mission critical roles in the maritime industry.

TNPA Head Office Take girl child to work program, in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Head Office

“The years 2010-2020 were declared by the African Union as the African Women’s Decade along with the theme Grassroots approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment,” said TNPA’s General Manager: Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Moshe Motlohi. “As TNPA, we are fully committed to support this vision and are on a mission to encourage young girls to fully participate in our industry.

“We need highly skilled, innovative and dynamic people to take our business forward. Exposing learners to careers available in the port system is a way in which we hope to inspire young people to acquire the qualifications to enter our business,” he added.

In keeping with TNPA’s commitment to supporting communities in the areas in which it operates, the girls included a combination of employees’ children and previously disadvantaged learners from TNPA’s adopted schools across the country.

TNPA Cape Town Take girl child to work program, in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Cape Town

After an overview of the port system, the learners spent the day “shadowing” senior staff as they went about their day and were exposed to various aspects of port operations.

TNPA’s activities included:
* Head Office – 25 learners hosted including girls from Dr BW Vilakazi Secondary School in Soweto and female learners nominated by employees.
* Port of Durban – 59 girls hosted including employees’ children and learners from some of TNPA’s 15 adopted schools in the South Durban Basin, namely Ndukwenhle High School in Umlazi, Umbilo Secondary School, Wentworth Secondary School and PR Pather Secondary School. The programme included a visit to the Transnet Maritime School of Excellence where they learned about various career opportunities at TNPA.

TNPA Eas London Take girl child to work program, in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
East London

* Port of Richards Bay – 24 learners from Tholokuhle High School, Dlangezwa High School, Aquadene High School, Ndlabeyila High School, Emkhayideni Technical, Old Mill High School, John Ross College, Siphumelele High School, Mhlavana High School, Mbusowabathethwa High School, Mthiyanwa High School, St. Catherine’s High School, Mthunzini High School and Gcwalulwazi High School.
* Port of Cape Town – Hosted 24 Grade 9, 10 and 11 learners from Simon’s Town High School, Vuyiseka High School, Phakama High School, Matthew Goniwe Memorial High School, Apex High School, Soneike High School, Kensington High School, Good Hope High School, Harold Cressy High School and Leap High School.
* Port of Saldanha – hosted learners from De Doorns.
* Port of Mossel Bay hosted 20 girls from Indwe Secondary School and Hillcrest High School.

TNPA Mossel Bay Take a girl child to work program, in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Mossel Bay

 

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CMA CGM CELBRATES 40 YEARS, UNVEILS NEW LOGO

CMA CGM Antoine de Saint Exupery at Southampton, UK. Picture: Wikipedia Commons, appearing in a featured story n Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
CMA CGM Antoine de Saint Exupery at Southampton, UK.      Picture: Wikipedia Commons

On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, French shipping line CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container carrier, has decided to combine the elements of the past with those of the present and the future to create a powerful and dynamic logo reflecting its history and values.

According to CMA CGM the various…[restrict] elements of the logo recall:

CMA CGM 40th Anniversary Banner, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
CMA CGM 40th Anniversary Banner

* the maritime reference, heart of the Group’s activity, and the development in logistics, past and present with the historic logo of 1978, the current logo and the CMA CGM Tower, the Group’s headquarters in Marseilles (France), the Group’s international dimension, in particular its historical ties with China, the future with digitalization and space, a reference to the Shipping The Future strategy implemented by Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM Group’s Chairman and CEO.

* 2018, a year of projects in France and around the world. As part of its 40th anniversary, the Group launches a program of worldwide actions that will take place throughout 2018, for both its employees and the public:

* the creation, at the CMA CGM Tower, of an interactive and digital museum linking the past and the future, a film and an illustrated book tracing the history of the Group, the inauguration of the largest container ship flying the French flag, the CMA CGM ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY, specific events in CMA CGM offices around the world.[/restrict]

 

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RUDI VAN NIEKERK APPOINTED GAC NIGERIA’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

Rudi van Niekerk GAC Nigeria new managing directore, from a report in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news

Rudi van Niekerk (illustrated) has been appointed GAC Nigeria’s new Managing Director, charged with the continuing development of its core shipping and liner agency business and building on four decades operational presence in the country.

Prior to his appointment, Rudi served as Regional Business Controller for GAC’s Africa Regional Office. He supported…[restrict] several offices across the Africa region and was responsible for implementing Group strategy for accounting, treasury and audit functions.

He says that GAC Nigeria is ready to take advantage of every business opportunity to best serve its customers, against a backdrop of constantly changing market conditions and growing commercial activity in the country.

“The hands-on experience and optimistic outlook that Rudi brings to the role underpins GAC Nigeria’s 40-year commitment to deliver ongoing reliable services to our long-term customers,” says Thomas Okbo, Group Vice President Africa.

GAC Nigeria covers all major Nigerian ports and terminals from its head office in Lagos and branches in Bonny, Brass, Eket, Escravos, Forcados, Lagos Airport and Port Harcourt. Services provided include ship agency, husbandry, FSO/FPSO support, ship supply and spares logistics, as well as freight services, project logistics, land transportation and manning services.[/restrict]

 

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TRANSNET’S SHOES ON FEET GATHERS MOMENTUM

Nozipho Sithole, Chief Executive of TPT, appearing in a feature story in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Nozipho Sithole, Chief Executive of TPT

In the most recent donation of shoes to disadvantaged children, Transnet Port Terminals handed over 336 pairs of shoes to the pupils of Mpephose Secondary School in Empangeni, KZN.

Now in its fourth year this ‘Shoes on Feet’ initiative targeted at uplifting youth was established by Transnet for underprivileged schools across the country.

It started in 2014 as a tribute to South Africa’s late president as a means of putting shoes on the feet of underprivileged learners from the different regions that Transnet operates in. In commemoration of the great Nelson Mandela’s passing, December is the official start date to the collection of school shoes by all Transnet employees in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal regions.

“In celebration of…[restrict] 100 years of late Tata Madiba’s birthday this year, we wanted to capture the spirit of giving to keep his legacy alive,” explained Terminal manager Ms Siziwe Batyi. “At Transnet, we believe it is the civic responsibility of every person to contribute to the well-being of our children as the future guardians of the country, and we are proud that our employees have positively contributed to the social well-being of our community.

She said that the fact that these children are hungry for an education and are prepared to walk long distances without school shoes to get to school – particularly in the colder winter months – is humbling and even more reason why Transnet should support them. “This somewhat small gesture is our way of encouraging these children to stay in school because they are our future leaders and it is our duty to take care of them.”

According to Mr Dlamini, Principal at Mpephose Secondary School, the 250 pairs of school shoes donated to pupils in various Grades at Mpephose Secondary School has brought much hope and joy to these children who lack even the most basic school essentials. “We are a school that encourages our learners to take pride in what they do and we understand that a proper school uniform gives dignity to our learners. This gesture has helped build our students self-confidence and I’m also delighted that these learners will no longer have to brave winter’s cold barefoot. We are so grateful to Transnet for their generous donation and we hope this partnership will continue to grow and flourish for the sake of our children,” he said.

The Mpephose Secondary School has grades 8 to 12 with 394 learners taught by 12 educators. The school is in the rural area where many of them are orphans who depend on donations in order to buy school supplies. Many of the learners’ who do have parents unfortunately cannot afford to buy their children school uniforms because they are unemployed. The school is a Government school where education is still free and food is supplied by the school, which is qualified by the Government feeding scheme. Most of the learners are motivated to stay in school to learn but are faced with a number of challenges as a result of their life circumstances.

As a state-owned company and because the empowerment of South Africa’s historically disadvantaged people is high on government’s agenda, Transnet believes the onus is on them to implement this agenda. This handover is just one of a series of handovers that has already taken place in 2018 across the country.[/restrict]

 

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TRANSNET NATIONAL PORTS AUTHORITY SPONSORS LEARNERS AT MARITIME CAREERS EXPO

School learners who were recently sponsored at a maritime career expo, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
School learners who were recently sponsored at a maritime career expo, get the oppportunity to discuss various career options in the maritime field

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) sponsored the attendance of 135 learners from two of its adopted schools in the South Durban Basin – Grosvenor Boys High School and Lamontville High School – at the inaugural Jobs & Career Expo for the Youth of KZN, hosted by Durban ICC in partnership with eThekwini Municipality from 24-26 May 2018.

The event ran alongside the annual Maritime Career expo which is now in its third year. Various speakers presented on training and career opportunities in the maritime sector. Learners were able to obtain information on opportunities offered by the Transnet Maritime School of Excellence.

 

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** INTERNATIONAL NEWS **
NEW REMOTE CONTROL GANTRY CRANES AT PORT OF FELIXSTOWE

ZPMC cranes being delivered to Felixstowe, from a report appearing with Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
ZPMC cranes being delivered to Felixstowe

A few weeks back the Port of Felixstowe took delivery of its first two remote control ship-to-shore gantry cranes.

These new cranes, the 32nd and 33rd at the UK’s largest container port, were discharged from the vessel Zhen Hua 23 from the manufacturer ZPMC in Shanghai.

Commenting on the new cranes, Clemence Cheng, CEO of the Port of Felixstowe and Executive Director, Hutchison Ports, said: “These new cranes are the latest acquisition in our ongoing investment programme to provide the best equipment, infrastructure and systems for our customers. They will further enhance our capability to work multiple mega-vessels simultaneously.

“Remote control quay cranes have been pioneered at other Hutchison Ports terminals. Their introduction at Felixstowe will improve the working conditions of the drivers, enhance safety and benefit communications within operational teams.”

In addition to the new cranes, the port is creating an additional 18,000 TEU of container storage capacity, upgrading its terminal operating system, raising the height of ten ship-to-shore cranes on Trinity Terminal and has eight additional yard cranes on order for delivery in early 2019.

Cranes commissioned in April are capable of working vessels with containers stowed 11-high and 24-wide on deck. Instead of being in a cab 50 metres above the quay, the drivers will be located in a nearby operations centre.

ZPMC’s publicity video is to be found here: [2:08]

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

 

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** NAVAL NEWS **
HMS DIAMOND SHADOWS A RUSSIAN SHIP

Yantar, abeam of HMS Diamond (foreground), in a news report carried by Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
Yantar, abeam of HMS Diamond (foreground)

1 June English Channel

The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer plus a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton were dispatched to follow the Russian underwater reconnaissance ship Yantar as she approached the UK’s area of interest on 1 June.

HMS Diamond kept station with Yantar from 09h00 and continued to monitor the vessel’s movements and activities as she steamed north.

Commander Ben Keith, the CO of Diamond, said: “HMS Diamond is proud to be doing her part to protect the UK area of interest by monitoring the Russian vessel Yantar on her transit.

“This is routine business for the Royal Navy, and my ship’s company are well-trained and ready at short notice to deploy for such tasking.”

Yantar is a specialist reconnaissance ship which carries two unmanned submersible vehicles, which can descend to the sea bed and send back images as well as collect items.

Diamond left Portsmouth in thick fog on Wednesday evening (30 May) in readiness to meet the Russian vessel, taking over from a French warship which had monitored her progress through the Bay of Biscay.

As a high-readiness unit Diamond may be called upon at any time to help prevent arms trafficking and people smuggling and to conduct counter-terrorism operations, maritime search and rescue, or escort duties such as those she is currently undertaking.

HMS Diamond, type 45 destroyer of the Royal Navy, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
HMS Diamond
Oceanographic research vessel Yantar, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news. All illustrations MOD Crown Copyright 2018©
Oceanographic research vessel Yantar.       All illustrations MOD Crown Copyright 2018©

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

PIC OF THE DAY : MAERSK TOKYO

Maersk Tokyo arriving at Durban and the Island View oil terminal, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritimem news. Pictures: Trevor Jones

Maersk Tokyo arriving at Durban and the Island View oil terminal, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritimem news. Pictures: Trevor Jones
Maersk Tokyo.       Pictures: Trevor Jones

Maersk Tankers’ oil and chemical products tanker MAERSK TOKYO (IMO 9718076), built 2016, arrives in Durban on 3 June to work her cargo at Island View oil terminal, where she currently remains. The 49,687-dwt, 183-metre long, 32 metre wide ship is owned and operated by Maersk Tankers Singapore and flies that island country’s flag. These pictures are by Trevor Jones

 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach; one can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.”
― Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

 

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