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
Click on headline to go direct to story : use the BACK key to return
- First View : ERISORT
- Unrest suspends Vale coal mining activity at Moatize
- Aligning TNPA port plans with business requirements at Port Elizabeth & Ngqura
- KZN Exporter of the Year Awards
- Coal to the world, Growth to the Nation
- ENI and Sasol invite public comment on South Africa drilling programme
- Port Elizabeth Port Festival dates announced
- The successes of Ulstein’s X-Bow, followed by the X-Stern
- Expected Ship Arrivals and Ships in Port
- Cruise News and Naval Activities
- Pics of the Day : OSHIMANA
- The masthead picture today (Tuesday) is the Port of Richards Bay Coal Terminal
SEND NEWS REPORTS AND PRESS RELEASES TO
info@africaports.co.za
News continues below
The 180 metre long, 30m wide bulker ERISORT (IMO 9681895) is shown here making her first call to Lyttelton New Zealand carrying a cargo of grain loaded in San Lorenzo. The 39,763-dwt Erisort was built in 2014 and currently operates under the flag of Singapore. Owned by BAL Erisort Pte Ltd the ship is managed by China Navigation Pte, both of Singapore. This picture is by Alan Calvert
News continues below
UNREST SUSPENDS VALE COAL MINING ACTIVITY AT MOATIZE
Coal mining activity at the Moatize open cast mine operated by Vale Moçambique had to be suspended at the weekend after protests from the community living along the fence.
This followed an invasion of the mining property, accompanied by rock throwing although the Association of Legal Support and Counselling to Communities [AAAJC – Associação de Apoio e Assistência Jurídica às Comunidades] claimed on its Facebook page that the invasion was without any vandalising of equipment.
Video footage of the invasion however showed clearly rocks being…[restrict] thrown at the company’s equipment, although it was unlikely that the giant earthmoving machines suffered any serious damage.
According to the AAAJC the “the population complains, among other issues, of excessive pollution, acceleration of the decay of houses due to explosion of dynamites.”
Vale Moçambique later engaged about 200 ‘invaders’ to assure them that the machines would not be restarted until the problem has been resolved.
AAAJC stated on its Facebook page that matters could remain as they were until the dispute had been resolved.
Negotiations aimed at meeting the local community requirements was to have been held on Friday 5 October at the Moatize Institute of Geology and Mines and involving the mining company Vale Moçambique, the community of Bagamoyo (the local community) and the potters.
Mozambique Portuguese-language newspaper O País later reported that mining operations remained suspended. “Vale’s management met with the population,” but that “the protesters expressed dissatisfaction” at the end of the meeting, while Vale “recognises the issues raised by the population and ensures that a team has already been created to solve the problem.” source: AAAJC / O País
Macuse delay ultimatum
In another development the delayed project to build a US$2.8 billion railway from the Moatize coal fields to the Indian Ocean at Macuse is under risk of being cancelled unless the mining houses involved commit to the project.
According to Bloomberg News Jose Fonseca, MD of Thai Mocambique Logistica SA, the company that is to build the railway to the coast, said that financing had to be secured next year in time for the railway line’s first wagons to roll in 2023.
He is quoted saying that if construction does not get underway by next year then the project is dead.
Earlier, as reported here in Africa PORTS & SHIPS, the contract to build the line was awarded in 2017 to Mota-Engil SGPS SA and China Machinery Engineering Corporation.[/restrict]
News continues below
ALIGNING TNPA PORT PLANS WITH BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS AT PORT ELIZABETH & NGQURA
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) recently hosted port clients and representatives of government, business and industry at the Nelson Mandela Bay ports’ Customer Forum in the Port of Ngqura. The session aimed to align TNPA’s plans to meet the business requirements of port users.
Chief Operating Officer of TNPA, Nozipho Mdawe, outlined various developments lined up for the two ports to enable them to contribute towards a well-functioning and efficient economy.
“We gained valuable feedback on industry’s plans and expectations of us as a crucial partner to their business. TNPA is looking to…[restrict] meet gaps in the market, by providing facilities that will attract business to the Eastern Cape, and create opportunities for those who were previously excluded from the port system,” said Mdawe.
EASTERN CAPE FOCUS
The Eastern Cape – as the fourth biggest provincial economy – after Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal – offers tremendous untapped potential for greater participation in the global economy. As Transnet, there are programmes in place to support this. The Ports of Port Elizabeth (PE) and Ngqura recently hosted a number of trade delegations, exploring business opportunities in South Africa.
CARGO SECTOR SUCCESSES
• Manganese ore – The Port of PE exceeded manganese ore export volumes in 2017/18. The port ships an average of 7,2 million tons of this commodity annually into global markets. Manganese exports are a key catalyst for continued prosperity for the province. Preparations are underway for the PE Manganese Bulk Terminal to be relocated to the Port of Ngqura by 2023 to become the largest exporter of manganese globally.
• Containers – Transnet is working on the establishment of Logistic Hubs offering value-added services and has implemented a weekly Rail Shuttle service between the Ngqura Container Terminal and the PE Container Terminal. TNPA has also installed an Automated Mooring System in the Port of Ngqura to improve efficiencies and turnaround and is investigating the Shore Tension as a possible solution to improve berth productivity.
• Automotive – The automotive industry remains critical to the Nelson Mandela Bay. The world-class automotive terminal at the Port of PE supports this sector, with expansion on the cards to facilitate further growth. TNPA is exploring business opportunities in this sector, such as attracting transhipment cargo, the establishment of an automotive logistics park, coastal shipping and Gauteng based Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to use the empty rail automotive return leg to PE. The port is also engaging with local OEMs to unlock additional storage capacity.
• Breakbulk – TNPA will shortly be announcing the appointment of the terminal operator for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a Multi-Purpose Terminal facility situated at Sheds 10 and 11 in the Port of PE.
• Liquid bulk – The energy economy offers the possibility of enormous growth and Transnet is supporting the position of the Eastern Cape as one of the energy hubs for Sub-Saharan Africa. At the Port of Ngqura, TNPA is working with Oiltanking Grindrod Calulo Holdings (OTGC) which will plan, fund, construct, maintain and operate a new liquid bulk handling facility in the port. The port also attracts offshore operations through international companies Aegean and SA Marine Fuel’s bunker fuels supply that has created a number of direct and indirect jobs.
• Infrastructure – The completion of the R360 million Admin Craft Basin (ACB) in the Port of Ngqura has opened up opportunities for revenue growth in this young developing port. The new structure provides a home to the port’s three tugs and one pilot boat, freeing up Berth C100, which was designed to handle revenue generating vessels.
OPERATION PHAKISA
The government’s Operation Phakisa is unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans to create economic growth and job opportunities through fast-tracked development. In line with this initiative and TNPA’s role as a lead implementer of Operation Phakisa, TNPA has identified ship building and ship repair as a strategic competence for a number of its ports.
The Port of PE is now home to a brand new vessel repair hub that is already showing return on investment. The new facility, which represents a TNPA investment of R200 million, was developed in response to the growing need among the fishing community.
The port also made history with the first plough tug of its kind being built in the port and in SA by Tide Marine Shipyard. It is expected to be launched into service shortly with TNPA’s Dredging Services division.
NEW ENTRANTS
TNPA’s real estate strategy and Section 56 processes seek private sector participation in the ports, aiming to introduce new, empowered entrants. There are exciting opportunities for those looking to do business from premises in close proximity to ports.
Long term development leases are available in Nelson Mandela Bay, attracting value-added services that can benefit port users and customers. TNPA has recently concluded an agreement with a new tenant, Finecorp Trading 113 CC, at the Yacht Club in the Port of PE, serving the yachting fraternity and the greater Nelson Mandela Bay community.
TOURISM
• Cruise ships – The Port of PE is increasingly taking its place on the global map regarding tourism and was among three TNPA finalists competing against other African contenders in the World Travel Awards 2018 in the category of Leading Cruise Port, alongside Durban and Cape Town, ultimately won by Port of Durban. More cruise line companies are showing confidence in the city with an increasing number of cruise ships visiting the port.
• Waterfront – The Port of PE’s future waterfront development will create an ideal attraction in line with TNPA’s Smart People Port’s concept of integrating port operations with leisure and recreation.
OTHER SPEAKERS
Speaking from a TNPA customer perspective, Steve Kapp (MD, Swartkops Terminal), shared the success story of the terminal established in 2009, offering a logistics solution to the increasing demand for manganese ore exports.
Jane Stevenson (Vice-President, Exporters Club) called on the audience to be ambassadors for the Eastern Cape economy.
A panel discussion, represented by various Transnet division- and business representatives, discussed challenges and questions from the floor.[/restrict]
News continues below
KZN EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Last Thursday night at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Exporter of the Year Awards Banquet, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with Transnet Port Terminals, announced the winners and finalists of the 2018 edition of the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards, in recognition of the outstanding performance of companies exporting from KwaZulu-Natal.
The Award winners and finalists were announced at the Awards Banquet held at Durban ICC Arena, which were designed to promote and honour businesses that have proved their excellence in robust international markets and to inspire other ambitious companies to export their goods and services.[/restrict]
The 2018 KZN Exporter of the Year Award Winners and Finalists are:
CATEGORY: EMERGING
Winner: BBF Safety Group (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Amanzi Meters (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Scenicel (Pty) Ltd t/a Avolands
CATEGORY: SMALL
Winner: Anderson Engineering Food & Chemical Equipment (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Amanzi Meters (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust t/a Woza Moya
CATEGORY: MEDIUM
Winner: Bata South Africa
Finalist: Saddler Belts & Leathercraft (Pty) Ltd
CATEGORY: LARGE
Winner: Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Sappi Southern Africa Ltd
Finalist: Dormac Marine & Engineering (a division of Southey Holdings (Pty) Ltd)
CATEGORY: AFRICA
Winner: Amanzi Meters (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: BBF Safety Group (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Anderson Engineering Food & Chemical Equipment (Pty) Ltd
CATEGORY: SERVICE PROVIDERS
Winner: Indian Ocean Export Company (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Mediterranean Shipping Company (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Kuehne + Nagel (Pty) Ltd
CATEGORY: MANUFACTURERS
Winner: Sappi Southern Africa Ltd
Finalist: BBF Safety Group (Pty) Ltd
Finalist: Anderson Engineering Food & Chemical Equipment (Pty) Ltd
CATEGORY: AGRO-PROCESSING
Winner: Scenicel (Pty) Ltd t/a Avolands
CATEGORY: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Winner: Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust t/a Woza Moya
Finalist: Africa!Ignite
CATEGORY: SERVICES SECTOR
Winner: Dormac Marine & Engineering (a division of Southey Holdings (Pty) Ltd)
CATEGORY: B-BBEE
Winner: Kuehne + Nagel (Pty) Ltd
The value of exports from KZN increased from R130 billion in 2016 to approximately R139 billion in 2017 with the KZN exports in 2017 accounting for 20.82% of KZN’s gross domestic product (GDP) at basic prices. The top 5 commodities exported from KZN in 2017 included; motor vehicles for the transport of goods, unwrought aluminium; chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades; flat-rolled products of stainless steel (of a width of 600mm or more); and titanium ores and concentrates.
During his welcome speech, Durban Chamber President, Musa Makhunga, congratulated the winners and finalists as well as the nominees as exports are a crucial area of our economy that can drive economic growth and job creation in our region.
“Exports play a key role in our economy and can have positive knock-on effects on our regional economy as they can result in growth in our manufacturing and industrial sectors which can promote growth along the value chain and job creation. Additionally, KwaZulu-Natal has a strong trade partnership with countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Burundi and Djibouti on the African continent and China, the United States of America, Japan, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, India and Germany in the rest of the world. We need to improve on those relationships and learn to replicate that success in other countries in order to improve our export profile as well as catalogue of products and services,” said Makhunga.
For the past 18 years the title sponsor for the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards has been Transnet Port Terminals and other key strategic partners include Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC).
During her keynote speech, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Chief Executive Nozipho Sithole spoke about TPT’s vision to become one of the world’s top 5 terminal operators in the next 5 years; and how the exporters being recognised at this year’s KZN Exporter of the Year Awards can be part of this legacy.
“As TPT, we want to bring our customers and stakeholders with us on this exciting journey that looks to position TPT as the leading maritime and logistics solutions company in the world. We want to encourage the exporters who have been recognised for their outstanding efforts at this year’s awards, to continue increasing export volumes so we can strengthen the region and country’s economy” she said, urging big business to assist SMMEs by breaking down the barriers to entry. SMMEs are key to job creation, and we cannot leave them behind in our pursuit to put economic growth on an upward trajectory,” said Sithole.
Lester Bouah, Executive Manager: Exporter Development and Promotion at TIKZN said that it is a known fact that KwaZulu-Natal, and the ports of Durban and Richards Bay are key conduits for trade into South Africa and the SADC Region at large. “With our existing infrastructure via our ports, road, rail and air logistics platforms we are able to meet all the requirement and demands of Exporters. KwaZulu-Natal is truly the Trade Hub for the region,” he said.
The awards were adjudicated by, Dumisani Zikalala (SEDA); Odirile Ramasodi (ECIC); Claude Moodley (TIKZN); Louise Pelser (South African Footwear and Leather Export Council); and Thembi Phahla (TPT).
At the Awards Banquet, the Durban Chamber CEO, Palesa Phili, launched the Durban Chamber’s new electronic Certificates of Origin solution, essCert, which provides all exporters with a secure, online tool for the application of electronic Certificates of Origin.
“Our partner service provider, essDOCS, operates the world’s most substantial electronic Certificate of Origin network, including more than 200 Chambers of Commerce and over 33,000 Exporters and Freight Forwarders, issuing electronic Certificates of Origin out of 12 export countries and receiving electronic Certificates of Origin into 203 import countries,” said Phili.
In closing, Phili invited all exporting companies and individuals that export their goods and services to other countries to enter the 19th edition of the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards for 2019.
“The Awards create a platform for exporters to promote their businesses as well as their products and services and provides opportunities to capitalise on potential growth and revenue streams via access to new prospects,” concluded Phili.[/restrict]
News continues below
COAL TO THE WORLD, GROWTH TO THE NATION
FEATURE
In September 2018 the first-ever African Regional Conference of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) was held in Abuja, Nigeria and attendees included the President of Nigeria, the World Bank and the African regional Vice President. Ports were described as strategic national assets and synergy and collaboration were sought from those present for more effective and efficient port operations and shipping activities.
A key question raised was ‘How adequate is Africa’s port infrastructure in response to contemporary trends of increasing ship size and cargo volumes?’
This is an issue that many ports around the world, not just on the African continent, are trying to address because their ability to remain competitive on the global stage significantly affects their economies.
As ports race to be ready for bigger ships, they are also under enormous pressure to make smart investment decisions that will increase productivity.
Ports are strategic national assets. The pan-African ports agenda under the World Ports Sustainability Program outlines priority actions on infrastructure operations and governance.
Like Australia, Africa has an extensive ocean coastline parts of which are exposed to severe swells generating significant wave-induced ship motions in port approach channels and at berths. Both continents also have a strong coal, iron ore and mineral export industries.
OMC International Executive Director Dr Terry O’Brien, who pioneered real-time DUKC® technology to allow the shipping of more cargo, more safely, more often, said his company’s main effort to introduce DUKC® systems to African ports has been at Richards Bay, one of the largest coal ports in the world, and at Durban, a large container port, both on the east coast of South Africa.
Richards Bay opened in 1976 exporting around 12mt /annum, celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2016 and in 2017 exported 99.2 million tonnes in 2000 vessel movements, with 86.6% to Asia. In February 2018 the port was the winner of the prestigious Global Ports Forum in Dubai.
Dr O’Brien has been a visitor to South Africa over many years, beginning with a three-month sabbatical leave from the University of Melbourne in 1983 which he spent on ship motion modelling research at the CSIR hydraulics laboratory in Stellenbosch. Following the establishment of OMC in 1987 and his pioneering work in the installation of the first Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC®) system at Hay Point coal terminal in 1993 and at the iron ore ports of Port Hedland and Dampier in 1995, he has visited South Africa on many occasions with a view to promote the contribution which DUKC® systems could make to more safe and efficient port operations in South Africa.
Dr O’Brien has long believed that the African port market is similar to that in Australia with a strong emphasis on bulk mineral exports. He believes that the experience of personnel at ports such as Port Hedland (the world’s largest bulk export port) where DUKC® has already delivered record export tonnages and throughputs could help many African ports increase their productivity.
However, a major barrier to the involvement of non-African consultants is the requirement of government bodies such as Transnet for the use of local technology and their strict requirement that they partner with a local company, which OMC is now attempting to do.
OMC’s customised DUKC® systems are installed in 30 ports around the world, including most Australian ports, as well as in important waterways such as Torres Strait (a vital shipping route for the Asia-Pacific region) and also in Canada’s St Lawrence River (one of the world’s busiest inland waterways) from Montreal to Quebec City. They have yet to be installed in any African ports but have the potential to contribute to operational efficiency, capacity building and most importantly to safety.
In ports where DUKC® technology is already in operation, it can optimise the amount of dredging required for new channels or to maintain existing channels. For example, New Zealand’s Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) announced in August this year that DUKC® had significantly reduced by more than 40% the volume of dredging required, based on industry guidelines, to update the port’s entrance channel. The decision to adopt the DUKC® system has allowed LPC to reduce the volume required for Stage 1 of the deepening project by more than 40% compared with initial estimates, which were based on standard industry guidelines.
OMC’s business offerings also include the integration of its latest web-based DUKC® Series 5 technology with its Dynamic Port Capacity Model (DPCM®) which enables ports and port users to make more informed investment decisions such as the optimisation of high spot dredging and the number of tugs or pilots needed, or the impact of shore-side developments on port throughput. Installed at Port Hedland, it has enabled Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) to increase the predicted capacity of the Inner Harbour by 16%. This maximised throughput, or sweating of the assets, has deferred the need for a $20 billion Outer Harbour Development.
The DPCM® could be a useful tool for the cost-effective management of a congested container port like Durban.
The emergency response capability of DUKC® is critical because groundings can and do happen. The Port of Richards Bay, for example, had for 37 years been shipping coal out without incident until August 2013 when the coal carrier mv Smart grounded while in the port departure channel and broke into two sections in heavy seas.
A key question remains: Can African ports be made ready to safely handle bigger ships and cargo volumes and can proven UKC management technology be introduced to assist in this challenging mission?
For further information readers are invited to contact OMC International as follows:
Telephone: +61 3 9412 6500
e-mail: admin@omcinternational.com
Web: CLICK HERE
News continues below
ENI AND SASOL INVITE PUBLIC COMMENT ON SOUTH AFRICA DRILLING PROGRAMME
ENI South Africa and Sasol are asking for public comment on their potential drilling program offshore South Africa. The two firms hold stakes in Block ER 236 off the east coast of South Africa, with ENI holding operatorship, reports Petroleum Africa.
The partners and Sasol are considering the possibility of conducting an exploration drilling program in Block ER 236 to assess the commercial viability of the hydrocarbon reservoir for future development. The project requires Environmental Authorisation (EA) from the National Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
An EIA process was commenced in January 2018 with the release of a Draft Scoping Report. The Final Scoping Report was approved by PASA in April. ERM experienced unforeseen delays in the finalising of specialist studies which resulted in subsequent delays in the drafting of the EIA Report.
Consequently, ERM was not able to finalise and release the draft report for comment and comply with the stipulated 106 day timeframe in which to submit the final EIA report by 3 August 2018, as prescribed in Section 23(1)(a) of the NEMA EIA Regulations. As such, the EIA Application lapsed on 3 August.
A new EIA process has commenced, which was approved by PASA on 29 August, successive to the approval of the Scoping Report in April. Notice is hereby given that the Draft EIA Report is available to the public for comment.
News continues below
PORT ELIZABETH PORT FESTIVAL DATES ANNOUNCED
Nelson Mandela Bay’s festive season is set to kick off on a high note with Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) PEople’s Port Festival taking place at the Port Elizabeth harbour on 1 and 2 December 2018.
The popular event made its return in 2017 after a long hiatus and this year will be celebrated under the theme ‘100th Centenary of Madiba.’
Nationally, port festivals are part of TNPA’s efforts to transform the country’s commercial ports into ‘Smart People’s Ports’ with a focus on community engagement, tourism, leisure, recreation, and career and business opportunities. These were once regular events attracting thousands of visitors, until the advent of the ISPS code of safety for ports which since 2004 began placing limitations on public interaction with ports.
Port Elizabeth Port Manager, Rajesh Dana, said: “Last year we had 90,000 people attend the first PEople’s Port Festival and this year we’ll be looking to welcome even greater numbers. We promise a wide range of port experiences that delight families while delivering on our important underlying strategic focus of raising awareness of the ports, including the career and business opportunities they represent.”
The two-day festival will offer the Nelson Mandela Bay community the rare chance to see the inner-workings of the Port of Port Elizabeth through a range of fun, educational landside and waterside activities that showcase some of the incredible technology, machinery and maritime experiences offered by the port.
Highlights will include tours of South African Navy vessels and TNPA marine craft, bus tours exploring areas that are restricted to the public, the Bayworld experiential area, Bocadillo’s pop up restaurant plus many food trucks and vendors, live entertainment by national and local artists, a spectacular laser show, shark displays and so much more. Dana added that: “The 2018 People’s Port Festival promises to be unique, exciting, fun, energetic, colourful and vibrant and it will be the perfect way to kick off the holidays and festive season.”
Dana said the 2018 festival theme would pay homage to the much-loved and renowned former President Nelson Mandela – who hailed from the Eastern Cape – during the year commemorating the centenary of his birth. The Port of PE has the honour of having two new tugs named in tribute to Mandela – namely tug MVEZO named after the small Eastern Cape village where he was born, and QUNU named after the village where he grew up.
Those interested in participating as a vendor or performer at the PEople’s Port Festival may contact peoplesport@magnetic.co.za for more information.
News continues below
THE SUCCESSES OF ULSTEIN’S X-BOW, FOLLOWED BY THE X-STERN
The ULSTEIN X-BOW®, the inverted bow concept, redefined marine engineering. The bow concept was launched in 2005 (reported in PORTS & SHIPS at the time), together with the first shipbuilding contract, and gained immediate interest from shipowners. The X-BOW hull line design has been tried in all weather conditions.
The X-BOW (and later, the X-STERN) is one of ULSTEIN’s main contributions to maritime history. X-BOW vessels are being built at shipyards on many continents. Currently, more than 100 vessels with this bow concept are being constructed or in operational work around the world.
The X-BOW introduces the gentle displacer; a tapered fore ship shape with a different volume distribution as well as sectional angles, resulting in a wave piercing effect at small wave heights, and also reduces pitching and bow impact loads in bigger seas. When comparing fore ship volumes with more conventional, bulbous bow shapes, the X-BOW has more displacement volume starting from the waterline.
Instead of simply rising on the waves and then dropping with tremendous force, the X-BOW® is able to absorb the force more consistency across its surface – enabling the ship to remain more stable during poor weather conditions, increasing comfort for passengers and crew alike. And because it uses less fuel to get through the waves, it also helps to save energy.
The X-BOW is in its element in the more harsh environments, but is not any worse in more benign weather conditions. The benefit is the security for the crew and ship that the bow can accept anything the sea throws at it. This becomes stories, remembered and told by the crew on these vessels, and this is where the X-BOW design excels.
From a HSE point of view, reduced accelerations and slamming forces mean less wear and tear on people and equipment. The X-BOW has very little spray, so the deck remains dry behind. It takes very little water on deck to start being a hazard, or simply a nuisance.
MAJOR BENEFITS OF THE X-BOW
Improved power efficiency
Soft entry in waves
Very low levels of noise and vibrations
Reduced bow impact and slamming
Reduced wave-induced vibrations
Improved resting time
Lower acceleration levels
Lower pitch response due to volume
More enjoyable on board conditions
Lower speed loss
People also love the X-STERN
10 years after the X-BOW, the X-STERN was introduced, implementing the X-BOW effect to the aft end of the ship. This adds to the flexibility of the ship. The Windea La Cour is the first vessel which also features the X-STERN.
The DP operator Matthias Giebichenstein explains the positive effects this way:
“From midnight till 6 a.m., my main task as a dynamic positioning operator will be to keep the vessel on standby mode. I prefer to keep the stern towards the weather. With the stern towards the weather, we experience absolutely no slamming and vibrations, not even when we are in transfer, and people love it. They get complete rest in between their maintenance shifts.”
Short video of the X-Bow principal [2:25]:
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.
The general cargo ship OSHIMANA (IMO 9249295) makes her way into the Durban port entrance channel bound for the High Seas and Del Guazo in Argentina, accompanied (in the upper picture) by the harbour tug Mkhuze. Oshimana had arrived in port from Singapore, where the ship is registered, and before that from Chinese ports. Oshimana is 199 metres in length and 32m wide and possesses a covered gantry crane running the length of the main deck, enabling the vessel to continue working cargo in inclement weather. The lower picture of the ship in the channel shows this piece of equipment housing the gantry crane more clearly. Built in 2003 at the Oshima Shipbuilding yard in Saikai, Japan the 48,661-dwt vessel is owned by Singapore interests and managed by Masterbulk Ship Management Pte also of Singapore. This picture is by Keith Betts
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“You have to do it by yourself,
And you can’t do it alone.”
– Martin Rutte
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
snai@worldonline.co.za
http://home.worldonline.co.za/~snai
| 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 |
