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

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Come with us as we report through 2019

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TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

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

Click on headline to go direct to story : use the BACK key to return

• Front Page: D&K YUSUF I.AL-GHANIM
• Hurricane Dorian: Telecommunications aid
• Dive In: Exploring South Africa’s maritime opportunities
• RFA Mounts Bay provides…..
• President Ramaphosa speaks out against trucking violence and xenophobia
• Preparing for World Radio Communication Conference
• G7, the maritime aspects
• Chinese trade envoy meets with Kenya’s President Kenyatta
• It is no Slow Boat to China as SA SEZs embark on roadshow
• UK assistance following Hurricane Dorian
• News from Earlier This Week…….(headlined in Blue)
• NZ protesters greet ship carrying phosphates from Western Sahara
• South African truckers arrested for anti-foreigner protests
• Pioneer Trek starts at Port of Mossel Bay
• Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash visits West Africa
• South African potato company participates in Fruit Logistica
• Parliament seeks solution to truck driver attacks
• Paul Ridgway’s Sternpost: Another view from London
• Korean fishing vessel In Sung Ho creates a stink in Cape Town harbour
• HMS Queen Elizabeth sails for the US
• East London Dry Dock to close for refurbishment
• Golar FLNG Gimi to have TMC compressors installed
• Port Welfare Committee established in Richards Bay
• Grindrod sells its investment in NWK
• Meet Hajara: an Emergency Transport Scheme user
• Revised Peak Season Surcharges on CMA CGM cargo to Apapa and Tin Can
• Transnet’s new helicopters enter into service
• Trucking industry violence condemned
• MOL links with Karadeniz to provide first LNG-to-Powership vessel for use in Nacala
• Port of Lüderitz commissioning of first manganese shipment
• Zimbabwe makes start on North-South Corridor road rehabilitation
• Walvis Bay new container terminal goes live
• US Marines’ amphibious landing drill on Djibouti soil
• OLDER NEWS CAN BE FOUND AT NEWS CATEGORIES…….
• The Sunday masthead is Saldanha Bay Iron Ore Terminal 

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FRONT PAGE: D&K YUSUF I.AL-GHANIM

The United Arab Emirates oil products tanker D&K YUSUF I.AL-GHANIM (IMO 9399624) arrives at Durban recently and is shown here in the entrance channel. The 49,671-dwt tanker, built in 2011 is 189 metres in length and 32.2m wide. She is registered in the Marshall Islands.
This picture is by Keith Betts

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HURRICANE DORIAN: TELECOMMUNICATIONS AID

UPDATED REPORT

In the Bahamas, the death toll continues to rise with authorities warning that the final number could be huge. The UN said by the end of week commencing 1 September, that more than 70,000 people were “in immediate need of life-saving assistance” including food, water, shelter and medicine.

Of the devastation the full scale was slow to emerge as in vast areas of the northern Bahamas, including the Abaco Islands, it has been difficult for rescue crews to gain access.

According to the Geneva-based ITU its staff are now helping to deploy critical equipment to areas hit hardest by Hurricane Dorian in close collaboration with the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.

It is reported that ITU is deploying Iridium and Inmarsat satellite phones to provide voice communications. In addition there are Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Networks (BGANs), which provide satellite internet connectivity and voice communications. ITU has deployed some 50 units in total, it is understood.

The vital role of telecoms in emergencies

When established terrestrial communications systems have been affected by disasters, satellite phones and BGANS can operate and are a key part of emergency telecommunications.

They play a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of disasters by ensuring the timely flow of vital information, allowing for the effective coordination of humanitarian response efforts.

In the words of Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau: “ITU’s Emergency Telecommunications team is committed to working around the clock to get the lines of communication open again as quickly as possible, with the invaluable support of our satellite industry partners, Inmarsat and Iridium.”

We learn that in the Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands, most of the mobile telecommunications infrastructure has been destroyed.

RFA Mounts Bay delivered essential aid to Great Abaco

The ship has been in the Caribbean since June in preparation for the hurricane season and was re-tasked last week to sail to The Bahamas in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian, the strongest ever recorded in The Bahamas.

DFID’s team is working alongside the Bahamian Government’s National Emergency Management Agency and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, as well as other international partners, to assess the damage caused by the hurricane, and to plan the response.

The Ministry of Defence issued video available by CLICKING HERE

Reported by Paul Ridgway
London

All illustrations / film reproduced by kind courtesy of the Ministry of Defence MoD Crown Copyright 2019 ©

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DIVE IN: EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA’S MARITIME OPPORTUNITIES

An exciting new maritime awareness programme was launched on Wednesday, 4 September, to encourage South Africa’s youth to not only dip their feet into the endless possibilities of career exploration in the maritime industry, but to ‘dive in’ by getting immersed into a future career in the oceans economy.

The pilot in a series of career expos planned by SAIMI* to be rolled out to other coastal provinces in 2020 was successfully hosted in East London on that day.

*South African International Maritime Institute

Over 450 learners from 25 different Eastern Cape high schools as well as students and interested members of the community attended the Dive In! Maritime Career Exploration expo at the East London ICC.

The expo and interactive displays showcased a wide variety of study and career opportunities in and around the oceans, introducing the learners to diverse maritime career options such as ship builders, oil rig engineers, maritime lawyers and conservationists.

The learners also took part in interactive experiences including a tour of the Port of East London, experiencing a SA Police Service (SAPS) patrol boat drill and exploring sailing boats. They also engaged with youth who have already ‘dived in’ to the maritime world, including trainee seafarers from SAIMI’s National Cadet Programme and young sailors from the Royal Cape Yacht Club Academy maritime youth development programme.

Exhibitors included companies such as African Marine Solutions (AMSOL), research agencies including the SA Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), along with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) and government departments that have partnered with SAIMI in the national maritime awareness programme.

Education and training institutions included Nelson Mandela University and University of Fort Hare and Buffalo City College who showcased their maritime-related courses, along with related sector education and training authorities (SETAs).

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ aquaculture advisor Keagan Halley presented an interactive session to the learners on aquaculture-related careers.

“Our presentation to the learners specifically emphasised aquaculture as a career field, since there is so much scope to get into the industry. These opportunities include research and activities around the farm – such as marketing and value-adding, or artisanal career opportunities. Even though some of the learners may not have maths and science as subjects at school, there are still areas to go into because aquaculture is a business,” said Halley.

Exploring a pooling together of resources

Running parallel with the expo was a Stakeholder Engagement Session for Maritime Awareness with various representatives from the public and private sector participating in a lively discussion. The purpose of the session was to explore collaborative ways of achieving the common goals of promoting maritime education and training, as well as exponential job creation and growth within the oceans economy.

Having a stronger and more integrated impact together, the multi-stakeholder task team, which is led by SAIMI, includes representatives from the SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA); the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA); the departments of Labour; Higher Education, Science and Technology; Basic Education; Transport; Public Works; Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries; Government Communications and Information Services; Tourism; the SA Police Service; and the National Skills Fund.

SAIMI acting CEO Odwa Mtati said the event was also the official launch of the national ‘Dive In’ Maritime Awareness Programme – a collaborative campaign that aims to raise awareness of the importance of the oceans economy.

“The national maritime awareness campaign is intended to raise consciousness that South Africa IS a maritime nation and by growing awareness of the opportunities for careers, employment, business, upliftment of communities, we aim to grow participation in the oceans economy and position South Africa as Africa’s leading maritime nation,” Mtati said.

SAIMI Operations Director Soraya Artman introduced the creative multi-media and multi-platform campaign that will use a combination of media, resources, activities and activations to get a wider audience engaged and interested in the maritime economy.

“Today is just the beginning– the maritime awareness campaign will roll out from here into various activations involving the youth, educators, previously excluded groups such as women and disabled people, business – especially entrepreneurs and SMME’s, and coastal communities,” said Artman.

Calling for more Maritime Awareness

Artman also announced that SAIMI will shortly issue a call for proposals for projects that SAIMI could support to build out the national maritime campaign and give it life.

“We will be looking for ideas around promoting awareness and appreciation of the maritime environment and economy, particularly where there is a focus on skills development and capacity building for participation in the maritime economy, maritime careers, and/or group participation in ocean-based sports, recreation, cultural, community development, coastal/marine environmental conservation, and related/similar activities,” said Artman.

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RFA MOUNTS BAY PROVIDES …..

Illustrations MoD Crown Copyright 2019 ©

Further to our report of yesterday UK assistance following Hurricane Dorian, we feature here some of the latest scenes as members of the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) team from RFA Mounts Bay, providing aid assistance to the islanders of Great Abaco on 4 September.

Troops are delivering aid to the island of Great Abaco in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian hit earlier in the week.

A rigid-hulled inflatable boat was deployed from RFA Mounts Bay with a dedicated Humanitarian and Disaster Relief team to join up with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and unload vital aid to some of those who have been worst hit by the category five storm.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel has been in the Caribbean since June in preparation for the hurricane season and was re-tasked last week (w/e 31 August) to sail to The Bahamas in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian, the strongest ever recorded in The Bahamas.

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

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PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TRUCKING VIOLENCE AND XENOPHOBIA

The Portfolio Committee on Transport (South Africa) has expressed concern with the violent nature of the protests in the transport industry.

A number of trucks have been vandalised and set alight in the past two weeks in several provinces throughout the country.

“Transport is the backbone of our economy, safety on the roads ought to be guaranteed at all times. All stakeholders in the transport industry must come together to resolve the crisis,” committee chairperson Mosebenzi Zwane said in a statement.

Zwane said the protest action could impact negatively on the public transport industry and the South African economy.

The committee has condemned any form of disorder, violence and vandalism on the roads, although it understands the concerns raised by truck drivers.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to desist from fuelling tensions in the wake of violence that has gripped the country in the last two weeks.

“I am calling upon each one of us to desist from fuelling a climate of fear and confusion,” said the President.

President Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Thursday evening (5 September) through a national broadcast on radio and television on matters of public and gender-based violence that have gripped the country.

Addressing the public violence, the President said the country has been deeply traumatised by acts of violence and criminality directed against foreign nationals and South African citizens.

“We know that at least 10 people have been killed in this violence, two of whom were a foreign nationals. No amount of anger and frustration and grievance can justify such acts of destruction and criminality.

“There can be no excuse for the attacks on the homes and businesses of foreign nationals, just as there can be no excuse for xenophobia or any other form of intolerance,” he said.

The President called on South Africans to work to strengthen political, social and trade ties in an effort to develop the country’s economy and that of its neighbours.

He also called on communities with genuine grievances to address these through engagement and dialogue.

In the same breathe, the President warned that no stone would be left unturned in addressing criminal activity.

“But where people act with criminal intent, irrespective of their nationality, we will not hesitate to act to uphold the law and ensure order and stability,” he said.

Ramaphosa commended law enforcement and security agencies for their swift action to restore stability in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

“The violence has largely subsided and police have increased reinforcements and visibility in priority areas to ensure the safety of all within South African borders.

“The criminal justice system is ready to deal with perpetrators of violence, looting and lawlessness.”

Since Sunday, 423 people have been arrested for violence-related offences in Gauteng and 21 suspects have been arrested in relation to truck violence in KwaZulu-Natal.

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PREPARING FOR WORLD RADIO COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE

An Inter-regional Workshop focused on preparations for the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) opened in Geneva this week.

This preparatory workshop for WRC-19, the third such meeting, met from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September 2019. Discussions have centred on the agenda of the World Radiocommunication Conference as well as regional priorities and inputs.

These have been prepared both for WRC-19, which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 28 October until 22 November 2019, and the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-19) that will precede it at the same venue, 21-25 October.

Experts representing the Regional Groups and the…[restrict] ITU Member States preparing for WRC-19 will share latest information and explanations on their positions for the Conference. Information on the status of readiness of the Conference by ITU and the host country, Egypt, will also be provided.
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​Among the issues on the agenda at this Workshop that will come up at WRC-19:​

Identifying frequency bands​

Identification of frequency bands for the future development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including possible additional allocations to the mobile service.​

Identification of frequency bands for High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPs) – ­ aircraft positioned in the stratosphere for very-long-duration flights – which can be used for a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, emergency/public safety communications, intelligent transportation systems, maritime surveillance, and environmental monitoring.

Conditions of use of Wireless access systems, including radio​ local area networks (WAS/RLAN), to provide effective communication for portable and mobile computer-based equipment.

Updating and modernisation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), with consideration of new frequencies for additional GMDSS satellite providers to expand geographical coverage, including in Polar Regions, for safety in maritime navigation and search-and-rescue operations, as well as to enhance collision avoidance systems.

Satellite Systems

Frequency bands used by science services will be considered to ensure that Earth exploration-satellite, meteorological-satellite and other systems continue to be able to provide environmental monitoring, prediction and mitigation of the negative effects of disasters caused by climate change as well as to monitor the earth’s resources and any other key services.

​​​​Consider additional frequencies with appropriate regulatory, technical, and operational conditions for earth stations in motion (ESIM) communicating from aircraft, maritime vessels and land vehicles with satellites on the geostationary orbit (GSO); enhance the international regulatory framework to improve satellite broadband connectivity including from new non-GSO satellite systems composed of multiple, multi-satellite constellations.

Sustainable Development Goals

“WRC-19 will play a critical role in helping achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as dealing with the accelerating climate crisis, reducing food shortages, improving safety in transportation systems in the air, on land, and on the sea, while providing improved connectivity for people worldwide,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.

“This inter-regional workshop marks a key step in preparing for the World Radiocommunication Conference, which will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh this fall.”

“The multi-trillion dollar telecommunication industry is looking forward to the decisions taken at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19),” said Mr Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.

“The global harmonisation of spectrum for fixed, mobile, satellite and broadcasting industries will be essential in achieving economies of scale and in connecting the world to cutting edge developments and innovations in telecommunications.”

Dr Amr Badawi, former Executive President of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt and the proposed Chairman of WRC-19, said, “This Inter-regional Workshop is an excellent opportunity to have a final look at the priorities facing WRC-19 and to ensure preparations for this important conference are on track.

“I look forward to welcoming participants from around the world in Sharm El-Sheikh and to the deliberations which will shape the future of global telecommunications.”

Further details available HERE

Join the conversation on social media: #ITUWRC and #WRC19[restrict]

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G7, THE MARITIME ASPECTS

The G7 (or Group of Seven) is an organisation made up of the world’s seven largest so-called advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. This organisation (originally G8 to include Russia) was founded to facilitate shared macroeconomic initiatives by its members in response to the collapse of the exchange rate 1971, during the time of the Nixon shock, the 1970’s energy crisis and the ensuing recession.

Remember G8

On 24 March 2014, the G7 members cancelled the planned G8 summit that was to be held in June that year in the Russian city of Sochi, and suspended Russia’s membership of the group, due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea; nevertheless, they stopped short of outright permanent expulsion.

The G7 was created on France’s initiative during the crisis following the first oil crisis. It was conceived as an informal forum for dialogue between the leading economic powers, with the primary aim of acting as a forum to coordinate economic and financial policies free of any specific protocol.

Over two days France hosted the G7 Summit, the 45th in the series, held on 24-26 August in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Originally a meeting behind closed doors for seven Heads of State and Government, the Summit adopted a completely new format this year. Civil society made almost unprecedented contributions, and several countries with growing regional influence were invited to take part.

A series of tangible actions were decided on to support the survival of the Amazon, stability in Iran, global trade, the expansion of Africa, gender equality, and the fight against inequality.

The French President wanted the G7 Summit to be useful – it was.

There is a one-page document summarising the main decisions, known as the Leaders Declaration and made on global crises and trade and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE

Of particular interest here is the comment on Trade: “The G7 is committed to open and fair world trade and to the stability of the global economy.
“The G7 requests that the Finance Ministers closely monitor the state of the global economy.

“Therefore, the G7 wishes to overhaul the WTO to improve effectiveness with regard to intellectual property protection, to settle disputes more swiftly and to eliminate unfair trade practices.

“The G7 commits to reaching in 2020 an agreement to simplify regulatory barriers and modernise international taxation within the framework of the OECD.”

SAILS

G7 SAILS, derived from Sustainable Actions for Innovative and Low-impact Shipping, made a Declaration to promote Good Practices in Maritime Transport for the Protection of the Marine and Coastal Environment . This available on a PDF: HERE

Of particular note is:
Specific actions by passenger ship companies
For cruise lines and ferries, minimise the impacts of coastal zone use and contribute to the management of MPAs by:

 Raising passenger awareness of environmental protection, work carried out in MPAs and the financial support required for this work (for example, by encouraging donations, including direct contributions on each ticket, etc.);

 Working with the States visited to better take into account criteria for the preservation of coastal biodiversity and the living environment of local populations (distance from coasts and coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass, etc.) when defining sea routes, wherever possible.

Reference was made to the Niulakita High Ambition Declaration on Shipping

The Assembly welcomed the initiative of the UN Secretary-General to hold the 2019 Climate Action Summit on 23 September 2019, in New York City; see HERE

Of note is the need to:

 Emphasise the need for the shipping industry to transition to the use of non-fossil fuels as soon as possible, and for industry and governments to work collaboratively to support the global availability of those fuels, including in developing countries and in particular in small island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries.

Biarritz Chairman’s statement on climate, biodiversity and oceans is HERE

Compiled by Paul Ridgway
London

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CHINESE TRADE ENVOY MEETS WITH KENYA’S PRESIDENT KENYATTA

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta this week held talks on trade and infrastructure with the special envoy sent by President Xi of China, Mr Yang Jiechi.

The discussions centred around bilateral ties between China and Kenya and would no doubt have included the stalled standard gauge railway project to link the port of Mombasa with the Uganda border.

According to the Kenyan president, cooperation with China has enabled the country to make strides in connecting the region, attracting investment and…[restrict] creating more employment.

He urged the private sector from both countries to make use of the opportunities being presented by the very cordial relations and to play a bigger role in the various development programmes.

“We need to really now focus on how we can work together to get our private sector, our investors to work more closer together. How do we attract Chinese investors, manufacturers, industrialists and other business people to invest in Kenya,” the President told his guest.

Kenyatta said that in addition to the export of avocados which were recently granted access to the expansive Chinese market, Kenya would like to export more local products to China, especially tea and coffee.

The Chinese envoy delivered a special message from President Xi to President Kenyatta and said China was committed to continue partnering with Kenya through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC).

Mr Yang said that BRI and FOCAC aligned infrastructure projects were aimed at fostering intra-Africa commerce as well as inter-regional trade between Africa and Asia.

“With the railway, we can have industrial parks, all kinds of trading activities. With the railway there will be easy access, efficient access of products to markets either in Africa or in China or in other continents,” Mr Yang said.

Turning to the trade imbalance between Kenya and China, the Chinese official assured President Kenyatta that his country was working on opening up the Chinese market to more Kenyan products. source: Kenya Presidency[/restrict]

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IT IS NO SLOW BOAT TO CHINA AS SA SEZs EMBARK ON ROADSHOW TO CHINA

South Africa’s Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Fikile Majola is in China to woo investors as South Africa kicks off its Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Investment Roadshow.

“The objective of the roadshow is for SEZ operators to showcase investment opportunities. The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) also seeks to derive value from the cooperation agreements with China on the SEZs, particularly as South Africa embarks on industrialisation and mineral beneficiation programmes,” said the department.

Kicking-off today (Thursday), the dti said the roadshow will also serve as the implementation of…[restrict] the undertakings of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (CSPA) signed between the two countries in China in 2011, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing in 2018 and Memorandum of Understanding with Bank of China (BOC) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China.

These aim to support South Africa’s initiatives of industrialisation and beneficiation.

Majola said SEZs can provide the country with the necessary impetus for promoting industrial agglomeration, building desired industrial capabilities, small enterprise development and integration in strategic value chains.

“The SEZs programme has now entered a full implementation phase, with designated SEZs continuing to show a positive progress in terms of the number of investors operating in the zones. We are taking action to scale up implementation where there are bottlenecks. More importantly, there has also been a significant increase in the number and value of secured but not operational investment,” he said.

Between 2019 and 2020, the number of operational investors in designated SEZs has increased from 110 to 122, with an investment value sitting at over R19 billion.

“The number of designated Special Economic Zones in South Africa has now reached 10, covering seven provinces. The number of direct jobs has also increased from 13,466 to 15,737. The number of signed but non-operational investors is currently estimated to be 61, with a total investment value of more than R33 billion,” said the Deputy Minister.

The Deputy Minister is scheduled to meet with the China National Development Reformed Commission and Bank of China to discuss further cooperation on developing industrial capabilities and transfer of innovation and technology between the two countries.

He will also seek firm commitments from prospective investors from China to invest in the South African SEZs.

Majola is accompanied to Chengdu by the South African SEZs representatives, as well as officials from Eskom and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The roadshow will conclude tomorrow (Friday 6 September 2019).

South Africa currently has 10 SEZs – Atlantis, Nkomazi, Coega, Richards Bay, East London, Saldanha Bay, Dube Tradeport, Maluti-A-Phofung, OR Tambo, Musina/Makhado.[/restrict]

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UK ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING HURRICANE DORIAN

Our aerial image shows the island of Great Abaco which was one of the first to be hit by Hurricane Dorian after she turned in to a category 5 hurricane earlier in week commencing 1 September.

RFA Mounts Bay is embarked with a Wildcat helicopter that has been conducting reconnaissance flights over the islands to assess the damage and provide important intelligence to the Bahamian Government and the team of Department for International Development (DFID) experts who have deployed to the region.

Mounts Bay is equipped with a dedicated Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) team made up of personnel from the Royal Engineers and Royal Logistic Corps and is carrying vital aid and specialist equipment, such as all-terrain quads, dump trucks, diggers and stores. The ship is also able to provide essential medical care. It is understood that the ship has the capability to transport up to 3600 evacuees (in ideal conditions) to nearby islands.

Mounts Bay was tasked on 30 August at 17h30A to proceed at best speed to the Bahamas and arrived at Grand Bahama at 04h00 local time on 3 August.

While on passage and tracking Hurricane Dorian from the south, RFA Mounts Bay’s HADR Command Planning Group were preparing for the task ahead, assessing the island chain’s geographical picture and infrastructure to ensure that maximum initial support can be provided to those affected.

With regular updates from the ship’s Metrological team, the Command Planning Group kept a watch on Dorian’s advance, tracking its progress as it developed through the West Indies.

RFA Mounts Bay’s Commanding Officer, Captain Rob Anders, commented:   “The team on Mounts Bay has trained in HADR to be prepared for all eventualities. It is hoped that we will not have to use those skills but if required Mounts Bay is ready.”

Mounts Bay carries a HADR team of specialist personnel and transport, including all terrain quads, dump trucks, diggers and stores, which can provide immediate limited support to the local community. The ship is also able to provide essential medical care.

Coast Guard advice

On 5 September the US Coast Guard issued a notice: “For their safety, the Coast Guard advises mariners to not attempt voyages into the Northern Bahamas until further notice due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Dorian.

“The Government of the Bahamas is currently assessing its northern ports and harbors to determine if they are safe to enter.  There is high risk of debris in the water, sunken vessels, and destroyed or missing aids to navigation and pier facilities.

“There is also risk of chemical spills and changes to the topography/hydrology in ports and marinas from the prolonged winds and storm surge of the Category 5 hurricane.”

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

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NZ PROTESTERS GREET SHIP CARRYING PHOSPHATES FROM WESTERN SAHARA

Some ships attract interest for all the wrong reasons when entering port, reports photographer Alan Calvert in Lyttelton, New Zealand in this short photo story.

Last week the 33,044-gt bulk carrier AMOY DREAM (IMO 9583615) arrived at Lyttelton carrying phosphate from a disputed ownership* mine in Morocco.

Mr Calvert said that at the lookout from where these images were taken a group of protesters had erected a banner over the edge of the lookout.

“There was much excitement when they discovered that the banner was upside down. After much discussion the banner was turned around and upside down. Looking pleased with themselves they then discovered that the banner was still upside down and now the lettering was facing inside the lookout. After shouting a few obscenities at the ship they disappeared to set up camp at the road entrance to the port.”

* Editor’s Note: The dispute involves more than ownership of a mine but Morocco’s continued claim to sovereignty of the area known as Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) which is partially controlled by the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (headed by the Polisario Front) and partially occupied by neighbouring Morocco.

A number of countries, including South Africa, as well as the United Nations recognise the right to independence of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic while some countries including Australia, South Africa and the United States will no longer import phosphates or other minerals from this region.

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SOUTH AFRICAN TRUCKERS ARRESTED FOR ANTI-FOREIGNER PROTESTS

South African police on Monday arrested several people following road blockades and violence by truckers protesting against the employment of foreign drivers.

Police spokesman for the southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Jay Naicker said in a statement that at least 20 individuals had been arrested “in connection with incidents related to protests within the trucking industry”.

Eleven trucks on Sunday blocked the road to…[restrict] Richards Bay Harbour, South Africa’s major bulk cargo harbour.

In the Western Cape province, several protesters blocked roads with their vehicles, authorities said.

“Several roads had to be closed for traffic from early morning due to trucks blocking the road while others were seen offloading sand on the road,” said a statement from the provincial transport minister Bonginkosi Madikizela.

Human Rights Watch last week reported that dozens of truck drivers in the country have died in attacks against foreigners since March 2018.

The report was released after a recent spate of xenophobic violence fuelled by economic decline and record unemployment in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

A South African truck owners’ association quoted by the HRW reported 75 such incidents since March this year, 15 of which were independently confirmed by the watchdog.

Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula, police chief for KZN province, where at least two trucks were torched, said they had intensified patrols along major routes.

“We are on high alert for those that are resorting to acts of criminality and claim to be protesting,” he said in a statement.

South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), which has over 200,000 members, distanced itself from the action.

“Whenever there are faceless people calling a strike, there tends to be violence,” SATAWU spokeswoman Zanele Sabela said. source: Club of Mozambique

To read the full report CLICK HERE
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PIONEER TREK STARTS AT PORT OF MOSSEL BAY

Mossel Bay: The Garden Route community has been invited to witness the start of the Momentum Health Cape Pioneer Trek at Transnet National Port Authority’s Port of Mossel Bay, which is set to take place from 8 to 14 September. Day one of the bike challenge will journey through top attractions within the Port of including Cape St Blaise Lighthouse, the famous Mossel Bay Cave and the Point area.

The seven-day annual event sees about 300 pro-riders race around the Klein Karoo while generating over 420 jobs and raising much-needed funds for local schools, which in…[restrict] 2019, include Milkwood Primary School in Mossel Bay, Van Kervel High School in George and Langenhoven Gimnasium in Oudtshoorn.

As giving back to the community and supporting schools is a priority of TNPA, Port Manager, Shadrack Tshikalange said the port’s participation in the race for the 7th year was only fitting.

“We are committed towards supporting initiatives and events that are in line with our corporate social investment strategy that places emphasis on education, youth development and job creation,” he said.

“TNPA is focused on transforming South Africa’s ports into ‘people’s ports’ that benefit and uplift their communities through tourism, leisure, recreation, sport, careers and business opportunities. We invite the public to enjoy the race as it journeys through the key points within port limits.”

Port Festival 2019

The Garden Route community can also look forward to a weekend of spectacular harbour highlights in November, as TNPA firms up 2 and 3 November as the dates for its new-look Port Festival in Mossel Bay.

Showcasing portside fun for all ages, the two-day festival aims to help TNPA to bring communities closer to the port, in line with its ‘People’s Port’ focus.

The public can look forward to an array of family-friendly entertainment including tours of ships, boat rides, a careers and business exhibition, a sailing regatta, sea rescue displays, a special kids’ zone, craft and food markets, live music and entertainment by crowd pullers and emerging artists, plus an array of other waterside and landside activities.[/restrict]

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INDIAN NAVY FRIGATE INS TARKASH VISITS WEST AFRICA

The Indian Navy frigate INS TARKASH F50 which is on an extended cruise to the Mediterranean, Europe, Russia and West Africa, is currently in West African waters and has made visits to Tangier in Morocco and Dakar in Senegal.

INS Tarkash, which is attached to India’s Western Naval Command, made a three-day visit to Dakar at the end of August and after undertaking a passage at sea accompanied by ships of the Senegalese Navy aimed at enhancing interoperability between both navies, is due to dock in Lagos, Nigeria on 5 September for four days until 8 September 2019.

The visit of the warship coincides with the marking of 60 years of the establishment of bilateral relations between India and Nigeria.

“It also reflects the commitment of the Indian Navy to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy in the face of growing global maritime security challenges, especially in the Gulf of Guinea,” the Indian High Commission said.

During the visit there will be a number of professional interactions and joint exercises, sports events and social engagements, intended for the purpose of enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two navies.

INS Tarkash is commanded by Captain Sathish Vasudevand and is one of the frontline guided missile frigates of the Indian Navy. The ship was built in the Russian Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad as the second of three Teg-class frigates, second batch ordered for the Indian Navy, which are modified versions of the Russian Krivak III-class frigates.

On completion of the Lagos visit is is expected that INS Tarkash will undertake a passage at sea exercise with elements of the Nigerian Navy.

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SOUTH AFRICAN POTATO COMPANY PARTICIPATES IN FRUIT LOGISTICA

There are no rotten potatoes today (Wednesday) as South African companies are set to participate in the 2019 Fruit Logistica Asia Trade Show that gets underway in Hong Kong.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Potatoes South Africa, Andre Jooste, said the company’s participation in the show is driven by China’s previous hosting of the World Potato Congress in 2015, where potatoes were made known as the next significant product they were looking to surpass rice with.

“That development coupled with the innovations and product developments we witnessed in 2015 were key in informing us that there was still a lot to learn. When the dti presented us with this opportunity to come and showcase this year we saw that as an opportunity to further build on the knowledge and experience that we previously obtained,” said Jooste ahead of the start of the three-day show.

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is…[restrict] leading a delegation of 22 local companies to the annual trade show that focus on the fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables produce sector and the related value chain.

Participation in the fair, said the dti, is to ensure that local companies gain market access and acquire knowledge on global trends and innovation within the fresh produce sector.

The trade show also offers the opportunity to establish new business contacts as it brings together key players from all over the world under one roof.

Jooste said the company hopes to build networks and connections to open up markets for the country’s over 500 producers to export potatoes into the world.

“We have the capacity to meet the volumes and are one of the few areas in the world that produce potatoes all year round in sixteen different production regions because of our favourable climate. We have determined that export is very important also for our local industry to not only develop markets to the north but to also look at the Middle East and in the long term if there are markets in the Far East,” says Jooste.

The participation of the South African companies at Fruit Logistica forms part of the dti’s Export Promotion Strategy that targets high growth export markets and to support South Africa’s fresh produce sector.

The trade show will conclude on Friday.

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) is a Non-profit Organisation under the Companies Act 71, 2008 (Act 71 of 2008), whose main objective is to serve as the mouthpiece of the South African potato producers. Further details available at www.potatoes.co.za/
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PARLIAMENT SEEKS SOLUTION TO TRUCK DRIVER ATTACKS

The chairperson of the Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour, Mandla Rayi, says a solution must be found to address the attacks on truck drivers.

“This is not only a crime against truck drivers but also against the economy at a time when faster and rapid growth is required. It is critical that law enforcement works hard to find the culprits and act accordingly to stop this thuggish behaviour.

“The impact on the economy, especially…[restrict] on small and medium enterprise, is extensive. These criminal acts negatively influence employment in the country and need to be eliminated. South Africa prides itself on the rule of law,” Rayi said.

Reports in the media recently indicated a rise in the number of attacks directed at truck drivers, many directed towards foreign truck drivers.

Rayi said attacks motivated by xenophobia will not be tolerated and if xenophobia is a motivating factor, then the perpetrators should be exposed.

“The focus should now be on growing the economy through promoting regional and continental trade. Small and medium enterprises should be at the centre of such efforts, through trading between regions, provinces and neighbouring countries. The burning of trucks is unacceptable,” he said.[/restrict]

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PAUL RIDGWAY’S STERNPOST:
Another view from London

By Paul Ridgway

Red Ensign flown ashore

Public buildings and other places were flying the Red Ensign on 3 September to mark Merchant Navy Day 2019.

This day is celebrated throughout the UK and marks the start of the Second World War in 1939 and on this day the first British maritime casualty of the conflict, the Donaldson Line’s ss Athenia, was recorded. Torpedoed just hours after hostilities were declared, she sank with the tragic loss of 128 passengers and crew.

Many thousands more would meet the same fate in the hostilities that followed, so it is for this reason that 3 September has come to be recognised as Merchant Navy Day to honour the men and women who supplied Britain during both World Wars, as well as those who continue to face the perils and dangers of life at sea.

In the words of one council leader in the East Midlands, 40 miles from the sea and in a largely agricultural constituency: “Merchant Navy Day allows us to show our support and appreciation for those who have helped to keep our country going during the best and worst of times.

“We are all indebted to the Merchant Navy for their contribution to the defence of our nation throughout both World Wars. Even today, we are dependent on shipping for almost all of our imports, including our oil and half of the food we eat. We should all be incredibly thankful to the Merchant Navy for the essential job they do…”

Merchant Navy Day was first recognised on 3 September 2000 and is supported by local authorities across the kingdom. As in past years hundreds of local flag-hoisting ceremonies are organised, involving civic dignitaries, Merchant Navy veterans, naval cadets and so forth. A message of support from HRH The Earl of Wessex, Royal Commodore of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is read out at participating locations to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.

Lest we forget

One of London’s hidden architectural gems is undergoing its largest ever restoration as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) seeks to preserve the memory of the thousands of civilian sailors and fishermen killed in the World Wars.

The Tower Hill Memorial sits at the heart of the capital, opposite HM Tower of London, and yet the stories of the men and women of the Merchant Navy remembered on its walls are often overlooked.

The CWGC is undertaking one of its largest UK restoration projects in decades to ensure the iconic First World War section of the memorial, which contains 12,000 names, lives on. The Grade I listed structure was designed by the eminent architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, whose best-known London landmark is the Cenotaph in Whitehall. While the Tower Hill Memorial may be lesser known, its central location and intricate design make it a hidden gem among the capital’s memorials.

The original First World War section comprises a Classical vaulted colonnade lined with bronze name panels. It sits next to the Second World War extension, which features a sunken garden displaying a compass card and surrounded by further name panels with another 24,000 listed of those lost or buried at sea.

Many merchant sailors were experienced mariners, having spent years learning their trades. Others were young and had gone to sea in search of adventure and experience. The oldest sailor named on the memorial is Patrick Casey, who was 73 when he died; the youngest is Redan Sydney Jeffries, who was 13.

There is also a strong international presence on the memorial for at the start of the First World War, around a third of those serving in British merchant ships had been born outside Britain.

Information panels provide visitors a chance to learn more about those remembered on the memorial. The roll of honour containing all the names of those remembered on both sections of the memorial is available at Trinity House, opposite, during opening hours and can be made available on request.

It is customary for Merchant Navy Day parades to take place up and down the country on the Sunday following 8 September.

Glenlee a Clyde-built Cape Horner

This grand old lady launched in 1896 is preserved in Glasgow. She is the Glenlee one of the great sailing ships of the late 19th century and among man’s outstandingly beautiful creations. They continue to hold a fascination, not only because they were beautiful, but because they have come to represent an age which is now consigned to history.

Such majestic vessels were superb pieces of engineering. Often over 300 feet loa and full in the beam, they possessed immensely powerful hulls capable of withstanding all but the fiercest of the elements.

It is important to mention that five sailing ships of this period, constructed on the Clyde, remain afloat today. In addition to Glenlee they are: Falls of Clyde in Honolulu (where her future is uncertain), Balclutha in San Francisco, Moshulu in Philadelphia and Pommern at Mariehamn the capital of the Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland.

Deep-water sailing ships of the day were the bulk carriers of their time. Even by the end of the 19th century, this breed of sailing ship could compete with the triple-expansion engine steamship on long-haul trade routes and still offer a reasonable return on investment.

Vessels similar to Glenlee (1600gt) were built at a cost of approximately £10,700 with materials at around £7,800 and wages totalling £2,900.

It was only when the cost of bunker coal fell, thereby giving steamships the advantage, that the deep-water sailing ship became unviable. In the ten year period beginning in 1882 no fewer than 271 barques and full-riggers were built on the Clyde during which time the yards of Russell, Stephen, Connell, Lithgow and Rodger established a world-wide reputation for the construction of large sailing ships of outstanding design, quality and durability. The three-masted steel barque Glenlee is one such vessel.

From 1897 to 1919 in over five thousand days at sea she made four circumnavigations and fifteen passages around Cape Horn. After her commercial life she served as the sail training vessel Galatea of the Spanish Navy from 1922. She was laid up in 1962 and remained in that state until she was purchased for £40,000 by the Clyde Maritime Trust in 1992 for preservation and display.

GPS jamming and spoofing

Reports have been filtering through the maritime community over the last month about strange AIS and GPS readings recorded in the Port of Shanghai.

One incident was documented to the US Coast Guard. The service’s Navigation Center receives reports about GPS problems from maritime and other users around the world.

Posted to the Navigation Center’s website on 17 July the report stated: “Upon arriving to dock in Shanghai, a US-flagged merchant vessel master checked ECDIS at the AIS to see if their berth was clear.

“Another ship on the berth appeared to be in the channel making 7 knots speed over ground (SOG), but then disappeared from AIS. A few minutes later she was back and at the dock, then underway again, 5 kts, 2 kts, 0 kts, in the channel, then back at the dock, then gone.

“This pattern repeated multiple times. It turned out the other ship was actually all fast the entire time. Later, while the mv was turning in the river off the same berth, both GPS units lost their signals, no position, no SOG, multiple alarms on various integrated equipment. The GPS signal would come back for a minute and then be lost again. This continued to the dock and has continued. The GMDSS GPS is experiencing the same thing. Master suspects GPS signal jamming is occurring at this berth. Vessel checked all antennae connections – all connections are secured and dry. There have been no other issues with these units.”

Experts advise that this scenario fits a pattern of GPS jamming that is fairly well documented and not unknown to the General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland in 2009 and 2010 during maritime jamming trials. When jamming signals are first encountered, receivers often initially accept them as valid and generate hazardously misleading information. After some time, the receiver will be unable to calculate any sort of position and then fail to report position.

The incident reported above appears to be part of an on-going problem at Shanghai. In addition to several anecdotal reports, analysts at the non-profit C4ADS have been observing the area and advise that the report received by the Coast Guard “does not appear to be an isolated incident.” For more on C4ADS see: https://c4ads.org/about-us

By studying AIS transmissions in the Black Sea and other Russian waters, a C4ADS study earlier this year identified almost 10,000 deliberate maritime spoofing incidents and associated them with Russian VIP protection efforts.

The sea in print

Just received is Archie’s Lights: The Life and Times of a Scottish Lightkeeper by Archie and Anne MacEachern, this is the chronicle of a long career by Archie with the Northern Lighthouse Board of Scotland, brought together over 30 years by his widow, Anne. Of 208 pages and published by Whittles Publishing with ISBN 978 1 84995 399 3 this softback illustrated with 25 colour photos, 8 drawings/water colour sketches, 40 monochrome photos and a map is priced at £18.99.

Here is an intimate and personal insight into the life of a lightkeeper including special wartime duties such as shooting mines and being vigilant for German submarines and spies. There are remarkable stories herein of life and work at the edge, surviving the harshest of conditions yet well spread with tales of humour, tragedy, bravery and dedication in equal measure.

Born at a clifftop lighthouse in 1910, Archie’s life was spent in the world of Scottish lighthouses and he was one of the third generation of his family in the service of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

His story brings vividly to life the challenges of living and working at a lighthouse, including raising a young family at such an isolated and potentially dangerous place. Many characters appear at various lights, each with their own personality and often annoying habits. Short-term transfers took place in and just after the Second World War when communications and transport were difficult.

There were hardships and rewards and keepers had to be resourceful and hardy, the lot of the keeper the world over until, with few exception, the end of the 20th century. The sea ruled life creating idyllic periods on sunny, calm days but being uncontrollably destructive for much of the time.

As with his fellow lightkeeper colleagues, Archie upheld to the best of his ability the ideal of their Service, In Salutem omnium: For the Safety of All. It is recorded that in his younger days he was not afraid to speak up and press, with others, for better conditions. His service as a full-time keeper continued in part-time capacities, extended over no less than 66 years.

Whittles have delivered another in their stock list of the lighthouses of Scotland, their builders and their guardian. Maybe the lighthouse tender will be next to be eulogised perhaps revealing glimpses into yet another close-knit world with its humour, often dry, that helped the job along.

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KOREAN FISHING VESSEL IN SUNG HO CREATES A STINK IN CAPE TOWN HARBOUR

With less than four months to go before the IMO 2020 regulations of 1 January 2020 kick in, it seems that a number of ships may still have a problem controlling their smoke emissions.

A casual look across Durban Bay in the past week revealed more than a few vessels that clearly have a problem, including a harbour tug or two that regularly produce short bursts of thick black smoke on start-up.

The port of Cape Town too has its own set of challenges ahead of the 1 January timeline, as demonstrated with the accompanying video clip and pictures showing a thick haze of smoke blasting from one of the twin funnels of the South Korean fishing vessel, IN SUNG HO (IMO 7042538).

This was on Monday morning this week, when the ship lay alongside berth 704. Nizaam Gallie, who recorded the scene reported that the way the wind was blowing the smoke covered a large portion of the harbour while also leaving a “distasteful taste and pungent smell” in the air.

 

Gallie claimed the vessel continued emitting the smoke for almost half an hour and asked what action the port authority was taking.

Africa PORTS & SHIPS asked Transnet National Ports Authority in Cape Town for comment on the matter. We received this response from the Cape Town harbour master, Capt Alex Miya:

“On the morning of Monday, 2 September 2019 the old fishing vessel In Sung Ho berthed at quay 704 in the Port of Cape Town. Upon seeing white smoke being emitted through the vessel’s funnels, Port Control called the vessel agent to enquire what was happening. The vessel agent stated that the vessel was merely starting its generators and testing its main engines.

“The Berth Planner from Port Control also proceeded to the vessel to instruct the crew not to cause emissions, as this is prohibited. The emissions stopped after approximately 20 minutes.

“A second instance occurred around midday on the same day involving the same vessel. The Senior Vessel Traffic Controller called the vessel agent for a second time to stop the activity and the instruction was obeyed.

“Around the same time SAMSA also called Port Control to establish what was happening with the vessel and Port Control confirmed the steps taken to halt the activity.”

Details of fishing vessel

Name: In Sung Ho (IMO 7042538)
3735-dwt
Built: 1970
Owner & Manager: Insung Corp,
Insung Building, 27, Dokseodang-ro,<br
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04410, South Korea.
History: Since January this year In Sung Ho has been fishing off the east coast of South America. For the latter half of last year the vessel operated off the South African and West African coasts.

Video clip of In Sung Ho: video: Nizaam Gallie

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HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH SAILS FOR THE US

HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed from her homeport Portsmouth on 30 August ahead of testing the UK’s F-35B Lightning fast fighter jets for the first time.

The Royal Navy’s biggest warship will be working with up to seven British F-35B jets during her Exercise Westlant 19 deployment, which sees her once again return to the east coast of North America.

This deployment marks another significant milestone for the aircraft carrier, which will have Royal Navy and RAF jets embarked during five weeks of testing, as well as hosting F-35s from the United States Marine Corps.

Ahead of full operations in 2021, the carrier, F-35s and…[restrict] supporting units will be rigorously tested under realistic warfighting scenarios, visiting Canada and the USA during the three-month mission.

The ship’s CO Captain Steve Moorhouse said: “To command any warship is a privilege but to be able to command HMS Queen Elizabeth during this pivotal phase of her capability development is a real honour.

“In addition to my core ship’s company, the fixed and rotary wing air assets, enhanced medical capability, Royal Marines and other force elements from across Defence will enhance HMS Queen Elizabeth and the UK’s Carrier Strike capability on this deployment.

“Westlant 19 is a hugely exciting deployment and as we increase the scale and complexity of our training and testing, so the potency of this extraordinary ship continues to grow.”

Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland will accompany Queen Elizabeth with RFA Tideforce providing support to the Carrier Strike Group.

This potent group of British ships will also be joined by units from the United States Navy, US Air Force and US Marine Corps.

Royal Marines from Lima Company 42 Commando, based in Plymouth, and Fleet Air Arm assets will also embark on Exercise Westlant. They will include Merlin Mk2 and Mk4 helicopters and Wildcats from Culdrose-based 814 and Yeovilton-based 815 Naval Air Squadrons.

In addition a Role 2 Medical Team Afloat will also be on board with elements of the RAF and Army.

Commander of UK Carrier Strike Group, Commodore Mike Utley commented: “The success of last year’s deployment during which we embarked and operated the F-35B for the very first time put us ahead of the curve in terms of developmental testing between the jets and ship.

“We have a significant switch in focus this year, towards operationalising this national defence capability; turning this ship, the jets for which it has been built and all supporting units into a cohesive, agile, efficient force.

“Whether that’s warfighting at one end of the scale, peacekeeping at the other end or delivering humanitarian support across the globe. Our first operational deployment in 2021 is not far away and we will be ready for any eventuality.”[/restrict]

Reported by Paul Ridgway
London

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EAST LONDON DRY DOCK TO CLOSE FOR REFURBISHMENT

East London: The dry dock at the Port of East London is to be shut down for a major refurbishment over a seven week period commencing on 14 October 2019.

This was announced this week by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) who said they would be executing two major projects representing an investment of R57.5 million at the Port of East London’s Princess Elizabeth Dry Dock.

This is to support the sustainability of the region’s ship repair and boat building sectors, TNPA said.

“We have been hard at work advancing…[restrict] these critical projects through Transnet’s governance and procurement processes, and are now pleased to be at the stage of actual execution of our refurbishment of the dry dock’s caisson, just a few weeks after we completed refurbishment of the facility’s main shut-off valves,” said East London Port Manager, Sharon Sijako.

She said the dock would be out of commission for a period of seven weeks and TNPA has worked in close collaboration with the ship repair industry regarding the expected downtime from 14 October to 3 December.

The 72-year old dry dock was opened officially by Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth on 3 March 1947.

TNPA recently contracted local company H.R. Morgan (Pty) Ltd t/a Oilco Border Engineering to carry out the R10.6 million refurbishment of the dry dock’s main shut-off valves which flood and empty the dock of water.

The refurbished valves were commissioned at the end of June and have already significantly reduced the time required to flood the dock and improved its operational efficiency.

The valve refurbishment project created 29 jobs and Oilco promoted small business by subcontracting up to 70% of the contract value to Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs).

Caisson Repair

Site works for the R47 million caisson repair project will commence in October and are expected to be completed by December 2019. Designs for the refurbishment are in progress and will be completed by end August.

The caisson is the large steel gate structure that closes the dock off from the sea water allowing for the docking and repair of vessels inside the facility. Its proper functioning is essential, because the dry dock is an important revenue generating asset that stimulates local economic activity through ship repair.

TNPA’s caisson refurbishment will rectify corrosion and leaks on the existing caisson, reducing potential safety and operational risks, decreasing electricity consumption and operating costs, and increasing overall operational efficiency at the facility.

Durban based ship repair company, Southern African Shipyards, will carry out the design and main works supported by site supervision consultant, Lodemann Holdings. Southern African Shipyards is a Level 2 BBBEE company and will subcontract 30% of the contract value to EMEs, while Lodemann Holdings is a Level 1 contributor.

Other work already completed at the East London dry dock has included the replacement of electrical switch gears, crane rails, capstans, compressors and the fire protection booster pump.

TNPA is investing significantly to restore existing ship repair facilities with the intention of stimulating the repair sector and creating much needed jobs.[/restrict]

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GOLAR FLNG GIMI TO HAVE TMC COMPRESSORS INSTALLED

The conversion of the 125,000 m3 LNG carrier GOLAR GIMI to a floating liquefaction facility (FLNGV), which is now proceeding at Singapore, will have TMC compressors installed, according to international compressor supplier TMC Compressors of the Seas (TMC).

The FLNG Gimi is currently undergoing a conversion from a Moss LNG carrier to a floating LNG (FLNG) production unit at Keppel Offshore & Marine’s Shipyard in Singapore.

Keppel also converted the FLNG HILLI EPISEYO in a US$735 million contract awarded earlier. Keppel Shipyard said of the second contract for Golar Gimi that the work scope for the conversion would be similar to that for the Hilli Episeyo.

When completed, the Gimi FLNG will be stationed at a near-shore hub located on the Mauritania and Senegal maritime border as part of the first phase of the Greater Tortue / Ahmeyim project. The Gimi FLNG is designed to produce an average of approximately 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per annum.

According to TMC its scope of work includes the manufacture and delivery of seven large Smart Air compressors to be installed on board the FLNG Gimi. The value of the contract has not been disclosed.

“Our Smart Air compressor technology offers precise control of the compressor speed, which means that they can run more efficiently than traditional compressors. As a result, Smart Air compressors offer up to 50 percent reduction in energy consumption, with similar reduction in CO2 emissions and operational costs,” said Hans Petter Tanum, director of sales and business development at TMC.

“Golar LNG is dedicated to reducing both the environmental footprint and operating expenditure of the Gimi FLNG. Our Smart Air compressors are specially designed for marine application and lowest possible energy consumption, so I believe they are a good match for the vessel’s strict requirements,” he said.

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PORT WELFARE COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED IN RICHARDS BAY

Richards Bay: A new Port Welfare Committee has been established in Richards Bay, to develop a more collaborative and holistic approach to providing assistance and support to seafarers visiting the Zululand port.

This is part of a world-wide initiative of the International Seafarers’ Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN), funded by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, the UK Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), Seafarers UK and TK Foundation.

The aims of the project are to improve the welfare services and support made available to seafarers when they call at different ports around the world. The project is managed by the staff of the MNWB who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in both operating and setting up welfare boards, known by country as ‘National Seafarers’ Welfare Boards’ and locally as ‘Port Welfare Committees’.

Seafarers visiting the Port of Richards Bay are currently cared for by the ecumenical Richards Bay Seafarers Mission together with the Apostleship of the Sea, Biblia, Christian Seamen’s Organisation, German Seamen’s Mission, and The Mission to Seafarers. This care includes fellowship, practical and spiritual support.

Services include ship visiting, a seafarers’ centre, transport, a shop with essential supplies, free WiFi and communications with home, together with support during times of need.

The newly formed Richards Bay Port Welfare Committee (RBPWC) seeks to supplement and build on the excellent service already provided in the port by the voluntary organisations and will establish a forum where the work of all maritime organisations with a vested interest in seafarers’ welfare can be coordinated.

The RBPWC will bring together key representatives from the port, maritime community, local and provincial government and non-profit organisations to support and improve seafarers’ welfare facilities and services.

A high-profile launch event was held in Richards Bay on Thursday 29 August 2019, which included a presentation from IPWP Ambassador, Mr Peter Cottrell, who in May this year, worked closely with the IPWP team to help establish the Durban PWC.

Addresses by Mr Thami Sithole, Transnet Port Manager, Richards Bay, and Mr Adrian Lee, Chairman of the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (SAASOA) were also given. The event was extremely well supported by members of the maritime and local community, church leaders and local government.

In opening the event, Mission to Seafarers Chaplain Mark Classen said that “Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Around the world, PWC’s support those who have danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. In the Port of Richards Bay alone, we receive approximately 2100 ocean going vessels and 45,000 seafarers per annum.”

IPWP Ambassador, Mr Peter Cottrell, formally inaugurated the RBPWC and said: “The work of establishing PWC’s is profoundly important as we seek to provide meaningfully for the care of seafarers visiting our ports.”

He went on to say that PWC’s “provide a unique platform where all those involved in seafarers’ welfare can meet regularly, share information, provide mutual support and generally network.”

In his keynote address, Richards Bay Port Manager, Mr Thami Sithole spoke of the difficulties that seafarers face, stating that seafaring “is regarded as one of the most stressful of all occupations. They are away from their families and friends for months at a time and work long, hard hours on treacherous waters, sacrificing so that we can have the things we need.”

He went on to say that “we have an obligation to them and we are honoured to be part of this noble cause”, pledging support from himself and the TNPA team in Richards Bay.

Speaking on behalf of SAASOA, Mr Adrian Lee affirmed the importance of caring for the welfare of seafarers saying that “the PWC will help to build relationships and bridge gaps. It is a privilege for SAASOA to be part of the PWC and to assist whenever we are needed.”

Awards were presented to the Port of Richards Bay and SAASOA for support of seafarer welfare and the inauguration of the RBPWC.

The IPWP aims to develop a global network of welfare boards and port welfare committees for the benefit of seafarers. The RBPWC promises to be of great value to the port, the maritime industry and the country, and will complement the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy of South Africa.

As the second port in South Africa to form a Port Welfare Committee, Richards Bay will join the Port of Durban* in leading the way as part of this global initiative to improve the overall wellbeing of seafarers under the auspices of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, to which South Africa is a signatory.

For further details of the International Port Welfare Partnership Programme (IPWP), visit www.portwelfare.org.

For details of the Richards Bay Seafarers Mission, CLICK HERE

* For a report on the establishment of the Durban Port Welfare Committee, SEE HERE

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GRINDROD SELLS ITS INVESTMENT IN NWK

Durban: Grindrod Limited, the freight and financial services company, announced on Monday (2 September) that it has signed an agreement to sell its investment of 20,3% share in NWK limited (NWK) to NWK Holdings Limited (NWK Holdings) for an amount of R204,072,848.

The sale is subject to the fulfilment of conditions precedent which is expected to be concluded by the end of…[restrict] the last quarter of 2019.

During August 2019, Grindrod announced as part of its strategic review process, its intention to dispose of certain non-core businesses which included its agricultural investments in NWK and Senwes.

“As was communicated at the interim results announcement, Grindrod’s focus is on unlocking sub-Saharan African trade corridors which requires the alignment of its investments along key corridors effectively providing logistical solutions for cargo flow,” said Andrew Waller, CEO Grindrod Limited.

“NWK is a good business but it does not fit into these corridors. We are very pleased to have concluded this agreement with NWK and NWK Holdings and expect to finalise the transaction by the end of September.”

NWK focuses on the storage and handling of grain, and the provision of finance, market access, production inputs and other value-added services primarily to grain producers. The business has a long and proud history dating back to 1909 and has been instrumental to the development of the agricultural sectors in South Africa.[/restrict]

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MEET HAJARA: AN EMERGENCY TRANSPORT SCHEME USER

She turned advocate breaking stereotypes about pregnancy in Nigeria

UK trainers in Dar

In just one year 287,000 women die as a result of pregnancy-related complications around the world, and shockingly, 14% of these deaths are in Nigeria.

Adamawa State, in North Eastern Nigeria, has one of the poorest maternal, neonatal and child health records in the country, with 400-3000 cases of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) per 100,000 live births.

Records from the Nigerian National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) confirm that a mere 10.7% of women deliver at health facilities in Adamawa, against a national average of 35%. Many of these deaths could have been avoided if the women had been able to reach a health facility for their delivery.

The Emergency Transport Scheme (ETS)

In 2013 Transaid* was awarded with the five-year grant from Comic Relief to set up the Emergency Transport Scheme in Adamawa State. The ETS encourages local taxi drivers from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to transport women to health centres free of charge or at minimal cost when they are faced with complications.

Since 2016, the ETS has been helping pregnant women in rural communities access vital health services in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. One of these women is Hajara (pictured here), a mathematics teacher from Kokona Local Government Area (LGA).

Hajara gave birth to her first child at home, but when she was pregnant with her second, she experienced severe pain as she went into labour early. She had to be taken to several health facilities, and she worried about the financial implications of this. Thankfully, she was able to reach the treatment she needed free of charge thanks to the ETS.

Hajara has seen first-hand the importance of delivering at a health facility, and she is happy that ETS is increasing in popularity in her community. However, there is still some resistance amongst older women who believe that having a home birth is a sign of strength. Hajara is breaking that stereotype by sharing her story and advocating for ETS in her community. Her story is told HERE

* This news was brought to us by the London-based charity Transaid.

Founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, the international development organisation shares 25 years’ worth of expertise in 23 countries with partners and governments – empowering people to build the skills they need to transform their own lives.

Transaid transforms lives through safe, available, and sustainable transport. Part of the Transaid mantra reads: ‘Every driver should be able to leave for a day’s work without the fear they may not come home because of a lack of training, or dangerous vehicles and roads.

‘Every family should be able to access vital healthcare; nobody should be left behind. Every person should have the opportunity to build the skills they need to transform their future.’

Transport trainers to Africa

In July major UK logistics player Fowler Welch, specialists in supply chain services for ambient and temperature controlled products, sent its first staff to Tanzania. (team photo above).

Fowler Welch’s Paul Hughes and William Robertson were seconded to the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar es Salaam, where they trained six trainers as part of Transaid’s Professional Driver Training project.

Their experiences are recorded HERE

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

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REVISED PEAK SEASON SURCHARGES ON CMA CGM CARGO TO APAPA AND TIN CAN

French shipping company CMA CGM has announced a raft of revised Peak Season Surcharges on cargo being moved from Europe, the Mediterranean ports, USA, Canada, South America, Asia, India & Middle East Gulf ports, to Apapa and Tin Can Island in Nigeria.

The surcharges are as follows:

Cargo from Europe and the Mediterranean to Apapa and Tin Can, Nigeria*

With effect from 1 September (date of loading) the following applies until further notice:…[restrict]

Origin range: From all Europe and Mediterranean ports
Destination range: To Lagos ports, Apapa and Tin Can, Nigeria
Cargo: dry, reefer, OOG, Breakbulk
Amounts: USD 750 / EUR 660 / GBP 575 per container

* The associated basic freights are available CLICK HERE. Bunker-related surcharges, THC (Origin and Destination) and Safety and Security-related surcharges may also apply and are accessible at www.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/tariffs/charge-finder. Other charges such as contingency charges and local charges may be applicable.

Cargo from the USA to Apapa and Tin Can, Nigeria

Effective 10 September 2019 (date of loading).

Origin range: Cargo from US ports
Destination range: To Lagos ports, Apapa and Tin Can, Nigeria
Cargo: dry, reefer, OOG & breakbulk
Amount: USD 600 per container

Cargo from Asia, India Sub-Continent & Middle East Gulf, Canada and South America to Apapa and Tin Can, Nigeria

Effective 1 September 2019 (date of loading).

Origin range: Cargo from Asia including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia and Bangladesh; from Indian Subcontinent and Middle East Gulf; from Canada and South America
Destination range: To Lagos ports, Apapa and Tin Can, Nigeria
Cargo: dry, reefer, OOG & breakbulk
Amount: USD 750 per container[/restrict]

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TRANSNET’S NEW HELICOPTERS ENTER INTO SERVICE

Durban: Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) two new port helicopters, manufactured by Italian global high-tech company, Leonardo, went into service on Saturday, 31 August 2019 at the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

The acquisition of new helicopters has been a priority for TNPA under the Transnet Market Demand Strategy and its fleet renewal programme, which seeks to improve operational efficiency and safety in the ports. The craft will service the KwaZulu-Natal ports where they will transfer marine pilots onto and off visiting ships for vessels to be guided in safely and efficiently.

Acting Chief Executive, Nozipho Mdawe, said the two new helicopters would help TNPA to improve service offering to its customers and improve the overall reliability of its marine service at the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

“As TNPA, we are delighted to have reached this milestone and to be responding to industry calls for a more efficient and reliable marine pilot service in our Ports of Durban and Richards Bay. The AgustaWestland (AW 109SP) helicopters, valued at approximately R250 million in total, will replace helicopters that are reaching the end of their life cycle. The new craft will bring benefits for our customers and improve the global competitiveness of our ports, resulting in economic benefits to the region.”

The Ports of Durban and Richards Bay are presently the only ports in TNPA’s complementary port system which use helicopters to transfer marine pilots. However, the service will also be introduced at the Port of Cape Town. The new Cape Town helicopter is due in 2022.

South Africa pioneered the concept of transferring marine pilots to and from vessels by helicopter and is understood to be one of only three countries in the world that offer this service to improve efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of the South African port system .

The AW109SP is a modern top-of-the-range light twin-engine helicopter with excellent operational flexibility as well as high safety levels through advanced navigation and situational awareness technology. The two new AW109 SP’s are equipped with a Harbour Pilot Shuttle Kit, which features a hoist that enables this distinctive operation, as well as several other installations unique to Transnet’s aircraft.

The contract for the new helicopters includes a supplier development obligation by the global supplier to ensure that the contract created socio-economic benefits within South Africa. These included job creation, skills development and where possible use of local, empowered companies and local materials or parts.

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TRUCKING INDUSTRY VIOLENCE CONDEMNED

Employment and Labour, Police, Transport and Home Affairs Ministers have condemned the threat of violence and burning of trucks in the logistics sector over the weekend.

This was despite Road Freight and Logistics sector truck driver associations distancing themselves from the planned strike of yesterday and today.

The three Ministers – Thulas Nxesi, Bheki Cele, Fikile Mbalula and Aaron Motsoaledi – urgently met on Sunday evening to receive a report on the progress made to address the continued violence in the sector as well as to plot a way forward.

“The Ministers condemned the ongoing violence and agreed that it is nothing but economic sabotage threatening the economic viability of the SADC region. The meeting emphasised that the acts of sabotage are spearheaded by criminal elements that are responsible for the blockages, burning of trucks and assets, as well as the intimidation and killing of truck drivers in the sector,” the Ministers said in a joint statement.

The outcome of these discussions are as follows:

* Law enforcement will ensure that the authority of the state is not undermined and increase visibility in violent hotspots.

* The Ministers agreed that through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, regional counterparts should be engaged to address this matter.

* There will be continuous joint inspections taking place in all provinces to ensure compliance in the sector.

* The task team has agreed to develop a clear action plan and to provide regular updates on the progress made to the joint inter-ministerial task team.

The meeting further noted that the events are turning more violent and criminal; the South African Police Service will continue to act against any acts of lawlessness. It was also noted that South Africa is not a xenophobic country and whoever is found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with. source: SAnews.gov.za

** Now see our special report South Africa, Deadly Attacks on Foreign Truck Drivers: Nationwide Xenophobic Harassment Campaign

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MOL LINKS WITH KARADENIZ TO PROVIDE FIRST LNG-TO-POWERSHIP VESSEL FOR USE IN NACALA

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) and Karadeniz Holding A.S. announced on Friday that MOL and Karpower International B.V. (Karpowership), have agreed to jointly carry out the first LNG-to-Powership project under the co-brand KARMOL in Nacala, Mozambique.

To achieve this they have agreed to jointly own and operate a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) together with a Powership (floating power plant).

The announcement was made towards the end of TICAD 7 (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) being held in Japan last week where the two groups introduced the concept of introducing a LNG-to-Powership solution towards achieving northern Mozambique power requirements.

For the past few years Karadeniz has operated a Powership in Nacala harbour providing electricity to Nacala, Malawi and the region.

The LNG-to-Powership project consists of the FSRU delivering regasified LNG to the Powership anchored in Nacala Bay in order to produce electricity, which is subsequently provided to Electricidade de Moçambique (“EDM”), the Mozambican National Power Utility, through the electricity connection and transmission facility.

The FSRU is now being converted from an existing LNG carrier whereas the Powership is currently operating with heavy fuel oil in Nacala, but in accordance with the prior arrangement with EDM, it will be switched to operate with LNG following the FSRU delivery.

“This project contributes to our national strategy of increasing the availability and reducing the costs of fuel to generate electricity for industrial development and energy access. This project does it through LNG, a critical fuel for Mozambique’s future,” said Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Max Tonela.

In recent years Mozambique has seen rapid economic growth and development, which in order to be sustainable requires the increased supply of a stable and affordable supply of electricity. The KARMOL LNG-to-Powership solution with a power generation capacity of 120MW will create a stable and reliable supply of electricity for the people of the northern region of Mozambique while provide critical infrastructure for the use of LNG within Mozambican territory.

When completed, the project will be the first LNG-to Power solution and FSRU project in Eastern and Southern Africa.

In 2007, Karpowership began the production of the first floating power plant ‘Powership’ fleet with the vision of illuminating the world and becoming the pioneers of the global energy market. Karadeniz Holding, which manages the Powership® fleet under its international brand Karpowership, owns and operates 22 Powerships in countries such as Indonesia, Ghana, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Lebanon and Senegal.

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PORT OF LÜDERITZ COMMISSIONING OF FIRST MANGANESE SHIPMENT

The first shipment of about 25 000 – 30 000 tons of manganese ore was due to take place on Friday 30 August 2019 at the Namibian port of Lüderitz.

Of great significance to the Namibian economy, this is the first-ever supply value chain in Namibia that involves several stakeholders, namely; Namport, TransNamib, Tshipi Manganese Mine, Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), Road Fund Administrator, Private Transporters and Trade Port Logistics….[restrict]

See our earlier report Bonus for port of Lüderitz as 520 tonnes of manganese arrives by rail

Namport reports that the Port of Lüderitz is embarking on a journey of full trade facilitation on the Trans Oranje Corridor route with a firm volume commitment of 1 million tons per annum from the mine in South Africa’s Northern Cape province.

The initial 30,000 tons exported will increase to 60,000 tons per month going forward, which cements the capabilities of the port into handing big volumes of commodities. It will also add purpose and value to TransNamib in keeping the Lüderitz railway operational.

Manganese is mainly used in the steel industry. Manganese removes oxygen and sulfur when iron ore (an iron and oxygen compound) is converted into iron. It is further an essential alloy which helps in the conversion of iron into steel. source: Namport[/restrict]

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ZIMBABWE MAKES START ON NORTH-SOUTH CORRIDOR ROAD REHABILITATION

Work has commenced of the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe’s North-South Corridor road.

The first section being upgraded, a short 6.5km section of a 21km of highway between Makuti and Chirundu, is part of the strategic North-South road linking Zimbabwe to other SADC countries and ultimately to the African ports of the Indian Ocean.

The launch of the project, made possible through a US$21 million Japanese grant and supported by Japanese engineers working alongside…[restrict] the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, was performed by Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa said the development was part of Government’s thrust to develop robust and modern infrastructure which will see at least five major road projects being supported every year in each province.

The president called on local and foreign investors to come on board to help the Government modernise infrastructure through various models.

He said he was optimistic that the project would be completed ahead of schedule owing to the hardworking nature of the Japanese engineers. He said the project covered the most treacherous terrain leading to Mana Pools National Park turn-off and will be implemented in the 18 months up to December 2020.

“The implementation of this project is indeed of strategic importance as it will enable the smooth and unimpeded flow of traffic, people and goods along the North-South Corridor.

The ensure this the project has been granted National Project Status.

The road is to be widened to a width of 70 metres providing 35 metres to each side with climbing lanes to ensure that faster moving vehicles are able to pass slower moving heavy vehicles.

The president challenged officials at the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post with Zambia
to anticipate increased efficiencies along the road upon completion and to upgrade their systems to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods.

He said resources were being availed for the modernisation of the country’s roads with each province getting support for at least five projects every year. source: The Herald (Harare)[/restrict]

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WALVIS BAY NEW CONTAINER TERMINAL GOES LIVE

Namport’s Port of Walvis Bay’s new container terminal went live on Saturday, 24 August, with the arrival of the first ship to work cargo at the facility. Oltmann’s RDO FAVOUR (IMO 9623661) docked alongside berth 11 where container handling commenced.

The 62,997-dwt German-owned ship, built in 2012, has the honour of being the first to handle containers at the new 750,000 TEU capacity facility which has been built on reclaimed land that had previously been a sandbank.

RDO Favour is the former Hamburg Süd vessel, CAP FRIO.

With a 600-metre long quay the terminal will boast three berths facing 40 hectares of yard, the others being berths 9 and 10. Berth 9 will also be utilised mainly for passenger carrying cruise ships, with the first cruise ship, mv ALBATROS expected to dock on 18 October as the initial visitor at the new terminal.

With the transfer of container handling operations to Walvis Bay’s new terminal, this has freed up the berthing and yard previously used for containers, to be included in an expanded multi purpose terminal for the handling of bulk and breakbulk type cargo.

Earlier the new container terminal had been inaugurated by the president of Namibia, Dr Hage G Geingob.

The terminal is serviced with three mobile cranes and a fleet of six rubber tyre gantry cranes.

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US MARINES’ AMPHIBIOUS LANDING DRILL ON DJIBOUTI SOIL

Marines and sailors assigned to the amphibious ready group (ARG) led by USS Boxer have completed an amphibious landing exercise in Djibouti, reports Naval Today.

The landings including amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) performed a landing assault on Djibouti’s Arta Beach.

They US forces departed from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49) while performing an exercise aimed at capturing a fictional enemy objective.

Maj. Victor Garcia, India Co., Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/5 company commander, explained that…[restrict] amphibious assaults are one of the MEU’s primary missions; a capability that makes the MEU one of the most lethal and responsive crisis response forces in the US defense department arsenal.

“Our time in Djibouti was extremely valuable for our marines,” said Major Victor Garcia, India Co., Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/5 company commander. “Our goal was to ensure our gun crews are properly trained in the weapons systems aboard the amphibious assault vehicles, and we successfully accomplished that task.”

“These types of missions are what this ship is built for,” explained Cmdr Janice Pollard, Harpers Ferry’s commanding officer. “The well deck houses the amphibious assault vehicles so that we can get them close to shore and launch them to conduct their mission ashore.”

Amphibious assault vehicles are one of the oldest and most reliable platforms in the Marine Corps. AAVs, or ‘tracks,’ are essentially floating tanks that can seize or secure a beach head and enable more forces to flow ashore in the event of combat operations.

Boxer ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock USS John P Murtha (LPD 26), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

The 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. source: Naval Today[/restrict]

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GENERAL NEWS REPORTS – UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY

in partnership with – APO

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EXPECTED SHIP ARRIVALS and SHIPS IN PORT

Port Louis – Indian Ocean gateway port

Ports & Ships publishes regularly updated SHIP MOVEMENT reports including ETAs for ports extending from West Africa to South Africa to East Africa and including Port Louis in Mauritius.

In the case of South Africa’s container ports of Durban, Ngqura, Ports Elizabeth and Cape Town links to container Stack Dates are also available.

You can access this information, including the list of ports covered, by going HERE remember to use your BACKSPACE to return to this page.

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CRUISE NEWS AND NAVAL ACTIVITIES

QM2 in Cape Town. Picture by Ian Shiffman

We publish news about the cruise industry here in the general news section.

Naval News

Similarly you can read our regular Naval News reports and stories here in the general news section.

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure.”
– Lee Segall

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