Africa PORTS & SHIPS Maritime News 14 January 2019

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

Intermodal Djibouti March 2019, featured on Africa PORTS & SHIPS

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TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

These news reports are updated and added to on an ongoing basis. Check back regularly for the latest news as it develops – where necessary refresh your page at www.africaports.co.za

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  • The masthead today is Walvis Bay 

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    FIRST VIEW 1: BULK HOLLAND

    Bulk Holland arriving in Durban, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS. Picture: Trevor Jones
    Bulk Holland.    Picture: Trevor Jones

    The OMC bulk carrier BULK HOLLAND (IMO 9746760) paid Durban a call yesterday (Wednesday 9 January) to take bunkers ahead of her voyage to Brazil, with next port of call being the small port of Vila do Conde. Bulk Holland is owned by Singapore interests (OMC) and managed by them. The 87,712-dwt ship is 229 metres in length by 32m wide. As this picture and report was being added to Africa PORTS & SHIPS the vessel was in the channel while departing from Durban having completed her business in the port. Picture by Trevor Jones

    FIRST VIEW 2: SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER

    Seven Seas Explorer. Picture: Trevor Jones, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Seven Seas Explorer.      Picture: Trevor Jones

    The luxury cruise ship SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER of Regent Seven Seas cruises paid her first visit to Durban in December as she sailed the South African coast. Here the ship is seen arriving in the port.     Picture is by Trevor Jones

    FIRST VIEW 3: VISBORG

    Visborg in Durban harbour, by Trevor Jones, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

    Visborg in Durban harbour. Upper Picture: Trevor Jones, Lower: Keith Betts, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Visborg.      Upper Picture: Trevor Jones, Lower: Keith Betts

    A highly unusual visitor to the port of Durban on Friday, 4 January was this new dual fuel (LNG/diesel) ferry named VISBORG (IMO 9763655) which arrived from the East to take bunkers. The 32,466-gt vessel is owned by Gotland Rederi AB of Visby in Sweden with the commercial and ship manager being Destination Gotland AB, which on behalf of the Swedish government operates a small fleet of ferries between Gotland and the Swedish mainland. The vessel is on her delivery voyage and after completing her bunkering and re-supply she sailed to round the Cape, heading down the KZN South Coast and beyond at a fast rate of over 33 knots. This wasn’t to last however and south of Coffee Bay off the Wild Coast something occurred causing the ship to do an about-turn and head back in the direction of Durban, this time at a more subdued rate of around 8 knots and giving rise to speculation that she has incurred a problem. However, once again she produced a surprise and during the night Visborg bypassed Durban some distance out to sea and on Monday morning (05h30) was heading north-east of the port of Richards Bay.  This is now the cause of much speculation with the consensus that she is returning to the builder’s yard in China, although there remains an outside chance that she has been instructed to instead go via the Suez Canal. If that were so then it would appear a most odd decision, given that she was so far south when she turned about. LATEST: In a further turnabout, Visborg has reversed her course yet again and as of Wednesday morning (9 January) the ferry was in Cape waters back on her original course of rounding the Cape. The above pictures were taken in Durban harbour on Friday 4 January 2019 by Trevor Jones (upper picture) and Keith Betts (lower).

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    SHIPS IN PORT AT DURBAN TODAY (FRIDAY 15H00)

    In port today: Nautica. Picture by Trevor Jones, fgeatured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    In port today: NAUTICA. Picture by Trevor Jones

    The following ships were in port at Durban or at anchor in the roadstead on Friday afternoon 15h00:

    Bluff
    Helvetia, Abtenauer

    Island View
    SC Scorpio, SC Draco, UACC Ras Laffan, Eco Revolution,Aktoris, Bongani

    Pier 1
    Southern Venture, Fumani, Endurance, Horizon, Cape Town Eagle

    Durban Container Terminal (Piers 1 and 2)
    Ital Lagiuna, MOL Proficiency, MSC Anchorage, MSC Portugal, Maersk Sirac

    Bayhead
    Ukhozi, Roma, Nautius, Indico, Vela, Moonrise, Atlantic Voyager, Zodiaco, Breede, Unsunduzi

    Maydon Wharf
    Barrier

    Fish Wharf
    Lisinda, Caroline, Striker

    Tug & Marine Craft Basin
    Ballito, Inyalazi, Mkhuze, Lotheni, Pholela

    T-Jetty & Cruise Terminal
    Nautica

    City Terminal (Point)
    Siyakhula

    Incoming vessels
    MOL Proficiency, Lufafa (pilot boat), Umkhomazi

    Outer Anchorage
    JPO Leo, UACC Consensus, MSC Saturn, Adfines Sky, Anthia, D&K Yusufi al Ghanim, Advantage Sky, Seaways Raffles, Ocean Isidingo, Corpus Christi

    Departing
    Lesvos

    Fishing (at sea off Durban)
    Ocean Spray

    Single Buoy Mooring (SBM)
    NS Bravo, (in attendance) Sibanye, Smit Siyanda

    You can follow Ship Movements, ETAs and Departures at many of the ports of South & East Africa by  CLICKING HERE

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    STONEWIN OPENS SHIP BUNKERING OPERATION AT PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS

     

    Hakkasan in Singapore. Picture by Vesselfinder / mgklingsock@aol.com
    Hakkasan in Singapore.     Picture by Vesselfinder / mgklingsock@aol.com

    Stonewin, the Latvian-based supplier of fuels to defence and security institutions, revealed this week that it has branched out into commercial type operations with a marine bunkering operation in Mauritius.

    The bunker supply company is making use of the double-hulled bunker barge HAKKASAN (IMO 9474369), built in 2008, with operations having commenced as from 2 January 2019.

    Fuel being supplied includes IFO180 cst and MGO products under its own Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) via a fully controlled supply chain.

    “The launch of our Mauritius operation is a significant next step in Stonewin’s successful growth strategy,” said Stonewin’s CEO, Alexander Schaltuper.

    He said it enhances Stonewin’s global presence and offers diversification to the business. “Allowing us to strengthen existing and build new relations with our customers, through providing a first-class bunkering service,” he added.

    Mauritius is located along one of the world’s largest ocean routes on the east/west trade through the Cape of Good Hope and offers a safe bunkering option in the Indian Ocean. Stonewin will provide and efficient service, reliable quality and flexibility on quantity, Schaltuper said.

    Stonewin was establish in 2014 and since 2015 has been supplying fuel to the government sector around the world including bunker supplies across Europe, the Caribbean, North-East America, Panama, West Africa and South Africa. Stonewin’s head office is in Riga, Latvia and operates out of Dubai in the UAE.

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    JAPAN’S TOYOTA TSUSHO PROPOSES US$600 MILLION DEVELOPMENT FOR ANGOLA’S NAMIBE BAY

     

    The Bay of Namibe, appearing with a report in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    The Bay of Namibe

    The Japanese group Toyota Tsusho is proposing to invest US$600 million in a development project in Namibe Bay in southern Angola.

    Namibe Bay is home to the Port of Namibe, Angola’s southernmost. The port and town is served by a railway extending inland to the towns of Lubango and Menongue.

     

    Namibe's port serving southern Angola, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Namibe’s port serving southern Angola

    This is reported by Macauhub as being according to an order signed by Angolan President João Lourenço.The presidential order authorises the inclusion of the project to secure financing from the credit line opened for Angola by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

    The document quoted by…[restrict] daily newspaper Jornal de Angola, which does not give further details, authorises the Angolan Transport Minister to conclude the contract for the Namibe Bay Integrated Project with the Toyota Tsusho Corporation and TOA Corporation consortium, with a total value of US$600 million.

    The order justifies the authorisation based on the need to ensure the continuity and implementation of the government’s programme for diversification of sources of financing for projects included in the Public Investment Programme and other programmes and projects of interest in the 2018/2022 National Development Plan.

    The Toyota Tsusho group, originally established in 1936 under the name Toyoda Kinyu Kaisha, is the commercial arm of the Toyota conglomerate and is involved in various business areas in 39 countries, including 34 in Africa. source: macauhub[/restrict]

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    EU NAVFOR PATROL SHIP RELAMPAGO CONDUCTS FRIENDLY APPROACH TO SOMALI FISHING VESSEL

    Preparing to board the Somali fishing vessel. Picture: EU NAVFOR, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Preparing to board the Somali fishing vessel. Picture: EU NAVFOR

    Friendly Approaches have helped to build mutual trust and understanding between counter-piracy naval forces and the local Somali community over the last 10 years, says EU NAVFOR, the European naval initiative undertaking counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa.

    As the new year got underway, on 2 January 2019 the Spanish patrol vessel ESPS Relámpago conducted an approach to a Somali dhow as part of standing counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

    Once invited on-board the dhow by the Somali crew, the Spanish marines asked them about…[restrict] their daily work and gave them medical aid, food, water and other assistance.

     

    The actual boarding of a Somali fishing vessel, repaorted in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    The actual boarding

    Encounters such as this friendly approach help to build relationships with the people in the areas in which ESPS Relámpago is operating, and makes counter-piracy operations more effective by making use of the fishermens’ local knowledge.EU NAVFOR warships have continued with their counter-piracy patrols along the Somali coast for the past 10 years as part of the European Union’s effort to help make the waters in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden safer from the risk of piracy-related crime.

    EU NAVFOR is committed to deterring acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea to allow the free flow of international commerce.

    WEST AFRICA

    With at least one case of piracy chalked up already this year involving a MSC container ship, in which some of the crew were abducted and taken away for ransom purposes – that story is available here PIRATE ATTACK OF BENIN COAST – SIX CREW KIDNAPPED, there have been several cases where ships at anchor have had what appeared to be attempted robberies.

    On 7 January 2019 (Monday) a products tanker at anchor outside the port of Lagos, in position 06:15.7N – 003:12.8E, was ‘visited’ by between four and five robbers in a small skiff that came alongside.

    The time was 01h10 UTC when the boat made its approach, with those on board throwing a rope attached with hooks over the tanker’s railing.

    Hearing voices near the bow the duty crew investigated and noticed the hooks as well as the skiff on the water below and immediately raised the alarm. Non-essential crew assembled in the tanker’s citadel while the Master requested assistance from the Nigerian Navy, who responded immediately with a patrol boat.

    Hearing the alarm the would-be robbers, who had not yet come aboard, abandoned their attempt and moved away. On arrival the patrol boat searched the waters around the tanker but the skiff was not to be seen.

    Spanish offshore patrol vessel ESPS Relampago seen off Durban in 2012. Picture by Clinton Wyness, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news
    Spanish offshore patrol vessel ESPS Relampago seen off Durban in 2012.    Picture by Clinton Wyness

    Later that same night, at 03h20 UTC, a similar scenario unfolded, involving another tanker at anchor at the Lagos STS Anchorage in position 06:16.3N – 003:20.1E.In this attempt two robbers armed with plastic hoses boarded the tanker and connected their hoses to the ports of the forward cargo tanks from where they attempted to steal cargo.

    The tanker’s duty crew noticed their activities and raised the alarm which led to the robbers abandoning their efforts and making their escape.

    The incident was reported to the Nigerian Navy patrol boat which came in response and carried out a check of the surrounding waters, without discovering anything The tanker reported that nothing had been stolen as the attempt had been interrupted in time.[/restrict]

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    MAERSK & SAFMARINE LAUNCH MUSAFIR EXPRESS TO MOGADISHU

     

    Musafir Express timetable, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Musafir Express timetable

    Maersk and Safmarine have jointly launched the Musafir Express, a new feeder service connecting Salalah to Mogadishu, Somalia.

    The service expands the ocean carrier’s presence in East Africa, which Maersk regards as a growing region and key market for its customers.

    The service was announced by Safmarine in November and the first sailing of the Musafir Express departed from Salalah on 29 December 2018, before arriving in Mogadishu on 3 January 2019.

    The bi-weekly service connects Somalia to the rest of the world, allowing the country to expand its trading links within Africa and across the Middle East, Europe, and the Far East.

    Maersk and Safmarine follow several other container shipping lines that have opened connections with Somalia and adjacent regions.

    “Having listened to our customers, we are truly excited to finally add Mogadishu to our global network,” said Mads Skov-Hansen, Area Managing Director for Maersk in Eastern Africa.

    “What is equally exciting is that Maersk and Safmarine, with our experienced Somali partner, can offer a broad selection of inland logistics solutions to our local and international customers.”

    In 2017, imports into Mogadishu grew by 12%, and container traffic is expected to rise by a further 15% during the period of 2018 to 2019.

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    MORE NAMES REVEALED IN ALLEGED MOZAMBICAN EMATUM FRAUD

    EMATUM fishing fleet in Maputo harbour, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Several additional names have been revealed following indictments over the alleged fraudulent scheme in Mozambique that included a fleet of apparently unnecessary fishing trawlers.

    The New York State Attorney’s Office this week indicted Mozambicans António Carlos do Rosário and Teófilo Nhangumele in the New York State Attorney’s Office ‘hidden debts’ case that is now unravelling all the details behind the scam that netted certain individuals in banking and government circles an estimated US$700 million.

    According to VOA the New York State Attorney’s Office has accused three…[restrict] Mozambicans of involvement in a fraudulent scheme behind the so-called hidden debts.

    The document to which VOA first had access to revealed the name of the former finance minister and current Frelimo deputy Manuel Chang and four other foreigners, while the names of two other Mozambicans were redacted.

    Now, without revealing how and where it obtained the information, the Mozambican Public Integrity Centre (CIP) has announced that the other two Mozambicans accused by the US justice system are António Carlos do Rosário and Teófilo Nhangumele.

    Following the arrest in South Africa of former finance minister Manuel Chang, the New York Attorney General’s document detailing the allegations had two names erased as not being detained.

    Besides Chang and the two other Mozambicans whose identities are now revealed by the CIP, four other people of different nationalities were arrested, three in London and one in New York – see our report NET DRAWS TIGHTER AROUND ALLEGED EMATUM CONSPIRATORS by CLICKING HERE.

    According to the indictment, the two Mozambicans received altogether US$45 million in five separate payments, but it is currently not possible to detail the specific amount that each one.

    Carlos de Rosário was director of the State Security Services (SISE), which controlled the companies Ematum and Proindicus and received millions of dollars, but declared bankruptcy. Do Rosário refused to provide information to the audit company Kroll, alleging reasons related to state security.

    Teófilo Nhangumele is regarded as a specialist in public and government relations and has worked for the oil company BP and seen his name linked to a company that has been involved in the lending business.

    Three other Mozambicans are also mentioned in the New York State Attorney General’s indictment as being bribed with millions of dollars but, for unknown reasons, they have not been indicted.

    “Co-conspirator 1” is identified as “an individual … who was involved in obtaining the approval of the government of the Proindicus project”; the “co-conspirator 2” is “a relative of a senior official of Mozambique”; and “co-conspirator 3” was “a senior official of the Ministry of Finance of Mozambique and a director of Ematum”.

    The CIP said that in the latter case “we suspect that it is Henrique Gamito or Isaltina Lucas Sales. Both of them have played important roles both in Ematum and in the Ministry of Planning and Finance.”

    Former finance minister Chang appeared again in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court over the last three days regarding his possible extradition to the United States. His case has been postponed until next Friday to allow the defence team time to consider whether it will bring a bail application.
    Earlier in the week the court ruled that his arrest and detention was lawful and done in accordance with an extradition treaty signed with the United States. source: Club of Mozambique / VOA[/restrict]

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    MAMMOET MOVES HEAVY LIFTING EQUIPMENT INTO NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE

    map of Mocimboa da Praia, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Mammoet, the global heavy lifting and transport specialist, has begun moving a fleet of heavy lifting and transport equipment into northern Mozambique ahead of the developing gas and oil sector in those parts.

    Mammoet is positioning a fleet of specialised equipment and supporting crew of experienced professionals in the town of Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado province.

    The office, which will be…[restrict] centrally managed by Mammoet’s South African office, is geared up to deliver services and solutions for client needs in heavy lifting and transport across the country.

    “Mammoet has worked in Mozambique for quite a while now, albeit on a project basis,” says Davide Andreani, General Manager of Mammoet South and East Africa.

    “The outlook of Mozambique’s economy is positive. Particularly, as capital investments have been growing significantly in the past few years,” he adds.

    “Mammoet locates its global fleet close to our customers anywhere in the world they need us in order to serve them swiftly and efficiently. It demonstrates our commitment to be part of, and to contribute to the Mozambique community, working with local people, utilising the local workforce, training and offering professional development opportunities to help grow our business and the local economy.”

    Mammoet has been present in Africa for over 50 years, playing an essential role in Africa’s growth story by offering its solutions and expertise in engineered heavy lifting and transport for clients in the power, petrochemical, mining, civil and infrastructure sectors. You can learn more about Mammoet here www.mammoet.com
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    Civic building in Mocimboa da Praia, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Civic building in Mocimboa da Praia

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    INDIAN NAVAL SHIP ESCORTS WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME VESSEL FOR FIRST TIME

    INS Sunayna escorting the merchant dhow carrying World Food Programme aid. Picture: EU NAVFOR, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    INS Sunayna escorting the merchant dhow carrying World Food Programme aid. Picture: EU NAVFOR

    For the first time since counter-piracy deployments began in 2008, the Indian Navy has performed the escort of vital humanitarian aid for the UN’s World Food Programme, following an escort request by EU NAVFOR.

    On 24-25 December 2018, the Indian warship SUNAYNA escorted a WFP dhow transporting 360 tons of food aid from…[restrict] Bossaaso (Bosaso) to Berbera, in northern Somalia.

    Over 1.5 million people face acute levels of food insecurity in Somalia, and 2.6 million are internally displaced. The European Union has been at the forefront of providing a response to this situation over the past decade, but this is the first time that the Indian Navy has worked alongside the European Union in this manner.

    INS Sunayna has been deployed for anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since 6 October 2018. EU NAVFOR sent an escort request to other international naval forces earlier in December, to which the Indian Navy responded. This support demonstrates the good work and cooperation that can be achieved in the region between the EU and partner nations.

    Close up of the merchant dhow, typical of the trading vessels sailing in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. Picture: EU NAVFOR, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Close up of the merchant dhow, typical of the trading vessels sailing in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden regions.   Picture: EU NAVFOR

    Coordinated efforts between EU NAVFOR and other international maritime organisations are vital to ensure the free flow and safe passage of commerce around the Horn of Africa. The frequent Shared Awareness and De-confliction (SHADE) conferences held in Bahrain provide a critical mechanism to work out and share best practices.As of 8 January 2019, EU NAVFOR and its key regional partners have protected 450 WFP vessels and enabled the safe delivery of nearly 1.8 million tonnes of aid into Somalia since the commencement of Operation ATALANTA in December 2008. source: EU NAVFOR[/restrict]

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    WALVIS BAY LOOKS FORWARD TO SIX CRUISE SHIP CALLS DURING JANUARY

    Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, seen here in Cape Town during 2017, will be calling at Walvis Bay on 16 January.       Picture: Chris Godden, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, seen here in Cape Town during 2017, will be calling at Walvis Bay on 16 January.       Picture: Chris Godden

    The Namibian port of Walvis Bay is playing host to six international cruise ships during January, including three calls from MSC Musica.

    According to the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), this is also the first time in the history of this port that three passenger ships will be in port alongside simultaneously.

    MSC Musica is calling at the port on three occasions during January, on 12, 16 and 22

    On Tuesday, 15 January 2019, AIDAaura visits the port and is followed a day later with visits from MSC Musica, Nautica and Queen Elizabeth.

    MSC Musica will be back again for the third time on 22 January. The MSC Cruises’ ship, which can carry over 3,300 passengers, is operating several cruises out of Cape Town this month, before returning to Durban to continue operating cruises to Mozambique destinations until the cruise season ends in April.

    “The port of Walvis Bay looks forward to hosting the cruise liners [sic] due for arrival next week and we have geared up our security and transport resources during this time to ensure a smooth flow of movement for 7,000 passengers moving in and out of the port,” said Mr Elias Mwenyo, Acting Chief Executive Officer.

    Artist's impression of the new cruise jetty when completed. Image: Namport, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

    Artist’s impression of the new cruise jetty when completed. Image: Namport

    “The town of Walvis Bay has an opportunity to showcase the beauty of our natural assets and hospitality,” he said. “The town will be a buzz for a few days as the local tourism and other commercial sectors will benefit from our international visitors.”

    As part of Namport’s infrastructure development, a dedicated passenger ship jetty is being constructed at the port of Walvis Bay and is due for completion later this year.

    “This will open doors for Namibia as a passenger liner [sic] tourist destination which forms part of the national tourism goals set in the NDP 5 underscored by the Harambee Prosperity Plan to boost the Namibian economy and create job prospects in the imminent future,” Mr Mwenyo said.

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    MOROCCO TO INVEST US$190 MILLION IN PORT INFRASTRUCTURE

    Port of Casablanca scene, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Port of Casablanca scene

    According to a report in the French publication L’Economiste, Morocco’s state-owned Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP – National Ports Agency) intends investing in port infrastructure to the value of US$190.3 million.

    Almost half of this amount will be invested in the ports during 2019. The balance of the money will go into port development and infrastructure between 2020 and 2021.

    During the current year a new shipyard…[restrict] is to be concessioned at the port of Casablanca.

    Other development during this year includes the extension of the port of Jebha in the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, construction of the dry port at Zenata and the completion of contracts involving work at the port of Jorf Lasfar.

    The report adds that the Moroccan ports expect to complete 2019 with an increase in cargo volumes of up to 4.5% on the previous year and the handling of more than 90 million tons, due to a strong rebound expected from the export of phosphates and derivatives and an increase in coal imports.

    The latter is a result of the commissioning of the new Safi power station, the largest in Morocco with a capacity of 1,386 MW and the first coal-fired power plant in Africa to use ultra-supercritical technology.

    The report said that 2019 will be marked by the consolidation of the agency’s reference framework, according to the approach that brings together all the players in the port ecosystem. In terms of budget forecasts, the turnover of ANP for 2019 will exceed the milestone of MAD 1.9 billion dirhams, an increase of 8.8% compared to 2018. source: L’Economiste & PortsEurope[/restrict]

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    ICTSI SIGNS 20-YEAR CONCESSION TO DEVELOP & OPERATE PORT SUDAN CONTAINER TERMINAL

     

    Aerial view of Port Sudan container terminal, image by CHEC, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Aerial view of Port Sudan container terminal. Picture: CHEC

    Manila-headquartered International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has signed the final concession documents for a 20-year concession to develop and operate the Port Sudan Container Terminal.

    Port Sudan faces on the Red Sea and is the principal port of the Republic of Sudan. In July 2018 ICTSI was declared the preferred bidder to manage, operate and develop the container terminal which in 2017 had a throughput of 470,000 TEUs.

    The concession documents were…[restrict] signed between the wholly-owned subsidiary Middle East DMCC and the SeaPorts Corporation of Sudan (SPC).

    Map of Sudan with Port Sudan. Map: CIA, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Map of Sudan with Port Sudan. Map: CIA

    ICTSI will now take charge of the container terminal (SPCT) during the first quarter of this year including responsibility for the infrastructure and terminal handling equipment. SPC will remain in the role of the landlord and supervisory authority for the terminal.With a container handling capacity in excess of one million TEUs, SPCT has 1,200 metres of quay wall with a depth alongside of up to 16 metres, enabling the terminal to handle some of the biggest container ships likely to call. SPCT has an adjacent land area of 180 hectares.

    Equipment includes eight Ship-to-Shore (STS) gantry cranes in addition to an effective range of yard machines – this includes over 20 Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs).[/restrict]

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    NAMIBIAN ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRY PUTS A STOP TO SOUTH AFRICAN MANGANESE EXPORTS THROUGH LÜDERITZ

     

    Port and town of Lüderitz, featured in a story carried in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Port and town of Lüderitz

    Namibia’s Environmental Ministry has called a halt to South African companies that have been stockpiling manganese ore outside Lüderitz, prior to it being exported.

    According to a report in The Namibian, the suspension of manganese stockpiling near the port was a temporary matter pending further investigations and was the result of a meeting last Friday (4 January) between local people with concerns over health issues and environmental ministry officials.

    The question of the stockpiling of the ore arose after trucks began arriving…[restrict] late last year laden with manganese ore which was offloaded at a site about two kilometres from the town.

    It is believed that the manganese is mined at Kathu in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The first consignment amounted to 30,000 tonnes and is destined for export to China.

    Local residents and business people expressed concern over the health and environmental risks, especially as no environmental investigation appears to have been undertaken. They said that trucks owned by South African companies began arriving at Lüderitz towards the end of 2018 and offloaded the ore at a disused road construction site about two kilometres from the small town.

    Following the meeting the environmental ministry declared a temporary moratorium on the stockpiling of the ore outside the town to allow a proper investigation to be carried out and to enquire whether clearance certificates were issued to the South African companies concerned. Eight trucks with ore still on board were meanwhile impounded by the Namibian police before they could discharge their loads.

    However, the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) subsequently intervened and has made available warehouses suitable for bulk commodities available to store the manganese. As a result the eight trucks were allowed to take their cargoes to the port’s warehouses and offload the ore and also to tranship the manganese already discharged at the roadsite to the covered warehouses.

    It now appears that Namport had taken the initiative of approaching potential business partners such as Trade Port Namibia to target various enterprises, including the manganese mining industry of the Northern Cape, with a view to boosting exports through the port of Lüderitz.

    Namport had previously undertaken an exercise of shipping 9000 tons of zinc ingots onto a ship bound for China and as a result of the success of this it was announced that the port would be able to accommodate shipments of up to 30,000 tons using bulk ships with shallow draught. source: The Namibian and Informante[/restrict]

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    US$40 MILLION INVESTMENT PLAN FOR LUANDA PORT MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

     

    Port of Luanda, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Port of Luanda

    It is being reported in the Angolan press that local port terminal operator Transportadora de Cargas, Operadora de Terminais e Transitário (Unicargas) intends investing a total of US$40 million during 2019 to refurbish and re-equip the facilities at the Luanda port multipurpose terminal.

    The company chairman, Celso Rosa is quoted by the Angop news agency as saying that…[restrict] the investment will allow for the acquisition of equipment for the operation of that port area and will cover the dock of the cargo terminal of the Angolan capital’s port.

    A feasibility study had already been carried out, he stated, together with research into partnerships and sources of financing. The intention is to proceed with the project during 2019.

    Unicargas also intends to increase the size of its road transport fleet which currently consists of 230 trucks, of which 117 are operational. Unicargas intends adding a further 100 trucks to the fleet ahead of opening three new branches in the provinces of Zaire, Malanje and Cunene.

    Unicargas was founded 30 years ago and currently employs 733 people across the provinces of Cabinda, Zaire (Soyo), Malange, Benguela (Lobito), Moxico (Luau), Moxico, Cunene and Luanda.  source: Macauhub[/restrict]

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    SHIP RAIDED IN NGQURA HARBOUR, COCAINE WORTH MORE THAN R700 MILLION SEIZED      BREAKING NEWS

    [15:36] YouTube Video recorded by eNCA

    Acting on information passed through Interpol, the South African Hawks on Monday (7 January) raided a container ship in the Port of Ngqura, where cocaine with a street value of R720 million was seized.

    The drugs were packed in 1kg packets and concealed in a container on the vessel.

    The report by the Hawk’s spokesman is somewhat confusing in that he says the drugs were hidden in the bottom or ‘frame’ of the ship with 3669 containers packed above, which is clearly not possible. Instead what is likely is that the vessel was carrying 3669 TEU when she arrived in Ngqura, where approximately 60 containers were to be discharged and a similar number loaded.

    It also seems more likely that the cocaine would have been concealed within one of the containers that was loaded at the bottom of the stack in the ship.

    According to the spokesman, Hawks’ National Directorate Head Godfrey Lebeya, the drugs originated in Brazil and were intended for discharge in India via Singapore. Had they had been loose in the ship’s hold there would be no indication where they were to be smuggled ashore.

    Lebeya disclosed that the Hawks were advised of the presence of the drugs on the ship on 27 December since when the Hawks and other authorities in South Africa had been preparing for the ship’s arrival. He said that no arrests were made nor was the ship being delayed or detained as it was simply the means of transportation in this case (which is another reason why we believe the drugs were concealed in a container).

    The YouTube video clip above, courtesy also of eNCA, covers the major part of the media conference held in the Eastern Cape after the drugs had been recovered from the vessel.

    Our own investigation reveals that three container ships were in the Port of Ngqura yesterday – MSC Nicole, MSC Spain and Conti Courage. MSC Spain would appear to be the ship on which the cocaine was carried, as she was the only vessel of the three to have arrived direct from Santos in Brazil. In addition, MSC Spain is headed for Singapore as her destination.

    Conti Courage on the other hand arrived from Durban and is deployed on the Europe – South Africa service while MSC Nicole arrived from Mombasa and operates on the East Africa service.

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    USS PORTER ARRIVES IN TURKEY ON SCHEDULED VISIT

     

    The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter seen here arriving in Aksaz, Turkey, on 1 January. The warship is forward-deployed to Rota Naval Station, Spain. She is on her sixth patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations in support of US national security interests in Europe and Africa. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R Turner/Released. USN ©, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter seen here arriving in Aksaz, Turkey, on 1 January. The warship is forward-deployed to Rota Naval Station, Spain. She is on her sixth patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations in support of US national security interests in Europe and Africa. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R Turner/Released. USN ©

    On 1 January the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in the Turkish Navy’s base at Aksaz for a regular scheduled port visit on its sixth forward-deployed naval forces patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.The warship’s patrol is a demonstration of the US Navy’s continued commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in…[restrict] the European and African region.

    An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis in the Arabian Gulf on 3 January. The John C Stennis Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Grant G Grady (Released) 190103-N-OM854-1311 USN ©, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis in the Arabian Gulf on 3 January. The John C Stennis Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Grant G Grady (Released) 190103-N-OM854-1311 USN ©

    In the words of Commander Craig Trent, CO of Porter: “The crew has been working very hard and this is a great opportunity for them to experience the culturally rich cities of Aksaz and Marmaris. What a great way to start the New Year. We are looking forward to the hospitality and everything the cities have to offer.”

    While on patrol, Porter will conduct naval operations in the US 6th Fleet area of operations in support of US national security interests in Europe, it is understood.

    Gunner’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Jaylen Hershberger scans the horizon as the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry transits the Strait of Messina on 3 January. Fort McHenry and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations, crisis response and theatre security cooperation, while also providing a forward naval presence. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Roys (Released) 190103-N-AT530-0195. USN ©, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Gunner’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Jaylen Hershberger scans the horizon as the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry transits the Strait of Messina on 3 January. Fort McHenry and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations, crisis response and theatre security cooperation, while also providing a forward naval presence. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Roys (Released) 190103-N-AT530-0195. USN ©

    US 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance US national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.Elsewhere the US Navy has been busy and we are privileged to show here photographs of their operations in the Mediterranean, the Arabian Gulf and the Western Indian Ocean.

    A Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) on 3 January. Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th MEU, is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. A. J. Van Fredenberg (Released) 190103-M-LQ865-1035 USMC ©, eatured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    A Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) on 3 January. Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th MEU, is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. A. J. Van Fredenberg (Released) 190103-M-LQ865-1035 USMC ©

    [/restrict]Edited by Paul Ridgway
    London

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    PORT OF NACALA REACHES TARGET FOR GENERAL CARGO AS NEW ROUND OF DREDGING COMMENCES

    Nacala Coal Terminal at Nacala a-Velha. Picture: Mitsui, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Nacala Coal Terminal at Nacala a-Velha.     Picture: Mitsui

    As the Port of Nacala in northern Mozambique embarks on a new round of dredging as part of a US$273 million upgrade, the operating company CDN (Northern Development Corridor) is celebrating having achieved its annual budgeted target of handling 473,662 tons of general cargo by 4 December 2018.

    CDN says it regards this as an important milestone that was achieved through a culture of teamwork and the selfless work of all employees, together with the deployment of goals up to the operational level.

    Two ports in one

    Nacala refers to several modes involving the rail and the port – in effect two ports – Nacala a-Velha which handles the coal exports, and the Port of Nacala that handles…[restrict] general cargo, bulk type cargoes and containers.

    Although the port development focused on coal exports on behalf mainly of one of its main shareholders, Vale Mocambique, a considerable amount of development is also going into improving the facilities at the general cargo port. A 400-metre long new quay is being built, a new access road in under development while in the port itself a $273 million dredging project has commenced that will allow access to larger vessels.

    The latter may sound strange, given that Nacala is one of the deepest harbours in all of the African east coast, but dredging nevertheless is necessary near the general cargo port as well as in the access channels and to maintain depth at the coal terminal.

    The Port of Nacala handles wheat, sugare and fertiliser for Malawi as well as containers for both the town and district of Nacala but as far afield as Tete province to the west, Malawi and Zambia.

    Nacala as an alternative

    The Nacala Container Terminal provides an alternative to these regions to the container terminals at Maputo and Beira and the annual handling capacity is being increased from 170,000 TEU a year to 250,000 TEU pa. Funding for this is being made available through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which also funded the Phase 1 redevelopment of the port.

    The development of the coal terminal at Nacala a-Velha, which is on the opposite side of the large bay of which Nacala is one section, is aimed at increasing the capacity for coal exports to 18 million tons per annum. Vale Mocambique has switched to railing its entire production to Nacala in place of sending some volumes to Beira along the Sena Railway.

    The contract to fully develop the coal terminal, which is operational, lies with a joint venture between Sacyr Somague Moçambique and Teixeira Duarte who are handling the main construction and engineering phases of the contract, valued at US$123.2 million and running over three years.

    Ships of up to 120,000-dwt can currently access the port.

    Nacala Corridor map showing the rail network connecting the port withTete Province (Moatize) and Malawi and Zambia, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Nacala Corridor map showing the rail network connecting the port withTete Province (Moatize) and Malawi and Zambia

    Macuse railway and coal port

    Any further expansion beyond these volumes remains dependant on whether the Macuse coal terminal together with an access railway from Moatize goes ahead. While the Macuse port and railway will be privately developed the Mozambique government, which remains a partner in all such ventures, has shown its preference for Macuse to be developed as the country’s main coal export port, with an eventual capacity of 100 million tons of coal rivalling Richards Bay in South Africa.

    However, Thai Moçambique Logistica SA, the developer of the planned new coal railway from the Moatize mines to Macuse, has warned that the project may not be built if mining firms do not commit to the scheme within the next year.

    Marine Craft – New Pilot Boat

    The Port of Nacala has taken delivery of a new pilot boat to improve reliability and services involving ship arrivals and departures.

    Named PINDA, the new pilot boat entered service shortly after its arrival late last year. Pinda has the capacity for six passengers and two crew. The boat has a top speed of 30 knots and includes state-of-the-art navigational technology.       Acknowledgements to Bulk Materials International as well as CDN for some of the above information.[/restrict]

    Nacala port's new pilot boat 'Pinda'. Picture: CDN
    The port of Nacala’s new pilot boat ‘Pinda’. Picture: CDN

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    IRCLASS REVIEW OF 2018 AND PROJECTIONS FOR 2019

    Indian Register Class (IRClass) brochure, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIP

    The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) continues to record steady growth in its classed fleet, flag recognition and geographical presence, mirroring the shipping industry’s ongoing recovery. This was reported early in the New Year.

    Fleet Growth

    With tankers and bulk carriers continuing to dominate IRClass’s tonnage, the classed fleet has grown more than 4% in the past year, with the foreign flag fleet seeing a particularly impressive growth of 22% which is 16% in tonnage terms and indicative of strong overseas growth.

    Flag Recognition and Geographical Presence

    IRClass is now recognised by 41 flag states globally, seeing recent additions in 2018 from The Netherlands, Vietnam, Jordan and Bahrain.

    Towards the end of 2018, it also received approval from…[restrict] Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), strengthening its offshore portfolio in the Middle East and opened an office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to better service its customers in the region.

    Strengthened Portfolio with Defence and Government Projects

    On the domestic front, Defence continues to be a growth area for IRClass with key project wins as well as construction of Inland Waterways vessels.

    These additions to IRClass’s project portfolio demonstrate the classification society’s competence and capability in handling large scale and technically challenging projects.

    Commitment towards Information Security

    The ISO 27001:2013 certification awarded to IRClass for its Information Security Management System from the British Standards Institution (BSI), underscores the classification society’s commitment towards risk management. It inspires confidence in IRClass’s level of data protection, assuring customers that their information is well-protected.

    Optimising Operations through Digitalisation

    IRClass started issuing electronic certificates for all its classed vessels earlier this year, giving ship owners, regulators and charterers real-time online access to the latest class and statutory certificates.

    The implementation of e-Certificates is expected to reduce the administrative burden and document handling costs for ship owners, coupled with increasing operational efficiency from IRClass, leading to better service delivery.

    IRClass has also introduced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis as part of its shipbuilding services which is another instance where efficiencies in ship design are unlocked through software sophistication, creating added value.

    New Services

    During the year, IRClass launched several new services which include Cyber Risk Management, IMO DCS, Vessel Performance Management System (VPMS) and Ballast Water Management to benefit its customers.

    Recently, it won the Classification Society of the Year award at the Samudra Manthan Awards 2018, recognising its efforts in the classification sector.

    Research

    To promote environmentally friendly fuels in shipping, IRClass has published Guidelines for Methanol fuelled ships.

    With a view to develop inland waterways usage in India, rules for inland waterways oil tankers, chemical tankers, liquefied gas carriers and passenger ships have been developed.

    Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS)

    It has been a year since IRClass first announced the formation of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) – to meet industry demand in bridging the skills gap and provide upskilling for the maritime and shipbuilding workforce.

    A lot has happened over this time period with 18 world-class laboratories being established in Visakhapatnam and six on the Mumbai campus. CEMS will focus on the end-to-end needs of various stakeholders including academic institutes, students, government departments and key maritime industry sectors.

    Looking ahead to 2019

    While the classification society’s primary focus remains to enhance its classed fleet and improve its service offerings, 2019 will be a year where IRClass will be focusing more on the emergence of new trends, delivering value to its customers through digitalisation, as well as further strengthening its footprint in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

    It also aims to improve its global visibility through its presence at key industry events.

    About Indian Register of Shipping

    Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) is an international ship classification society providing ship classification and certification as well as technical inspection services. IRClass is a Member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

    Covering a wide range of shipping, offshore and industrial projects, IRClass has brought international standardisation and assurance.[/restrict]

    For more information on IRClass readers are invited to visit: http://www.irclass.org

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    AS WE FACE ANOTHER YEAR…

    A look back at some of the UK’s Armed Forces best moments of 2018 (All Photographs MoD Crown Copyright 2018 ©)

    As we enter the New Year the (UK) Ministry of Defence reported that more than 11,000 sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines had been at work over the festive period, involved in 35 operations in more than 30 countries ranging from Iraq to the South Atlantic.

    In total 14 warships were at sea from the Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dragon in the Gulf to the Type 23 Frigate HMS Argyll in the Asia Pacific region.

    Since 1969 the UK has had a submarine on patrol for every minute of every day, providing the UK’s nuclear deterrent and Christmas 2018 was no different.

    As the year came to a close, I thought it would be time to take a look back at some of the most memorable images of 2018 for the UK Armed Forces in general and the Royal Navy in particular. Here, the excellent Defence Imagery service has made this possible and I have been privileged with their help to bring to you valuable material with news items down the months.

    Many who captured these images are servicemen and women first and photographers second, deploying with the rifle as well as the camera, taking the same risks as others but also giving the public a unique, candid view of the realities of conflict. Away from operations they also capture the day-to-day reality of military life.

    Speaking of MoD imagery Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “2018 was a historic year for our Armed Forces, they have been at the heart of some of our country’s greatest success stories and biggest achievements.

    “To capture their work we have deployed photographers around the globe to give the general public a unique glimpse of life in our Armed Forces. Defence photographers are some of the most valued and highly trained members of our Armed Forces and I thank them for their service.”

    Reported by Paul Ridgway
    London

    Some of the UK’s Armed Forces best moments of 2018…

    Image of HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, currently on operations in the Mediterranean, seen here with her Wildcat helicopter test firing its defensive aid suite. Featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Image of HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, currently on operations in the Mediterranean, seen here with her Wildcat helicopter test firing its defensive aid suite.
    Image of HMS St Albans silhouetted at sunset. Featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Image of HMS St Albans silhouetted at sunset.
    Image of Royal Navy submarine HMS Trenchant, broken through the ice of the North Pole on Polar Ice Exercise 18 (ICEX). ICEX is a series of demanding trials in the harsh climate of the Arctic Circle, designed to test submariners’ skills in operating under the Arctic ice cap. Trenchant joined US submarines USS Connecticut and USS Hartford for the drills, co-ordinated by the US Navy’s Arctic Submarine Laboratory. Featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Image of Royal Navy submarine HMS Trenchant, broken through the ice of the North Pole on Polar Ice Exercise 18 (ICEX). ICEX is a series of demanding trials in the harsh climate of the Arctic Circle, designed to test submariners’ skills in operating under the Arctic ice cap. Trenchant joined US submarines USS Connecticut and USS Hartford for the drills, co-ordinated by the US Navy’s Arctic Submarine Laboratory.
    Image of HMS Protector sailing through the Antarctic on a routine patrol. HMS Protector conducts Foreign & Commonwealth Office visits to make routine checks to confirm the Antarctic Treaty is being upheld. During these visits the ship sailed to Deception Island, Nelson’s Island, Harmony Point, Brown Bluff, Palmer Station, the Weddell Sea and Port Lockroy. Protector is currently two years into a five year Deployment to the South Atlantic, these images were taken during Work Package 4 of the 2017-2018 Ice Patrol Season. Featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Image of HMS Protector sailing through the Antarctic on a routine patrol. HMS Protector conducts Foreign & Commonwealth Office visits to make routine checks to confirm the Antarctic Treaty is being upheld.
    During these visits the ship sailed to Deception Island, Nelson’s Island, Harmony Point, Brown Bluff, Palmer Station, the Weddell Sea and Port Lockroy. Protector is currently two years into a five year Deployment to the South Atlantic, these images were taken during Work Package 4 of the 2017-2018 Ice Patrol Season.

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    UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN 2018

    UK trade with the world, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

    More businesses than ever are seeking expansion opportunities overseas, (UK) International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP reported on 31 December as he celebrated a successful year for trade and investment.

    Dr Liam Fox said: “2018 has been a year to celebrate our successes in trade – with record highs in investment and exports. In a year where we launched our Export Strategy, our GDP continues to grow at a quicker rate than the Eurozone, and employment is at a rate we haven’t seen for more than 40 years.

    “With exports reaching £626 billion we…[restrict] look forward to 2019. Overseas trade will continue to play a crucial part in economic growth and my international economic department will do all it can to support UK businesses to expand their operations overseas.”

    Key 2018 headline figures issued in the last week of December by UK Trade and Investment indicate:

    • The demand for UK goods and services overseas continued to grow, as exports in the year to October 2018 rose to £626bn.

    • There has also been a clear shift in who the UK trades with, as while ten years ago more than half of exports went to the EU, 54.2% now go to non-EU countries.

    • GDP growth in the third quarter of the year 2018 was significantly greater than the Eurozone (0.6% from 0.2%) And the economy is now 17.8% bigger since 2010.

    • The US remained the UKs top single export destination, with exports increasing to £114bn in the year to 2018 Q3.

    • Goods exports from the Northern Powerhouse increased by 2.1% in the year to 2018 Q3.

    • Goods exports from the Midlands Engine increased by 6.1% in the year to 2018 Q3.

    • The number of VAT-registered businesses exporting goods in the UK increased by 1.5% to 110,000 in 2018 Q3 compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

    • Over the past year some of the world’s fastest growing economies have shown a growing interest in British produce, as exports to ASEAN increased by 10.4% in the year to end 2018 Q2.

    • Foreign investors are feeling more confident than ever placing their money in UK companies. The UK’s vibrant tech sector has received over £5bn in venture capitalist funding between June 2016 and June 2018, more than France, Germany and Sweden combined.

    • 2017/2018 saw 75,968 new jobs created in the UK as a result of Foreign Direct Investment, as the UK remained the top destination for FDI in Europe.

    In August, the Department for International Trade launched its ambitious new Export Strategy, seeking to move exports as a percentage of GDP from 30% to 35%. This strategy set out a range of support which will help businesses make the most of significant export opportunities around the world.[/restrict]

    Edited by Paul Ridgway
    London

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    NET DRAWS TIGHTER AROUND ALLEGED EMATUM CONSPIRATORS

    EMATUM trawlers built by CMN in France are an intricate part in a massive fraud that has handicapped the African country's economy, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    EMATUM trawlers built by CMN in France are an intricate part in a massive fraud that has handicapped the African country’s economy

    The net is drawing tighter around those alleged to have been the main conspirators of a huge Mozambique scam in which more than US$2 billion in loans was created to enable the syphoning off of between $200 and $700 million.

    Among those that have been arrested are the former Mozambique finance minister Manuel Chang who was arrested in South Africa and awaits possible extradition to the United States, and three former Credit Suisse bankers, Andrew Pearse, Surjan Singh and Detelina Subeva. The three were arrested in London on US charges alleging that they participated in the loans of over $2 billion to state-owned maritime sector companies that were created in Mozambique. They also await extradition to the US.

    One of these companies was EMATUM, established ostensibly…[restrict] to acquire a fleet of 24 fishing trawlers and associated patrol boats. The boats were built in France but since delivery to Mozambique have spent most of their time either on the quayside or berthed at the fishing harbour in Maputo.

    The signing off of the contract to acquire them was witnessed by the then Mozambique President Armando Guebuza and then French President François Hollande.

    The loans were underwritten by the Mozambique Government which led to the IMF cutting off support for Mozambique which has basically crippled that country’s economy.

    Other as yet unnamed Mozambique government officials are believed to have been involved and to have benefitted from the fraud.

    A 2017 audit reported that the assets purchased with the loans were overpriced to the estimated amount of $700 million.

    A fifth man, Jean Boustani, who is Lebanese, has been subsequently arrested in New York. Boustani apparently works or worked for an Abu Dhabi contractor involved with the Mozambique companies tagged with the fraud.

    US indictment

    EMATUM trawler, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    The US charges relate to the accused as having conspired to violate US anti-bribery law and to commit money laundering and securities fraud.

    A federal indictment released last Thursday states that the three Credit Suisse bankers Andrew Pearse, Surjan Singh and Detelina Subeva raised about $2 billion in funds from international investors by selling loans guaranteed by the Mozambican government.

    The three men allegedly misled investors about the nature of the loans’ use, the amount of Mozambique’s existing debt and its ability to repay. With the connivance of the then-finance minister Manuel Chang, the loans were kept secret from Mozambique’s other lenders which circumvented internal controls at Credit Suisse to complete the deals.

    Credit Suisse statement

    In its statement Credit Suisse said “The indictment alleges that the former employees worked to defeat the bank’s internal controls, acted out of a motive of personal profit, and sought to hide these activities from the bank.” It pledged support for the investigation.

    A Russian bank was also reported along with Credit Suisse as having helped facilitate the loans.

    Although there were early reports, including in Africa PORTS & SHIPS suggesting that something was amiss with EMATUM and the other contracts, the matter began to unravel only after Mozambique defaulted on a repayment of loans amounting to US$700 million in 2016.[/restrict]

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    UNHAPPY NEW YEAR WITH FIRES, LOSS OF LIFE AND CONTAINERS LOST AT SEA

    A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew flies over the 650-foot Sincerity Ace on fire 1,800 nautical miles northwest of Oahu in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 31, 2018, and drops supplies to the 944-foot bulk carrier Genco Augustus. Responders faced 17 to 20-foot seas, white caps, and significant winds making spotting survivors and rescuing them very difficult. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by HC-130 Hercules 1720/Released)
    A US Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew flies over the 650-foot Sincerity Ace on fire 1,800 nautical miles northwest of Oahu in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 31, 2018, and drops supplies to the 944-foot bulk carrier Genco Augustus. Responders faced 17 to 20-foot seas, white caps, and significant winds making spotting survivors and rescuing them very difficult. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by HC-130 Hercules 1720/Released)

    The disastrous fire on board the MOL car carrier SINCERITY ACE (reported elsewhere in this issue) was only the beginning of a New Year to be forgotten in terms of tragedies and mishaps at sea.

    The latest update regarding Sincerity Ace is that the ship lies abandoned by her crew and listing to starboard, with five of her crew dead – four presumed to be from drowning and one missing – and 16 others rescued from their liferaft. Several of the bodies could not be recovered from the sea by rescuers on board assisting merchant ships, as the bodies were unresponsive, and had to be left in the ocean.

    The cause of this dramatic fire in mid-Pacific Ocean will be studied with lots of interest – already there is idle speculation over the possible use of flares to celebrate the passing of the old year, as the fire broke out late on the night of 31 December. This is however just speculation at this time but the question arises as to how a relatively modern (built 2009) RoRo car carrier could catch fire which then could not be contained.

    The investigation and eventual Inquiry will be studied with interest. Meanwhile, condolences go out to the families of those lost at sea.

    Yantian Express fire

    Yantian Express, the former Shanghai Express. Picture: Vesselfinder, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Yantian Express, the former Shanghai Express.    Picture: Vesselfinder

    A second ship to catch fire is the 7,500-TEU Hapag-Lloyd container ship YANTIAN EXPRESS (IMO 9229831) on which a container caught fire while the ship was in the North Atlantic some 650 n.miles from the Canadian coast – the ship’s destination.

    The fire spread to adjacent containers and the crew was forced to abandoned efforts at firefighting by the rough seas. The ship has remained under way and has been turned so that she faces the way which least assists the fire. A salvage tug SMIT NICOBAR has arrived on scene to assist.

    The crew of 23, who fought the fire until adverse weather conditions brought an end to their efforts, are reported by Hapag-Lloyd to be safe.

    The company said that it was still too early to make a precise estimate of any damage to the vessel, which remains underway, or its cargo.

    UPDATE LATEST

    In the latest development, Hapag-Lloyd has advised that the entire crew of the Yantian Express, 24 in total, has been evacuated from the ship and all are safely on board the attending tug SMIT Nicobar, which is fighting the fire. The company said that due to bad weather the fire has not been contained and has spread into other containers and has significantly increased in intensity, hence the decision to remove the crew to safety. The ship is currently about 800 nautical miles off the coast of Nova Scotia.

    Fire on ship Mark off Istanbul

    General cargo ship Mark, former Charly and ex Akar 3, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    General cargo ship Mark, former Charly and ex Akar 3.   Picture: courtesy Shipspotting

    In another instance of a fire on a ship, the crew of a small 4,195-dwt general cargo ship named MARK (IMO 7721952) were forced to abandon ship near Istanbul when a fire broke out in the accommodation block.

    The crew of 15 managed to safely evacuate the ship but fire-fighting vessels that went to the scene have managed to extinguish the fire. Mark is owned by Turkish interests and is registered in Togo.

    Containers lost off MSC Zoe

    Pictures of MSC Zoe courtesy: Netherlands Coastguard, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    All pictures of MSC Zoe and containers courtesy: Netherlands Coastguard

    In perhaps the most publicised mishap of the New Year, 270 containers are reported to have fallen off the large 19,000-TEU container ship MSC ZOE (IMO 9703318), which was sailing at the time off the German coast.

    The containers were lost overboard during a heavy storm in the North Sea. Pictures of the ship show damaged containers on board and the spaces from where others went overboard.

    A number of the containers have washed ashore on the nearby Dutch North Sea islands. News images and social media have shown Dutch residents as having thought a second Christmas was taking place with gifts washing ashore from broken containers along the beaches. Flat-screen television sets, toy, shoes, tyres, car parts, furniture – those helping themselves could afford to be selective about what they scavenged.

    “The sea takes. The sea gives. Thirty containers…with Ikea-ware. My little pony and car parts. The islanders are happy,” one Dutch islander tweeted.

    It is a reminder of the chaos that took place on a UK Devon coast in 2014, when another MSC ship, MSC NAPOLI, was driven aground to prevent her from sinking. That ship was heading to South Africa and people living along the Devon coast of England reverted to an age-old occupation whenever a ship went ashore – helping themselves!

    Pictures of MSC Zoe courtesy: Netherlands Coastguard, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

    Television footage showed policemen standing by and merely looking on as local people arrived to scavenge and take what they could find – including the sight of people wheeling away brand new BMW motor bikes intended for a Johannesburg showroom.

    Back in the Netherlands, the Dutch Coast Guard has reacted with warnings that several containers carried hazardous materials and have not yet been recovered. The Netherlands authorities said they will seek damages for the cleaning up of the coastline and that they will look at laying criminal charges arising out of possible violations of the country’s Pollution Prevention Act.

    In a statement MSC responded by saying said that it has hired Ardent Global to coordinate a search at sea off both Germany and the Netherlands, in full collaboration with the relevant authorities, for the unrecovered and missing containers and will pay the full costs of the clean-up.

    “MSC is committed to continue searching the sea for the containers which fell overboard, until the last one is found”… and “will ensure that the beaches of the Dutch and German coastlines are surveyed until all debris related to the incident has been cleared.”

    Pictures of MSC Zoe courtesy: Netherlands Coastguard, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

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    PIRATE ATTACK OF BENIN COAST – SIX CREW KIDNAPPED

    MSC Mandy. Picture: Wikipedia Commons, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    MSC Mandy.    Picture: Wikipedia Commons

    Six Russian crew members from the 2,668-TEU container ship MSC MANDY (IMO 8918966) were kidnapped when pirates struck as the vessel was sailing off the coast of Benin in West Africa.

    The 46,852-dwt MSC Mandy had recently sailed…[restrict] from the anchorage at Lagos when the pirates came on board on 2 January.

    This followed a bit of a lull in pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea but the threat of ships coming under attack has never lessened, according to security experts.

    MSC ships often carry their own security guards on company ships operating in at-risk waters although the Nigerian authorities frown on armed guards on board foreign ships in their waters. It is not known whether MSC Mandy has a security presence on board.

    The attack is reported to have taken place 55 nautical miles off the Benin coast. The ship was later sailed to a safe anchorage.[/restrict]

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    ONE JOINTLY CONDUCTS WITH PSA AN IMMERSIVE EDUCATIONAL STUDY TOUR

    It was reported on 3 January by Ocean Network Express (ONE*) that it had collaborated with PSA Singapore (PSA) for a joint corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to promote the learning of container shipping for elementary students from The Japanese School Singapore.

    This initiative is deemed to help the students to better understand…[restrict] the operational activities of a container terminal, and to support the school’s curriculum in trade and transport.

    Led by a dedicated team from ONE, over 240 participants (illustrated) including teachers attended the educational activity which was held at the SA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal on 7 and 14 December 2018.

    As part of the event, participants were educated on the operational procedures of container handling with the berthing and departure of container vessels.

    Specifically, this encompassed a step-by-step process of how containers are handled either manually or through advanced automated systems.

    To better augment the students’ understanding of the subject, a fun-filled information booklet was further developed by ONE and distributed to each of the participants for their additional learning.

    As a whole, and with such a form of CSR programme delivery, ONE has managed to play a vital role in educating the young public on facets of container shipping, as well as to contribute to a better awareness of this essential industry.

    Ocean Network Express Pte Ltd is based at 7 Straits View #16-01 Marina One East Tower, Singapore 018936.

    *A group comprising ‘K’ Line, MOL and NYK.[/restrict]

    Edited by Paul Ridgway
    London

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    SAFETY LESSONS: HAVING A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR FISHING VESSEL’S STABILITY

     

    Illustration Crown Copyright MAIB 2018 ©, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Illustration Crown Copyright MAIB 2018 ©

    Safety message published in the UK to the fishing industry about checking stability when modifying small fishing vessels and particularly if changing or altering fishing methods.

    At 19h38 on 26 September 2017, the 9.9m fishing vessel SOLSTICE capsized in calm weather conditions about…[restrict] south of Plymouth (English South Coast).

    The skipper and crewman were rescued from the vessel’s upturned hull about 5½ hours later, but the vessel’s owner was trapped and drowned in the wheelhouse. Solstice later sank.

    The scallop dredger had recently been modified to operate as a stern trawler and its owner, skipper and crewman were in the process of hauling their second catch of the day on board when the capsize occurred. The net’s cod-end was full of fish, moss and sand, and started to move uncontrollably along the transom as the vessel rolled in the light swell.

    Capsize was rapid, and the crew did not have time to raise the alarm before they entered the water. As the vessel was not equipped with an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and the crew did not carry personal locator beacons (PLBs), they were wholly reliant on family and friends realizing they were overdue and alerting the coastguard.

    A Safety Flyer was issued by the (UK) Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and is to be found by CLICKING HERE

    Edited by Paul Ridgway
    London[/restrict]

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    AIDAnova ARRIVES IN TENERIFE AS WORLD’S FIRST LNG-POWERED CRUISE SHIP

     

    AIDAnova at her floating out on 21 August 2018, appearing in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    AIDAnova at her floating out on 21 August 2018

    AIDA Cruises, a division of Carnival Corp, welcomed the first cruise guests on board AIDAnova, the world’s first LNG-fueled cruise ship to enter service.

    AIDAnova was making a maiden call in the Canary Islands where the Carnival group has taken over operations of the new cruise terminal in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For the first time, a cruise ship powered by environmentally friendly liquefied natural gas has been fueled on the Canary Islands.

    This took place on 19 December 2018 when AIDA Cruises welcomed the first guests on board for the premiere cruise around the Canary Islands and Madeira.

    The world’s first cruise ship arrived in Tenerife on the afternoon of 18 December in time to be fueled with LNG for the first time for its premiere season. The Shell LNG tanker CARDISSA supplied the ship with the low emission marine fuel.

    This event also augmented operations of the Carnival Group’s cruise terminal in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.During a reception aboard, AIDA President Felix Eichhorn underlined the uniqueness of the first ship of the new AIDA generation.

    “With strong enthusiasm and creativity, we have united an extraordinary variety of products for our guests in one place, on AIDAnova. We are very proud to operate what is currently the most environmentally friendly cruise ship and we will continue to pursue this path,” he said.

    AIDAnova is equipped with state-of-the art technology for environmentally friendly travel. With four dual-fuel engines and three gas tanks on board, it is the first cruise ship in the world that can be powered at port and at sea with low-emission liquefied natural gas.Emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides are almost completely eliminated and nitrogen oxides and CO2 emissions are sustainably reduced.

    AIDA Cruises began investing in LNG propulsion technology more than ten years ago. In 2021 and 2023, two additional ships from this new AIDA generation will join the AIDA fleet. In less than five years, more than half of all AIDA guests will be traveling on board ships that are either fully or partially powered with low-emission liquefied natural gas.

    On 22 December more guests boarded AIDAnova at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, the second changeover port for AIDAnova on the Canary Islands. During her premiere season, AIDAnova is embarking on seven-day cruises around the Canary Islands. The program includes the fascinating volcanic landscapes of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira.

    In mid-April 2019, AIDAnova is then setting sail for another favourite travel spot – the Mediterranean. Mediterranean destinations such as Majorca, Barcelona, Rome, Florence and Marseille are scheduled for the summer season.

    AIDAnova being bunkered by the tanker Cardissa at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    AIDAnova being bunkered by the tanker Cardissa at Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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    MOL CAR CARRIER SINCERITY ACE HAS ‘SIGNIFICANT’ FIRE IN MID-PACIFIC

    MOL's car carrier Sincerity Ace in Durban in April 2012. Picture: Terry Hutson, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    MOL’s car carrier Sincerity Ace in Durban in April 2012. Picture: Terry Hutson

    The fire-racked SINCERITY ACE (see report above) has been abandoned by the crew after unsuccessful efforts to contain the blaze, which was termed as ‘significant’ when first reported. The crew began abandoning ship and sadly, three crew members showed no sign of life when their bodies were recovered from the sea, while another two are confirmed as having died.

    The 16 survivors from the original crew of 21 have been taken aboard…[restrict] several merchant ships that rushed to the scene to assist after the call for help first went out. Sincerity Ace is now drifting at sea in 5 to 5.5-metre swells and is still burning.

    The fire on board was first reported on Monday night local time. See earlier report immediately below:

    The 59,408-gt MOL car carrier SINCERITY ACE (IMO 9519092) is reported to have a ‘significant’ fire on board ship in mid Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,800 nautical miles off the coast of Oahu in the Hawaiian group.

    The fire broke out on Monday evening, it is being reported, with four of the crew having abandoned ship in life jackets due to the extent and strength of the fire, while 17 of the 21 crew are reported to have remained on board the fight the fire.

    As the US Coast Guard responds to the scene including one of its HC-130 Hercules aircraft, several merchant ships have responded and are hastening to the scene. One of these is a LNG tanker named SM Eagle while another is the US-flagged car carrier Green Lake. Several other ships in the vicinity are also sailing to assist.

    The USCG has subsequently launched a second HC-130 Hercules aircraft flying from Air Station Barbers Point. Both aircraft carry marker buoys and life rafts and survival gear that can be dropped to survivors in the sea.

    The 199-metre long Sincerity Ace, which has called at South African ports previously, was built in 2009 and has a car carrying capacity of 6,500 motor cars. The ship was sailing from Yokohama in Japan to the US West Coast when the fire started. Further details are not yet available.[/restrict]

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    CHINESE HEAVYLIFT HAI YANG SHI YOU 278 WITH OIL RIG ON DECK IN DURBAN FOR REPAIRS

    Earlier this year the heavylift carrier, Hai Yang Shi You 278 (IMO 9635793) called at Durban with a very similar load, a drill rig of the same company, and is seen here departing Durban on 16 May this year. Picture: Trevor Jones, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Earlier this year the heavylift carrier, Hai Yang Shi You 278 (IMO 9635793) called at Durban with a very similar load, a drill rig of the same company, and is seen here departing Durban on 16 May this year. Picture: Trevor Jones

    Late last week the heavylift ship HAI YANG SHI YOU No. 278 returned to Durban for what is reported to be maintenance repairs.

    The ship is carrying a cargo of a drill oil rig very similar to that which she was carrying when she called in Durban in May this year and which may in fact be the same load. The heavylift has berthed on the New Pier, berth 104 where it is understood that maintenance type repairs are to be carried out lasting three or four or more days.

    Hai Yang Shi You 278, picture above on her previous call, is owned by Chinese interests and managed/operated by the Dutch group Dockwise Shipping BV.

    Incidentally, there are at least 111 ships carrying the name Hai Yang Shi You – not all heavylifts to be sure although there are several of those. Ship number 278, 52,789-dwt, was built in 2012. The ship is 221.6 metres in length and 42m wide. She has arrived in Durban with her last call at Las Palmas.

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    DRUG HAUL No.5 FOR CMF IN BOARDING OPERATIONS IN ARABIAN SEA

    Dhow searched for drugs, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Dhow searched for drugs

    Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) reports a fifth illegal drug seizure at sea in the Arabian Sea involving dhows heading for either Africa or possible Yemen.

    In the latest search and seizure Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat seized…[restrict] more than 900 kg of heroin during two boarding operations that took place on 21 and 23 December, 2018 while operating under the direction of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in international waters of the Northern Arabian Sea.

    This marks the fifth illegal drug seizure this month for ships operating under CTF 150 command, currently led by the Canadian Armed Forces, with support from the Royal Australian Navy.

    “The past three weeks have been incredibly successful for our combined Canadian/Australian CTF 150 Task Group and the ships operating under our command who are doing an excellent job at deterring and denying terrorist activities on the high seas, our efforts demonstrate the value of international partnerships at sea and Combined Maritime Forces coalition efforts,” said Commodore Darren Garnier, Royal Canadian Navy, Commander CTF 150.

    HMAS Ballarat’s seizures started with flag verification checks on two separate vessels. During subsequent searches, the boarding team discovered and seized illegal narcotics, on both dhows. Approximately 165 kg of heroin was found on the first dhow and 766 kg of heroin on the second. The drugs were transferred to HMAS Ballarat for disposal.

    “Thanks to HMAS Ballarat’s hard work, significant quantities of narcotics will not reach their final destination, depriving terrorist organisations of revenue and profits they use to fund their illegal activities,” added Commodore Garnier. “Bravo Zulu to HMAS Ballarat and thank you for your continued efforts in support of CTF 150.”

    These are the first seizures HMAS Ballarat has made since starting operations in November 2018 in support of Operation MANITOU – the Australian Government’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.

    Combined Maritime Forces is composed of thirty three nations and has three principle task forces: Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which conducts counter-terrorism and maritime security operations; CTF 151, which conducts counter piracy operations; and CTF 152, which conducts maritime security operations in the Middle East.[/restrict]

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    73-YEAR OLD AMERICAN MEDIVACCED OFF CRUISE SHIP SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER NEAR MOSSEL BAY

    Seven Seas Explorer. Picture by James Pottinger, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS
    Seven Seas Explorer at Lerwick. Picture by James Pottinger

    A 73-yearold American man has been medically evacuated off the 54,000-gt Regent Seven Seas cruise ship SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER as the luxury ship cruised along the South African coast on Friday (28 December 2018).

    The drama began on yesterday evening (Friday) at 20h00 when the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Mossel Bay Station, was alerted…[restrict] by the Western Cape Government Health EMS Metro Control that a 73-year old American man was suffering a suspected stroke (CVA – Cerebro Vascular Accident) aboard the cruise ship Seven Seas Explorer.

    The cruise ship’s nearest port of call at that stage was Mossel Bay where however the ship would be too large to enter port.

    Seven Seas Explorer was then sailing between Cape Town with her next intended port of call being Port Elizabeth.

    Having been alerted, the Mossel Bay NSRI station crew began preparations to launch its sea rescue craft while local ambulance services dispatched paramedics to join in the operation.

    Earlier MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) had been alerted and an EMS duty doctor established communications with the ship assisted by Telkom Maritime Radio Services. Seven Seas Explorer was at that stage approximately two hours from Mossel Bay.

    The NSRI Mossel Bay Station 15 launched two sea rescue craft, Rescue 15 and St Blaze Rescuer, accompanied by paramedics from By Grace ambulance services. WC Government Health EMS meanwhile remained on alert.

    On arrival alongside the cruise ship 5.5 nautical miles East of Mossel Bay, in 30 to 40 knot North Easterly winds and a 3 to 4 metre sea swell, a paramedic and two NSRI rescue swimmers were transferred onto the ship.

    The patient, who was in a serious but stable condition, was secured onto a stretcher and transferred onto the sea rescue craft alongside the ship and taken ashore in the care of the paramedics. Once ashore he was transported to hospital accompanied by his wife.[/restrict]

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    CMA CGM ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TO ASEA-KENYA-MOGADISHU SERVICE

    CMA CGM's Asea-Kenya-Mogadishu service improvement, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

    French container line CMA CGM has announced and improvement to its Asia (Asea), Kenya and Mogadishu Service, which it says is in order to maintain a high service reliability and punctuality.

    “In a continuous effort to further increase our level of service and reliability to Somalia, starting with M/V COSCO OSAKA, Voyage 0412DW1MA ETA Mombasa…[restrict] 7 January 2019.”

    Cargo direct from China ports on the ASEA KENYA service will benefit by way of one transhipment to Somalia through the Mombasa hub, instead of two.

    The transit times will be improved by up to two days, with Mogadishu being reached from Shanghai in 32 days, Ningbo 31 days, Singapore 23 days.

    The ASEA KENYA new rotation is as follows:

    Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Singapore – Tanjung Pelepas – Port Kelang – Colombo – Mombasa hub – Mogadishu (via Noura service)[/restrict]

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    SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCHES ITS MOST ADVANCED NANO-SATELLITE, PRECURSOR TO ADVANCED MARITIME COMMUNICATIONS

    The vast Vostochny Spaceport near the Russian border with China, opicture by Dmitry Rogozin/Siberian Times
    The vast Vostochny Spaceport near the Russian border with China

    South Africa has successfully launched into space the continent’s most advanced nanosatellite to date – the ZACube-2.

    The ZACube-2 will provide cutting edge remote sensing and communication services to South Africa and the region.

    This satellite will help us monitor our ocean traffic as part of our oceans economy and also monitor veld fires and provide near real-time fire information ensuring a quick response time by disaster management teams, Minister of Science and Technology Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said…[restrict] in a statement on Thursday.

    “Science is indeed helping us resolve the challenges of our society. I want to congratulate our space team for great work and this achievement,” the minister said.

    She said she is proud that the satellite was developed by some of South Africa’s youngest and brightest minds under a programme representing the country’s diversity.

    According to the Department of Science and Technology, the satellite is a technology demonstrator for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) that will provide critical information for the county’s oceans economy.

    It will monitor the movement of ships along the South African coastline with its automatic identification system (AIS) payload.

    The Minister congratulated the team behind this historic moment, saying the launch of ZACube-2 represents a significant milestone in the nation’s ambition to becoming a key player in the innovative utilisation of space science and technology in responding to government priority areas.

    The ZACube-2 took off at 04:07am with the Russian Soyuz Kanopus mission from the Vostochny spaceport. The cube-satellite left the earth together with small satellites from the United States, Japan, Spain, and Germany and is orbited as secondary payload in a launch mission designed for real-time monitoring of natural and manmade disasters and other emergencies, the department said.

    Weighing just four kilograms, the ZACube-2 is South Africa’s second nanosatellite to be launched into space and three times the size of its predecessor, TshepisoSat.

    “It is regarded as the continent’s most advanced cube satellite and is in fact a precursor to the MDASat – a constellation of nine nanosatellites that will be developed to provide cutting-edge very high frequency data exchange communication systems to the maritime industry,” the department said.

    The department’s entity, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), in cooperation with the University of Montpellier, the French Embassy and the Paris Chamber of Commerce, manages the project.

    In April this year, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane attended the send-off ceremony and met the young team who worked on the Zacube-2 at CPUT.

    “The ZACube-2 will be given a new name soon, following a national satellite naming competition launched in April by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), an entity of the department. SAASTA received over 300 entries from Grade 4-12 learners. The results have been finalised and the new name of the nanosatellite will be announced in due course,” the department said. source: SAnews.gov.za[/restrict]

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    CMA CGM ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENT FOR NOURA SERVICE

    NOURASAervice update as from 3 January 2019, featured in Africa PORTS & SHIPS

    French shipping company CMA CGM has announced an improvement to its NOURA Service covering East Africa and the Indian Ocean markets, which it says is to maintain a high service reliability and punctuality.

    The NOURA Service connects the Middle East to East Africa.

    The updated service takes effect from the sailing of the vessel CMA CGM MANET on Voyage 01 L17S1MA, expected to sail from Jebel Ali on 3 January 2019.

    NOURA is a direct service with a comprehensive coverage of East Africa and Indian Ocean markets and is to benefit by way of a 6th sister ship of 2,200 TEU to address the recurrent port congestion currently being experienced.

    Mombasa is now added in the port coverage to permit a significant service improvement for the Asia cargo bound to Somalia and transiting via the Kenya hub.

    NOURA’s new rotation is as follows:

    Jebel Ali – Mombasa – Mogadishu – Longoni – Nacala (fortnightly) – Beira (fortnightly) – Port Victoria – Jebel Ali

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    GENERAL NEWS REPORTS – UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY

    in partnership with – APO

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    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.

     

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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.

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    THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

    “When you’re climbing the ladder, don’t forget the rungs.”

    – Anon

     

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