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 2020

Stay indoors where possible, maintain your distance, stay well

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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: MSC LUDOVICA
• US Coast Guard oversees disembarkation of 250,000 from cruise ships
• UNCTAD: Let’s keep ships moving, ports open and cross-border trade flowing
• Latest on the Queen Mary 2 medical emergency   Friday UPDATE 
• Central & West African ports cannot shut down, rules PMAWCA
• Earlier News (headlined in Blue)……..
• Transnet appoints former airline executive to run the TFR freight rail service
• Queen Mary 2 departs from Durban and South Africa  UPDATED x 2
• Combi Dock 1 loads ultra large project cargo at Port of Takoradi
• South African Government relaxes some port restrictions
• Updated Maritime Security Guidance: West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea
• Nigeria imposes curfew at Lagos but ports remain open
• Repatriation of Filipino seafarers
• Royal Australian Navy frigate interdicts 3 tons of narcotics
• Stowaways allegedly put overboard from Chinese ship off KZN coast
• Transport Minister Mbalula gives update on transport regulations
• First ore train in three days seen on Sishen – Saldanha railway
• Crew on Maersk containership confirmed with COVID-19
• Maersk advises of seasonal adjustment to Far East – S Africa Safari Service
• Nigeria’s terminal operators want ports to remain fully open
• MPDC adopts measures to ensure continuity of business during COVID-19 crisis
• NIMASA bans international vessels with no thermal screening facilities
• Transnet makes properties available as COVID-19 quarantine sites
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) offers six-month pause on assessment and certification
• Maputo conference and exhibition moved to August
• Russian naval frigate due in Cape Town
• Ninth vessel added to restore SRX Europe-South Africa service reliability
• Piracy: Aborted attack on mv Lana south of Bonny Island
• Covid-19 curtails operations at Rio Tinto’s Richards Bay Minerals
• CMA CGM increases liquidity with sale of eight terminals
• Help on the way: USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy deployed on US East & West Coasts
• Cruise and ship port movements due to COVID-19 UPDATED
• OLDER NEWS CAN BE FOUND AT NEWS CATEGORIES…….
• The Sunday masthead is of the Tin Can Island Container Terminal, Lagos 

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FRONT PAGE: MSC LUDOVICA

Mediterranean Shipping Company’s container ship MSC LUDOVICA (IMO 9251690) seen arriving in the port of Durban earlier in March. Built in South Korea in 2003 at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering yard in Geoje, the 85,882-dwt vessel is 300-metres long, 40m wide and has a container capacity of 6,750 TEU. MSC Ludovica is owned and managed out of MSC Ship Management of Hong Kong and is flagged in Panama.       Pictures by Keith Betts

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US COAST GUARD OVERSEES DISEMBARKATION OF 250,000 FROM CRUISE SHIPS

To reduce risks under COVID-19 emergency – Medevac’d 31

On 2 April cruise ships Zaandam and Rotterdam disembarked more than 1,200 passengers in Port Everglades, Florida. These developments, combined with one remaining disembarkation being coordinated, represents the processing of more than 120 vessels in the last three weeks to remove 250,000 passengers from cruise ships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was reported by USCG HQ Media service from Washington.

US Coast Guard, under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and working with Department of Homeland Security partners Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as well as state and local entities from multiple port jurisdictions, facilitated the safe landing, screening, quarantine and repatriation of these passengers in a manner that has prevented further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Many passengers were brought to safe harbour in the United States when international ports refused entry.

Most of the cruise line industry announced a voluntarily suspension of cruise ship operations from US ports of call on 13 March and the CDC issued a “No Sail” Order on 14 March to all cruise ships that had not voluntarily suspended operations.

In the words of Vice-Admiral Dan Abel, Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations: “We commend the decision by the cruise industry to cease operations. However, pausing a global tourist industry does not happen instantaneously or easily.

“The Federal, state, local and industry cooperation to achieve this feat truly represents the whole-of-nation approach directed by the President and is essential to fighting the spread of this virus and working to minimise the loss of life.”

Drawdown of passenger operations is a major milestone, but it does not eliminate US Government concerns for cruise ships and their crews, it was reported.

At the time of the USCG statement (3 April) there were 114 cruise ships, carrying 93,000 crew members, either in or near US ports and waters. This includes 73 cruise ships, with 52,000 crew members, moored or anchored in US ports and anchorages. Another 41 cruise ships, with 41,000 crew members, are underway and still in the vicinity of the United States. The cruise industry has an ongoing obligation for the care, safety and welfare of their seafarers.

The Coast Guard is a lifesaving service, and since 7 March, when COVID-19 cases on cruise ships operating around the US escalated, the service has enabled 31 life-saving medevacs.

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

 

 

All photographs reproduced by kind permission of the USCG ©.

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UNCTAD: LET’S KEEP THE SHIPS MOVING,PORTS OPEN AND CROSS-BORDER TRADE FLOWING

Statement on Coronavirus by UNCTAD Secretary-General, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi

There is a series of related links to be found at the foot of this article*

“As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, the global maritime transport industry is playing a critical role in the response.

“A call by the industry to all governments to keep maritime trade moving by allowing commercial ships continued access to ports worldwide and by facilitating the rapid changeover of ships’ crews should not go unheeded.

“Around 80% of global trade is transported by commercial shipping, which moves the world’s food, energy and raw materials, as well as manufactured goods and components, according to UNCTAD statistics.

This includes vital medical supplies, which are sorely needed at this time, and items that are necessary for the preservation of many jobs in manufacturing – without which modern society cannot function.

“In this time of global crisis, it is more important than ever to keep supply chains open and to allow maritime trade and cross-border transport to continue.

“This means keeping the world’s ports open for ship calls and the movement of ships’ crews with as few obstacles as possible.

“Transit needs to be facilitated, too. Landlocked countries need access to food and medical supplies through neighbouring countries’ seaports.

“Shipping and ports hold the world economy together. They connect countries, markets, businesses and people, on a scale not otherwise possible.

“A vast array of goods and commodities are transported by sea to meet the demands of industrial and manufacturing sectors, energy needs, as well as business and consumer requirements.

“These range from raw materials such as coal and iron ore, oil, gas carried as bulk, to manufactured goods of intermediate and finished products carried in containers.

“Facing the current pandemic, cross-border movements of relief goods such as food and medical supplies will increase dramatically.

“Restrictions on trade and cross-border transport may interrupt needed aid and technical support. It could disrupt businesses and have negative social and economic effects on the affected countries.

“Governments should therefore continue to facilitate movement of not only relief goods, but goods in general, to minimise the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“To ensure that vital goods reach consumers and hospitals in destination countries, responsible agencies should coordinate and cooperate within and among countries so that indispensable goods reach the populations in coastal and landlocked countries alike.

“At the extraordinary G20 Leaders Summit on the COVID-19 pandemic, which meets virtually this week, world leaders should embrace the call made by the shipping industry to keep maritime trade moving by allowing continued access to ports worldwide and the rapid changeover of ships’ crews.”

Support seafarers and port operators, take measured steps

“Amidst the current outbreak, seafarers have come under increased checks and scrutiny in various ports.

“Many port states have imposed local regulations, travel and quarantine restrictions, precluding free access to seafarers. Some operators have suspended crew changes aboard ships to lessen their social interactions.

“While observing necessary health protocols, ports should treat seafarers as key workers and afford them the same flexibilities currently given to aircrew and health workers in boarding and leaving ships, as some 100,000 shipping crew members need to change shift every month.

“Port operators also need to be ready given the potential risks to public health and the economy, if their key role in the transit of goods is affected by the spread of the virus.

“Port workers are facing the danger of contracting COVID-19, and many ports are not ready if a critical mass of workers become sick.

“In several ports – especially in hard-hit regions like Europe – goods in transit are already affected, and essential medicine and equipment are being held up.

“Without functioning ports, cargoes including those with life-saving supplies cannot be transported to where they are needed.

“As they meet virtually this week (week commencing 22 March), G20 leaders have an important opportunity to protect the free movement of all goods by affirming the smooth functioning of their shipping, ports and transit industries.

“All available technological trade and transport facilitation solutions should be used to reduce the burden posed by COVID-19 on maritime and cross-border trade.

“We cannot afford to compound the health and economic challenge facing us.”

Readers may wish to be aware of the Related links:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) : News, Analysis and Resources

Review of Maritime Transport (Series)

Maritime Transport Statistics

Seafarer supply, quinquennial, 2015

Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter

Collated by Paul Ridgway
London

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LATEST ON THE QUEEN MARY 2 MEDICAL EMERGENCY

In confirmation of our report and updates of last evening (Thursday) the following report from the station commander of the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) Durban Station 5, Jonathan Kellerman refers:

At 17h10, Thursday, 2 April, NSRI Port Elizabeth, NSRI East London and NSRI Durban were placed on alert following reports from MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) of a 58 year old British man requiring medical evacuation off the Queen Mary 2 following a medical emergency (not Covid19 related) with the patient suffering a medical condition.

A WC Government Health EMS duty doctor had spoken to the ships medical team and it was deemed necessary for a patient evacuation to a hospital as soon as possible.

At that stage the ship was approximately 20 nautical miles off-shore of Morgans Bay, on the Transkei coastline, and after investigating options MRCC re-routed the ship to head in a direction towards Durban and an SA Air Force (SAAF) 15 Squadron Oryx helicopter, NSRI Durban rescue swimmers and a Netcare 911 ambulance services rescue paramedical team were activated to prepare for the rescue operation 216 nautical miles South West of Durban.

NSRI bases along the East Coast, NSRI Durban, NSRI Shelly Beach, NSRI Port Edward and NSRI East London were placed on high alert to be on stand-by during the helicopter patient evacuation operation.

At 19h00 the SAAF 15 Squadron Oryx helicopter, carrying 4 SAAF crew, 2 NSRI rescue swimmers and 3 Netcare 911 rescue paramedics departed Durban.

On arrival at the ship, at 21h36, in challenging conditions with 25 knot North Easterly winds gusting to 34 knots and 2 metre swells, an NSRI rescue swimmer and two Netcare 911 rescue paramedics were hoisted onto the Queen Mary 2 and they received the patient from the ships medical crew and the patient was secured into a Stokes basket stretcher and hoisted into the helicopter, and he was airlifted, in a stable condition and in the care of the Netcare 911 rescue paramedics, to a hospital in Durban, arriving at the hospital at 23h38, for further medical care.

NSRI Emergency Operations Centre, NSRI Durban Station 5 duty controllers, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, WC Government Health EMS, Transnet Port Health Authorities and Transnet National Ports Authority assisted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in the coordination, communication and logistics during the operation.

The operation completed at 00h04. source: NSRI Station 5, Durban

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CENTRAL & WEST AFRICAN PORT AUTHORITIES CANNOT SHUT DOWN, RULES PMAWCA

The Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa has made it clear that West and Central African ports cannot shut down because of the coronavirus crisis and must therefore remain open with essential services. The association says that ports are critical infrastructures and…[restrict] necessary for the existence and survival of nations and are therefore vital to the population and economy.

Stating this in a communique and signed by the Secretary-General, Jean-Marie Koffi, the association sets out stringent health and safety measures to be implemented in all Western and Central Africa Ports in order to preserve workers’ health, limit the spread of the virus and avoid the prolongation of this public health crisis and its economic consequences.

The association called on port authorities to ensure that correct measures are effectively implemented by the various stakeholders who should provide all the necessary means to protect employees at the workplace.

The port authorities must also ensure Harbour Masters implement these new health, safety and security measures with immediate effect.

The restrictions and measures include:

1. Crew/passengers on board arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea and Spain within the last 14 days shall remain on board the vessels during the vessel’s stay in port.

2. Crew/passengers arriving from countries other than mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea and Spain who wish to land ashore will be served with Stay Home Notice (SHN)

3. With effect from 31 March 2020, all ports should cease calls from all cruise vessels.

A new compulsory Maritime Declaration of Health form took effect from 20 March 2020.
For Shipping Community:

ISPS Restricted Areas must ensure:

1. Enforced social distancing for port workers;
2. Observing other health precautions for all port workers;
3. Enhanced access control with temperature taking checkpoints

Finally, all stakeholders should enable eligible staff to make use of telecommunications.[/restrict]

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TRANSNET APPOINTS FORMER AIRLINE EXECUTIVE TO RUN THE TFR FREIGHT RAIL SERVICE

Transnet Freight Rail has a new chief executive, Siza Mzimela who joins Transnet from the airline industry.

Mzimela’s appointment as TFR chief executive is among several new appointments made by the Transnet Board since Portia Derby recently took the reins as Transnet’s group CEO.

Other Transnet appointments made, according to an internal memo circulated among staff are Mark Gregg-Macdonald who becomes group executive: business services, Vuledzani Nemukula appointed as chief procurement officer, and Pandelani Munyai who becomes chief information officer.

Siza Mzimela resigned in March as acting CEO of SA Express, a state-owned airline under business rescue and facing a recommended liquidation, saying she had other opportunities to pursue. At one time Mzimela was also CEO of South Africa Airways, followed by her founding and heading Fly Blue Crane in 2015, a regional airline operating with two Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. Fly Blue Crane went into business rescue the following year and subsequently folded after 17 months of operation.

According to the Transnet memo, Mzimela has “extensive experience in running complex logistical entities.” She will now head up Transnet’s largest and certainly most complex unit, the rail company TFR.

The job of heading up the South African railway organisation traditionally fell to railwaymen yet in the modern era has had a succession of chief executives drafted in from other services or from outside. The challenge of running Africa’s biggest railway company that includes several world-class heavy haul sections remains highly challenging, not only for moving cargo around South Africa but interconnecting with other railway networks in the SADC region.

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QUEEN MARY 2 DEPARTS FROM DURBAN AND SOUTH AFRICA

LATEST UPDATE Thursday 23h00:  Queen Mary 2 reached a position opposite Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast where a patient was taken off the ship by helicopter, after which the ship turned south again and is now heading in the direction of the Cape of Good Hope at increased speed.

UPDATE Thursday 19h25:  Queen Mary 2 has turned back in the direction of Durban with a report of a sick (or injured) person on board needing evacuation.  The ship was nearing the coast off East London when she began to turn.  

The most unusual visit to a South African port by the iconic cruise liner QUEEN MARY 2 has ended on Thursday morning with the ship sailing from the port of Durban.

Queen Mary 2 was on a World Cruise when the global coronavirus crisis brought to a disappointing end to all cruising activities across the world.

Ironically, Queen Mary 2 did not even have to alter her route or eventual destination, as her planned cruise involved the ship sailing from Fremantle, Australia to Mauritius, then on to Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town before heading out into the South Atlantic and back to Southampton in the UK, and finally the USA.

Instead, most of her passengers left the ship in Australia to be flown back home mostly in the UK and USA. Some 264 passengers remained with the ship for reasons generally related to being unable to fly. With them on the ship were 1,215 crew which included a number of South Africans, of whom six indicated they would like to leave the ship on arrival in South Africa.

With this background, the ship duly arrived off Durban last Friday, 27 March after requesting clearance to berth to receive bunkers and stores. After necessary COVID-19 testing of a number of people on board, approval was granted on Tuesday this week by the Department of Transport and the Port Health unit of the Department of Health, for the vessel to dock, refuel and allow the six crew members to come ashore.

With that approval the ship then entered port at around 14h30 that day as reported here previously and docked on the T-Jetty at O-O/P berths.

Earlier today, Thursday 2 April, port landlord Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed that Queen Mary 2 departed from the Port of Durban that morning at 07h00. The six South African crew members had disembarked from the liner during her two-night stay in the port.

According the the TNPA, the six South African crew who disembarked were among 27 individuals on-board including passengers and crew members who were tested for COVID-19 due to flu-like symptoms and/or contact with symptomatic individuals on-board.

The results of all 27 were negative. However, Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said the six South Africans will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure.

TNPA said on Thursday that it has been working closely with the Department of Transport, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the Department of Health to manage requests from cruise liners after new Regulations were promulgated by the Minister of Transport on 18 March 2020.

These Regulations essentially prohibit cruise ship calls, any crew changes, any disembarkations apart from returning South African citizens or permanent residents, and any embarkations unless they are for departing foreign nationals.

However, all parties have worked together to manage individual scenarios.

The Port of Durban faces a final call from the Holland America cruise ship AMSTERDAM scheduled for Sunday, 5 April 2020. Officials are in communication with the vessel’s agent and master to determine how this ship will be managed and to arrange any measures that need to be put in place.

COVID-19 tests related to cruise liners in South Africa to date have included:

AIDAmira – docked in Cape Town on 16 March following a COVID-19 scare involving six AIDAmira passengers and two MV Corona bulk carrier crew, all of whom tested negative. All passengers were later flown from Cape Town back to Germany.
Silver Wind – docked in Cape Town from Antarctica, later sailed.
Norwegian Spirit – arrived from the Middle East. Passengers allowed to disembark and were flown home from Cape Town International Airport, after which ship sailed for the USA or the Caribbean.
Arcadia – docked in Durban on 26 March after results proved negative for 13 symptomatic individuals onboard. The vessel docked to refuel and restock provisions, as well as allow six South African crew members to disembark and return home.
MSC Orchestra – At anchor outside the port of Durban, MSC currently working with the Department of Health to trace passengers following confirmation of positive test results for two individuals who cruised on 28 February and 13 March respectively. South African crew members allowed to disembark, others were flown back to Europe.

Free Pratique

It is standard procedure for the Department of Health’s Port Health unit to be required to grant free pratique (i.e. checking and confirming a clean bill of health for all onboard) before any vessel is allowed to dock. Flu-like symptoms reported by vessel masters are being investigated and tested accordingly to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

These are the reasons why the ships arriving off Durban have been required to wait outside for several days.

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COMBI DOCK 1 LOADS ULTRA LARGE PROJECT CARGO AT PORT OF TAKORADI

Ghana’s Port of Takoradi had to undertake a specialised and unusual operation this week involving the loading of Project Cargo onto the heavylift vessel COMBI DOCK 1.

This equipment which include barges, tugboats, Caterpillar earth-moving equipment among others, is owned by South Korean company which was contracted to the Aboadze Thermal Power Station project.

With their involvement in the project…[restrict] now completed, it was time to load all machinery, vessels and equipment onto the heavylift vessel and have it shipped to where it is required for another job in Taiwan.

Takoradi’s Harbour Master, Captain James Richmond Quayson, who oversaw the operation, said Takoradi Port’s new bulk jetty had been put into use for handling the supercargo.

He said the new jetty has a depth alongside of -16 metres which made it conducive for the operation.

The Port of Takoradi is in the process of being modernised and is thus available for a variety of activities that would contribute to shipping and maritime for Ghana and the West African sub-region, he said.

The master of Combi Dock 1 said he was impressed with the efficiency of the Takoradi Port for providing a suitable working environment for the vessel’s operations.

“We had only positive impressions of the whole operation at the Takoradi Port,” he is reported to have said. source: GPHA[/restrict]

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SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT RELAXES SOME PORT RESTRICTIONS

Concerns heard by the South African government over strict restrictions on maritime sector activities, and in particular around the country’s ports, have been heard and acted on.

The Department of Transport announced this earlier this week.

Details of the relaxations were revealed by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in a new Marine Notice 21 issued in Pretoria on Tuesday (31 March 2020).

In particular, the Marine Notice addresses such issues as crew changes at the country’s commercial ports, revised regulations on the management of cargo vessels as well as the loading and off loading of cargo, all of which faced tough measures before, including in some cases an outright ban.

The tough measures had come about as a result of the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic globally following its outbreak in China in December 2019.

In the Marine Notice SAMSA states: “On 23 March 2020, the President of the Republic (of South Africa) declared a lockdown, effective from 23h59 on Thursday, 26 March 2020, for a period of 21 days, to stop the spread of the COVID-19 corona virus until 23h59 on Thursday, 16 April 2020.

“In compliance with the lockdown, the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) has sent out numerous communications on how the ports will be operating during this period.”

Following the revision of the tough restrictions since put in place at the outset of the national lockdown, SAMSA confirmed the following were now effective:

* All South African ports remain open for port operations
* Cargo operations will continue in all ports
* Stevedore operations will continue in all ports and
* All types of cargo will be allowed to be loaded and off loaded (and not just essential cargo).

SAMSA adds: “The Department of Transport recognises that there have been numerous instructions distributed by various entities, causing confusion amongst various entities, service providers and shipping companies. The Department of Transport would therefore like to clarify all requirements during the lockdown period as follows.

SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS

All South African Commercial Ports will remain operational for Cargo Work. These are Cape Town, Saldanha, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Port of Ngqura, East London, Durban, and Richards Bay.

CARGO OPERATIONS

Following on the initial announcement by the President, there have been changes such as the enablement of the mining companies to approach their regulator Ministry on an individual basis and seek authorisation to continue operations, albeit on a limited basis.

Government has now decided that in the interest of ensuring a functional supply chain across all ports, that all cargoes will be accepted for loading and off-loading. Where possible, essential goods should receive preferential treatment over non-essential goods.

Transnet will be in a position to communicate which of its operations will be reactivated with the relevant customers and logistics partners.

Transnet will reactivate certain of its operations, these would be at a reduced level and not full capacity. The reactivated operations will be dictated to by the applicable regulatory framework, national priorities and contribution to the health of the economy and Transnet’s ability to deploy its resources, having regard to people safety, which is of paramount importance.

Transnet’s current priorities, in addition to all the essential services previously communicated, are:
The integrated container logistics system mainly around the Port of Durban and the link to the economic hub in Gauteng – ensuring that the complex system remains efficient to enable the movement of priority and essential containerised goods; this includes the movement of non-essential cargo to City Deep, only for purposes of decongesting the Port of Durban, .

The heavy haul rail and ports export system from the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha; and
The domestic and export Coal and other GFB cargo through the Port of Richards Bay.

All other specific approvals granted by Government, which are dependent on the rest of the South African rail and ports system will be considered on a case by case basis, and our [Transnet’s] ability to respond responsibly will be communicated directly to customers making applications based on Government approvals granted.

Customers are to ensure that all applications and evidence of approvals are submitted to the Transnet Customer Nerve Centre via email at transnet.cnc@transnet.net

Commodity managers and key account executives normally dealing with each customer remains the primary point of contact and channel of communication with all our [Transnet] customers.

STEVEDORING OPERATIONS

The provision of Transnet’s service is subject to customers and their cargo handlers/siding operators taking necessary measures to protect Transnet staff who interface with their operations.

All port personnel (both Transnet, private stevedoring and any other category of employees) must have access to hygiene services, e.g. sanitation, soap and water which each employer shall cause to be provided together with standard operating procedures to ensure the highest hygiene practices.

This therefore means strict adherence to health and safety protocols will not be compromised. Customers must provide Transnet with the Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and update Transnet daily on the status of their employees.

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UPDATED MARITIME SECURITY GUIDANCE:
West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea

Industry organisations, supported by government and military organisations, have worked together to produce a new publication that will help mariners detect, deter and delay external threats to their safety.

Best Management Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels & Mariners Operating Off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP West Africa) consolidates and enhances existing guidance for specific threats in this region, it has been reported.

The publication is free to download from ‘Free resources’ CLICK HERE which also provides links to other maritime security information useful to mariners.

It is understood that printed copies of the publication will be available later in the year.

Industry organisations are reported to have welcomed the publication.

In the words of Angus Frew, Secretary General & CEO, BIMCO: “Due to the regrettable lack of efficient law enforcement especially in Eastern Gulf of Guinea, this consolidated antipiracy guidance is a must-read for seafarers operating within reach of Nigerian pirates.”

Guy Platten, Secretary General, ICS, commented: “It is unacceptable that pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea continue to threaten the lives of our seafarers, especially at a time when we are also having to fend off the threat from COVID-19. This publication shows the shipping industry’s firm commitment to the safety and welfare of the men and women who move world trade, and ending the blight of piracy in the region once and for all.”

Dr Kostas G Gkonis, Secretary General, INTERCARGO, added: “The safety of seafarers is our top priority. Seafarers need our support and with this publication, supplemented by adequate training, we hope seafarers should feel and be safer. Their feedback would also be much welcome for the industry to improve the offered guidance.”

To quote Katharina Stanzel, Managing Director, INTERTANKO: “Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea continues to blight the lives of seafarers working in the region. This new BMP, tailored specifically for local conditions, provides guidance and advice to mitigate the threat. While it is just one small part of a solution, the key remains in the hands of the region.”

Finally, Rob Drysdale, Director, OCIMF, said: “This publication offers practical mitigation measures to keep seafarers & vessels safe, a must read for all.”

The organisations which developed the publication are BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, ICS and OCIMF.

BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with around 1,900 members in more than 120 countries. BIMCO’s global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers, agents and P&I clubs.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, representing shipowners and operators in all sectors and trades. ICS membership comprises national shipowners’ associations in Asia, Europe and the Americas whose member shipping companies operate over 80% of the world’s merchant tonnage. Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues that may affect international shipping. It represents shipowners with the various intergovernmental regulatory bodies that impact on shipping, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ICS also develops best practices and guidance, including a wide range of publications and free resources that are used by ship operators globally.

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners ( www.intercargo.org ), represents the interests of quality dry cargo shipowners, the dry bulk sector being the largest shipping sector in terms of number of ships and deadweight. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment and operational excellence.

INTERTANKO is the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, a forum where the industry meets, policies are discussed and best practices developed. INTERTANKO has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970, ensuring that the liquid energy that keeps the world turning is shipped safely, responsibly and competitively.

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminal operations for the handling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF focuses exclusively on preventing harm to people and the environment by promoting best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals. www.ocimf.org

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

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NIGERIA IMPOSES CURFEW AT LAGOS BUT PORTS REMAIN OPEN

Africa’s most populated and overcrowded city, Lagos, appears deserted following Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari announcement on Sunday, 29 March that a 14-day lockdown, described in Nigeria as a curfew, was to apply as from the following day, Monday 30 March. This applies across Lagos and Ogun States in addition to the Federal Capital Territory.

However, he announced, “all seaports in Lagos shall (Tin Can Island and Apapa)…[restrict] remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier.”

President Buhari said he was acting on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

“I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30 March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period. The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States, he said.”

Buhari said that Port Health Authority officials will conduct thorough screening of all drivers and vehicles carrying essential goods from the Lagos ports for the rest of the country.

Essential services include hospitals and related medical establishments, health care organisations involved in manufacturing and distribution, food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities, power generation, transmission and distribution companies and private security companies.

“Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted,” he announced.

With movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private, suspended, the president directed the Minister of Health to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to the restricted zones.[/restrict]

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REPATRIATION OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS

Almost 1,000 seafarers repatriated by Philippines crewing specialist as coronavirus impacts global shipping

Almost 1,000 seafarers stranded on cruise ships around the globe due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic are in the process of being repatriated to the Philippines. This was reported from Manila on 1 April.

CF Sharp Crew that day flew 445 seafarers into Manila on flights arranged by Norwegian Cruise Lines. A further 454 crew members were due to…[restrict] arrive home the following day.

In the words of Roger Storey, Managing Director, CF Sharp Crew Management, Singapore: “Seafarers are a key priority and we, along with our clients, are putting all our efforts into bringing them home and reuniting them with their loved ones at this difficult time.”

It is understood that crew members who arrived on 1 April did not pass through the airport building but instead were collected by buses waiting on the tarmac and taken straight to the Manila hotel where they will undergo compulsory quarantine. They were met there by CF Sharp staff who explained the rules to them and provided support.

Storey praised the company’s cruise lines clients for their support in assisting seafarers to get home. He reported on 1 April: “Norwegian Cruise Lines arranged two sweeper flights, which fortunately were not impeded by any red tape, and we have been able to fly in 445 seafarers today with 454 seafarers arriving tomorrow (2 April). We have reserved places for them all to undertake their compulsory 14-day quarantine.”

The Philippines-headquartered crew specialist already has 100 crew members currently undertaking a period of 14 days isolation in Manila before they may be reunited with their families.

Most merchant ships have suspended crew changes for the immediate future and Storey says his firm is working with seafarers to enable them to obtain financial aid from the Philippine Government’s Support for Seafarers scheme, administered by the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA).

With the majority of airlines drastically reducing their flights and all embassies suspending operations until further notice Storey added that CF Sharp has suspended its crewing operations and all shore employees’ efforts are currently focused on supporting the company’s at-risk crew to return home.

The vast majority of Sharp’s staff in the Philippines are now working from home. Meanwhile the company’s offices in Manila are again being deep cleaned.

Strict enforcement

Strictly enforced restrictions in the Philippines require people to self-isolate and observe curfews. Residents need approval from their local Barangay (village/district office) in order to leave their place of residence and there are frequent check-points where travellers must justify the reason for their journey.

Proof of legitimate business travel must include company ID as well as a covering letter explaining the reason for the travel.

Finally, Storey advised: “Returning Filipino seafarers need to be made aware of the changes to normal life and business and of course the necessity of keeping safe and avoiding unnecessary risks of exposure to Covid-19. We are all working together to keep everyone safe.”[/restrict]

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

 

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ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY FRIGATE TOOWOOMBA INTERDICTS 3 TONS OF NARCOTICS

The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) has intercepted and confiscated over 3,000 kilograms of illegal narcotics including hashish and heroin in the Gulf of Aden.

The frigate is deployed to the Middle East region and was achieved in support of…[restrict] the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operations in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.

It was HMAS Toowoomba’s first seizure of narcotics since arriving in the Middle East over a month ago.

CMF is a multinational taskforce of 33 nations committed to disrupting terrorist organisations and illegal activities in the maritime domain.

“Sailors used specialised search techniques and equipment to discover the drugs which were contained inside void spaces, and all of the narcotics were subsequently destroyed at sea,” Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General Susan Coyle said.

During her deployment, HMAS Toowoomba is also working with international partners to monitor and deter destabilising activity and support the safe passage of commercial and civilian shipping under the International Maritime Security Construct.

This is the Royal Australian Navy’s 68th deployment to the Middle East Region since 1990 and the sixth mission for HMAS Toowoomba. source: CMF[/restrict]

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STOWAWAYS ALLEGEDLY PUT OVERBOARD FROM CHINESE SHIP OFF KZN COAST

It’s long been reported, or should that be ‘rumoured’, that the worst choice for a stowaway is to go on board a Chinese ship, because once discovered, they will seldom remain on board for long.

Such unfortunate practices are not unique to Chinese vessels of course, and differing laws in countries where the affected ships may visit don’t make things easier for ships’ masters faced by confusing and conflicting laws regarding unwanted passengers. And the long arm of the law doesn’t necessarily stretch far across the ocean…..

At Zinkwazi beach, which is on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast between Durban and Richards Bay, two Tanzanian stowaways were discovered on Monday this week, who claim to have been put off a Chinese ship after it left the port of Durban.

IPSS Medical Rescue were called to the scene and attended to the two men, who had apparently been severely beaten by the ships’ crew after the ship left port last Wednesday. They say they were put overboard on the following morning, Thursday 26 March, spending the rest of the time afloat on their raft made from timber dunnage, before coming ashore on Monday this week.

Each man was given a life jacket before being forced overboard onto the raft. These kept them alive but subject to the current, waves and weather.

They told their rescuers that the Chinese crew accused them of not only being stowaways but of being carriers of the coronavirus.

After being attended to on the beach they were taken to Stanger Hospital for further treatment and for screening for the virus.

Durban, as a major port city on the African East coast has a serious ongoing problem with stowaways who are so numerous that they form a small colony living under a bridge in the city while awaiting the chance to board another ship which they hope will take them to Europe.

Searches are made on certain ships in port but this is a costly affair and is not called for by the masters of some ships. When caught before sailing it is not uncommon for a stowaway (he arrived this way and qualifies for the title) to demand a payment before he will agree to being repatriated quietly to the East African country he originally came from. In this way he has the prestige of returning home with money to give to his family who have been looking to him for support.

The chances are that he will soon be back in Dar es Salaam or Mombasa, finding another likely ship to take him south or north.

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TRANSPORT MINISTER MBALULA GIVES UPDATE ON TRANSPORT REGULATIONS

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has provided an update on the implementation of transport regulations involving the coronavirus lockdown.

Law enforcement officers are being increased at Lebombo to monitor all roadblocks leading towards the borders to ensure that vehicles refrain from approaching the port of entry, particularly on the SA – Mozambique border. This followed some problems when…[restrict] vehicles were prevented from making the crossing on the first few days.

Meanwhile, toll operators have complained to the department about being defined as an essential service.

Further north in Zambia, the SADC harmonisation document remains in draft so member states have no formal agreement to adhere to on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. At Livingstone South African drivers are being quarantined for 14 days without screening and South African trucks detained. Drivers are allegedly kept in inhumane conditions.

Maritime

With QUEEN MARY 2 now in Durban harbour (Tuesday), the last passenger vessel scheduled to visit South African shores is AMSTERDAM.

The Holland America ship is scheduled to arrive off Durban on 5 April 2020, at about 05h00. More details about the vessel will follow in due course, however SAMSA officials and the Durban Joint Operations Committee (JOC) have started communicating with the ship agent and the ship master to provide guidance and gather information e.g. health and safety status of the vessel, SA persons onboard the vessel, etc.

SAMSA is reporting that there is still no clear directive on how to process passenger vessels requiring assistance e.g. refueling, supplies, humanitarian assistance, etc.

This was perhaps evidenced with the four days that Queen Mary 2 spent at anchor outside Durban. According to the DoT the ship has 264 passengers and 1215 crew on board.

“Twenty-seven passengers onboard the vessel presented with ‘flu-like’ symptoms, and the affected passengers have undergone testing,” said the DoT. “As at the time of reporting [prior to the ship entering port], the results of 17 selected passengers came out negative, and test results of the remaining 10 passengers were awaited.”

This may have been the reason for the Cunard ship having to anchor off Umhlanga, then up-anchor and ‘cruise’ along the North Coast before coming to anchor again and finally entering port yesterday at mid-afternoon.

Referring presumably to the South Africans working on Queen Mary 2 and who wanted to sign off in Durban, Minister Mbalula reported that currently there are no known means of dealing with SA Seafarers (technical or Hospitality) signing off on foreign ships abroad. SAMSA, he said, is awaiting a protocol from the DoT and DIRCO on how to deal with that scenario.

The statement said that with regard South African seafarers returning home on board ships already on the SA coastline, currently crew changes are not allowed. “South Africans on the Queen Mary 2 are still stuck aboard the ship, at the Port of Durban. It is suggested that South African citizens be allowed to disembark the ship and follow the already established disembarkation process led by Port Health,” the statement said.[/restrict]

The full report given by Minister Mbalula is currently available on the www.gov.za site by CLICKING HERE

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FIRST ORE TRAIN IN THREE DAYS SEEN ON SISHEN-SALDANHA RAILWAY

The first train in three days has been observed crossing the Berg River bridge on the Cape West coast heading for the port of Saldanha.

The significance is that this indicates a resumption of deliveries or iron ore and manganese to the port. The break in deliveries may have been routine but following Transnet’s recent statement that it was scaling back on many of its services as a result of the COVID-10 pandemic* fears were expressed by stakeholders concerning their exports.

* See that report HERE.

“Transnet has taken a decision to scale down all of its transportation services and operations for non-essential cargo during the period of the state of lockdown,” the statement read.

Given the dire condition of South Africa’s economy, all trade remains of utmost importance.

Ackowledgements to Graeme Clemitson
Cape West Coast

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CREW ON MAERSK CONTAINERSHIP CONFIRMED WITH COVID-19

Seven crew members of the container ship GJERTRUD MAERSK have been evacuated from their ship, the Gjertrud Maersk, in Ningbo harbour, China after one member tested positive with the coronavirus and four others proved to be asymptomatically infected. Another two tested negative but have also left the ship to be quarantined ashore.

Gjertrud Maersk now has the dubious honour of being, it is believed, to be the first container ship in the world to carry the coronavirus.

The 9,074-TEU ship was in Ningbo was in the process of being phased into one of the Maersk services and is idle in Ningbo.

Maersk has confirmed the news, saying that several seafarers on board the ship were feeling unwell. They were isolated and when COVID-19 symptoms appeared they received medical treatment based on input from Maersk’s medical advisers.

The hospitalised crew members are reported to be in stable condition.

Earlier in March Maersk suspended all crew changes on its container ships until 14 April. This was to ensure the safety of the crews, Maersk advised.

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MAERSK ADVISES OF SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT TO FAR EAST – S AFRICA SAFARI SERVICE

Maersk Line advises that due to market demand reductions in Far East to Southern Africa ‘SAFARI’ trade caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the line is endeavouring to balance its network to match reduced demand.

“Therefore the Safari vessel (GSL NINGBO 014S) currently planned for week 15 in Ningbo (6 April) and Shanghai (8 April) will not sail to South Africa and Mauritius.

“Please note that Asia sailing plan of GSL NINGBO is still under evaluation, and you will be informed your cargo contingency plan once our Asian coastal coverage is finalised,” Maersk said in a statement issued yesterday (31 March).

“Our normal weekly sailings to South Africa and Mauritius will continue from the following week. You are therefore very welcome to continue to book on the GSL NINGBO 014S and your cargo will be delivered for that specific week with 7 days extended transit time.”

Customers are encouraged to visit the Maersk website CLICK HERE or liaise with their local Maersk customer service representative.

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NIGERIA’S TERMINAL OPERATORS WANT PORTS TO REMAIN FULLY OPEN

Terminal operators in Nigeria’s ports have emphasised the need for the country’s ports to remain open at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued by the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), chairman Princess Vicky Haastrup said: “As we face the global public health crisis birthed by the Coronavirus disease, otherwise known as COVID-19, we advise government to ensure that the supply chain is not disrupted and the seaports keep running.

“Even if other sectors of the economy are shut down…[restrict] to guard against the spread of the virus, the seaports should remain open to ensure that there is no shortage of food, drugs and other essential supply to Nigerians.”

STOAN’s statement coincided with measures being taken by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) ans the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) that involve staff deemed as not essential to remain on duty at the ports, to work instead from home.

Both the Nigerian Ports authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) have employed several measures to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.

This includes staff members who are not on essential duty to work from home. The NPA says however that there are no issues that could make it necessary to close any of the seaports.

Jato Adams, NPA’s General Manager of Strategic Communications said that shutting the ports was the prerogative of the federal government. For now there were no issues to warrant shutting the ports. It was only Port Health that could make that decision, he added.

Haastrup said the maritime sector was key in ensuring the continuity of economic activities.

“It is imperative for the fight against COVID-19, the supply of essentials, as well as for increasing the chance of the economic recovery on the other side of the outbreak, that maritime and connected transport is allowed to continue, and that government works actively to support the sector throughout the period of the crisis,” she said.

“The continued functionality of the ports and port ecosystems is imperative for securing movement of goods at scale, for prevention of shortages and thus for maintenance of public order.

“Observations from China during the COVID-19 outbreak show how a top priority given by national leaders to ensure business continuity in ports can help minimise the impact of precautionary measures on the fluidity of trade and port operations.

She pointed out that while much of Chinese society was in lockdown during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Chinese ports continued operations with minimum disruptions.

“This was not least due to the top-down instruction by the Chinese government to stay open and prioritise business continuity in all provinces across the country.

“The Chinese experience is reflected in the European Union’s response to COVID-19. The EU guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services issued on 16 March 2020, advised countries to ensure that their control measures did not undermine the continuity of economic activity and should preserve the operation of supply chains.”

Haastrup said that the examples from China and the EU show that the functionality of ports and transport systems must be a priority in the effort to manage COVID-19 outbreak. source This Day[/restrict]

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MPDC ADOPTS MEASURES TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF BUSINESS DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

A package of measures aimed at securing the continuity of business at Port Maputo has been introduced by the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC).

The measures will, it is believed, help mitigate any financial impact arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a media statement MPDC said: “We understand that we are facing an unprecedented crisis. These measures, among other cost revision initiatives, have been designed to allow MPDC to protect its work force, so that the company is adequately prepared to return to normal when the Covid-19 outbreak is over.”

Port Maputo is expected to feel the impact of South Africa’s lockdown, now in its fifth of 21 days, as 70 per cent of the traffic flowing through the port originates in South Africa.

MPDC revealed it is scaling back on its plans by delaying investments in infrastructure and equipment that has not yet commenced. The port will also reduce maintenance to the minimum levels necessary to guarantee integrity and continuity.

Where possible staff are working from home and others are taking leave early. In addition the port authority is negotiating adjustments to the supply of goods and services.

MPDC said it recognised the importance of keeping the logistical chain operational and was making every effort to reduce the interruption of port services to a minimum while remaining fully operational.

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NIMASA BANS INTERNATIONAL VESSELS WITH NO THERMAL SCREENING FACILITIES

NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency) has banned all international shipping in Nigerian waters that lack thermal screening facilities.

Announcing this, NIMASA’s recently appointed Director General, Dr Bashir Jamoh said the agency has introduced the rule to assist all shipping companies and all maritime stakeholders in following the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and…[restrict] organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

There is a need to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus especially through shipping activities, he said.

Dr Jamoh stressed that the outbreak has necessitated stringent measures to help curb the spread while not totally harming the Nigerian economy.

“These are trying times and we must pull through together that is why we have directed that all maritime stakeholders develop risk assessments and safety intervention guidelines for their personnel and operations on the areas of vulnerabilities of their maritime operations that can be affected by the COVID 19 pandemic including but not limited to offshore operations such as crew/personnel changes, visits from onshore and other locations for provision of supplies, maintenance and repairs etc,” he said.

Jamoh added that NIMASA is producing a publication that will provide more detail on the guidelines and includes a schedule for ongoing offshore operations requiring new crew or crew changes from affected countries. This is to ensure that pre-departure tests for COVID 19 are conducted on such persons, and self-isolation procedures for the prescribed period are instituted for such new crew/personnel before exposure to other personnel.

Jamoh said that only international marine vessels which had planned and informed of their call into a Nigerian port not later than 1 February, 2020 would be allowed to call. Any international marine vessel or any member of its crew or passenger having a travel history of visiting any of the COVID-19 affected countries since 1 Feb, 2020 will not be permitted to enter any Nigerian port from 30 March, 2020 till 12 of April, 2020.

These dates are subject to review.

NIMASA recently donated 20 ventilators as well as six fast intervention vessels to facilitate transport logistic support in the maritime sector. The agency has also made available four fully equipped new ambulances, four Hilux and four 36-seat coaster buses to facilitate land-based logistics in the Federal capital Territory, Lagos, Delta, Rivers Cross Rivers and Kaduna States.

NIMASA also made cash donations to several of the states who have reported cases of the pandemic. source: The News[/restrict]

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TRANSNET MAKES PROPERTIES AVAILABLE AS COVID-19 QUARANTINE SITES

Transnet has made available several sites as quarantine centres and shelters for the homeless for the duration of the 21-day COVID-19 lockdown period, now in its 5th day.

This action is being done in partnership with the local governments in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

The lockdown…[restrict] requires that all citizens stay indoors, but for those who cannot self-quarantine and self-isolate at home, these facilities will act as temporary shelters to help reduce the impact of the outbreak.

The local governments will provide catering, security and waste removal for all facilities.

In Gauteng, Transnet has made available, Esselen Park School of Rail Campus and Parkhill Lodge properties and facilities as quarantine sites. These two properties have been made available as of 27 March until 16 April 2020.

In KwaZulu-Natal, No.60 Mayors Road in Pietermaritzburg (Msunduzi Municipality) will also be used to provide shelter for the homeless and has been available as of 27 March until 17 April 2020. The municipality has committed to ensure quality living conditions for its entire people to deal with this new hard-hitting reality.

A student lodge in Bloemfontein in the Free State province is currently being utilised to accommodate homeless people for the duration of the lockdown as of 25 March until 17 April 2020.

In total, these facilities will have the capacity to take over 600 people during this period.

These are uncertain times for all of us and Transnet remains committed to providing support to communities in areas in which it operates, the rail and port company said in a statement.[/restrict]

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MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (MSC) OFFERS SIX-MONTH PAUSE ON ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION

What is the MSC? [1:29]

Fisheries are being offered a six-month extension on the usual timelines for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessments and certifications. It is the first time in the MSC’s 22-year history such a step has been taken, reflecting the enormous challenges the pandemic is posing to the global seafood industry.

The measures were agreed unanimously by the Board of Trustees and are effective from 27 March 2020. The decision means timelines for fisheries assessments, including audits, delivery on conditions and certifications will receive an automatic six-month extension.

However, fishery partners who wish to go ahead with remote audits and existing timelines, can do so if this is feasible and agreed with Conformity Assessment Bodies.

For supply chain businesses with an MSC Chain of Custody certificate, audits can still be conducted remotely. But if this is not possible due to the impacts of Covid-19, then a six-month extension can be requested.

This latest move is in response to the massive disruption facing the industry and builds on MSC’s previous decision that fisheries and Chain of Custody certificate holders can be audited remotely, as travel restrictions and public health advice have made it increasingly difficult to carry out on-site visits.

MSC will be contacting fisheries, conformity assessment bodies and partners in the sustainable seafood supply chain with further information in the coming days. Other MSC activities, such as the licensing of products, will carry on as normal.

“This is an extraordinary moment in history, unprecedented in modern times,” said Chief Executive Rupert Howes. “MSC is acutely aware that many of our partners are facing enormous challenges and uncertainty. For some it may be a question of survival.

“Whilst the regional situation varies, supply chains have been disrupted, in some cases broken, plants have been closed and vessels tied up. Management is quite rightly focusing on responding to the crisis.

“It is for this reason that we have implemented these new measures. MSC wants to do what it can to support our partners through these exceptionally challenging times.”

About MSC

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation with a vision for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. “Our ecolabel and certification program recognise and reward sustainable fishing practices and is helping create a more sustainable seafood market. The MSC ecolabel on a seafood product means that:

*it comes from a wild-catch fishery which has been independently certified to the MSC’s science-based standard for environmentally sustainable fishing.
*it is fully traceable to a sustainable source.

Currently, 395 fisheries in 36 countries are certified to the MSC Fishery Standard and more than 41,000 seafood products worldwide carry the blue MSC label.

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MAPUTO CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION MOVED TO AUGUST

As the global situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, conference and exhibition organiser dmg events has taken the decision to move an event planned for Maputo to a later time.

This arises from the restrictions introduced by South Africa and by Mozambique to protect public safety as well as internal travel bans within companies, with a large majority of participants now finding themselves unable to travel.

“Based on all this information, we have made the decision to change the event dates.” Transport Evolution Mozambique Forum & Showcase, which was scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 May 2020 inside the Port of Maputo, will now be held in the same venue but from 11-13 August this year.

According to the organisers, more than 800 attendees from 20 countries were expected to attend the Transport Evolution Mozambique Forum and Showcase. Although the event is seen as extremely important for the region’s transport sector, “we take our responsibility for the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors, employees and of course the local population, very seriously,” said dmg events in a statement.

Updates and other information on the event can be seen by CLICKING HERE

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RUSSIAN NAVAL FRIGATE DUE IN CAPE TOWN

An unusual visitor is due in Cape Town later today (Monday 30 March 2020) at a time when few will be able to witness her arrival or departure, owing to the COVID-19 lockdown. Perhaps a kind someone at Transnet will take a photograph for the rest of us to enjoy.

The frigate is the YAROSLAV MUDRY, the second of the Neustrashimyy-class frigates built for the Soviet and Russian Navy, with Yaroslav Mudry, pennant number 727 entering service in 2009. Initially she served with the Northern Fleet but has since transferred to the Baltic. She was built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.

The frigate displaces 3,800 tons and has a length of 129.6 metres with a beam of 15.6m. Her propulsion consists of two shafts, COGAG (gas turbines) and a declared top speed of 30 knots. The vessels has a crew complement of 210 persons.

Yaroslav Mudry’s armaments include a 100mm main gun, two Kashtan combined gun and missile systems, SAM missiles, six torpedo tubes for missiles or torpedoes and a single Ka-27 helicopter housed in a hangar and pad.

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NINTH VESSSEL ADDED TO RESTORE SRX EUROPE-SOUTH AFRICA SERVICE RELIABILITY

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has advised of the addition of a ninth container vessel to the Europe-South Africa service, which for ONE is designated SRX service.

ONE is a consortium consisting of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and K Line). The SRX service partners include Maersk, Safmarine and DAL.

In an advisory ONE said that during 2019 they had been informing clients of the problematic operational performance of the South African container terminals, which resulted in extended port stays, berthing delays and challenges to maintain schedule integrity.

“Although climate elements such as strong winds resulting in stoppage of operations have always been a factor to consider when operating in South Africa, we have noted that over the past two years the situation has worsened,” ONE said, adding that strong winds are no longer limited to the windy season and are now causing delays throughout the year with increased frequency.

“In addition to these weather delays, operations are also negatively affected by surging and swell,” the line said.

“Another important factor affecting current operational performance issues are the challenges experienced by the terminal operator TPT (Transnet Port Terminals). TPT is the sole party mandated to operate the South African terminals. The challenges experienced range from labour issues, maintenance and equipment investments problems to process issues.

Maersk Line’s Santa Ursula whch is joining the Europe-South Africa service from April
“In order to address these issues, the South African government have taken action by appointing a new TPT management team and making funds available for the necessary repairs and investments needed. However, reversing a situation that has built up over a decade is not something that can be corrected overnight. While operational performance over 2020 will improve, it may take another year before TPT can guarantee a stable performance at the required performance rate.

“Knowing that our clients require schedule reliability for adequate planning of resources and product, we have decided to add an extra 9th vessel to our SRX service, whereby we have particularly increased the buffer time in Durban to ensure we can arrive at every South African port within the CTOC window (when we arrive outside our CTOC berthing window, our window is no longer guaranteed).”

ONE said the the addition of the 9th vessel will not only vastly improve the reliability of its SRX service, “it will also allow us to reinstate the northbound call of Port Elizabeth and Algeciras.”

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PIRACY: ABORTED ATTACK ON MV LANA SOUTH OF BONNY ISLAND

Dryad Global reports yet another piracy attack on a ship in the Gulf of Guinea, one that is some distance from others that have occurred recently and the first in this specific area in 2020.

The attack took place on 27 Marc at 16h00 UTC in position 02°45’N, 006°52’E, 30 nautical miles (nm) South East Egina Terminal, 99nm South Bonny Island.

The attack, which was not successful, was made on the container ship LANA (IMO 9484522) by a single skiff with six pirates on board. According to the report shots were fired.

The 260-metre long, 32m wide 42,115-dwt container ship increased speed and conducted anti-piracy manoeuvres, with Dryad reporting that the perpetrators were unable to board the vessel and were seen to withdrew heading east. The vessel and crew remain safe.

In its analysis Dryad comments that this is the first incident to occur within this area in 2020.

“This incident sits in close proximity (30 nautical miles South-East) to a concentration of serious maritime security incidents that occurred throughout 2019 in the Nigeria-Sao Tome JDZ.

“It is assessed that incidents in this area have been perpetuated by the relative absence of formalised security presence throughout the area. Perpetrators operating within this area have relative freedom of movement to conduct operations against vulnerable vessels.”

Dryad says that international maritime response has improved recently with the Portuguese Navy establishing a semi-permanent presence out of Santo Antonio, however security coverage of the area remains limited.

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COVID-19 CURTAILS OPERATIONS AT RIO TINTO’S RICHARDS BAY MINERALS

In response to the action taken by South Africa to contain the spread of COVID-19, production at the Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) mining operations has been halted in line with the 21-day lockdown of the country.

This decision came into line, along with many other activities across the country, at midnight of Thursday 26 March.

Arrangements have been made for….[restrict] the furnaces to be put on care and maintenance in order to avoid damage to their continuous operations. RBM said it is too early to speculate on when operations will resume or on 2020 production guidance. Resumption of the construction of the Zulti South project will be delayed.

Rio Tinto has also taken action in Canada following the announcement by the Premier of Quebec to close all non-essential businesses from midnight on 24 March to 13 April by reducing its activity to a minimum. The Quebec Government designated industrial complexes including the aluminium sector and the mining industry as essential industries, but instructed that they must reduce their business activity to the minimum.

“We will work with the government to comply with its directive in relation to our Quebec operations. Any impacts to operations or production guidance will be reported to the market in due course,” said Rio Tinto chief executive officer J-S Jacques.

“The health and safety of our people is Rio Tinto’s key priority and we are supportive of the action being taken by various governments to address the threat of COVID-19. We will continue to work with our employees, customers, communities and suppliers to minimise any impact of action being taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

The RBM mining operation is just to the north of the port of Richards Bay. Production is of Titanium Dioxide, pig iron and Zircon.[/restrict]

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CMA CGM INCREASES LIQUIDITY WITH SALE OF EIGHT TERMINALS

In a manoeuvre intended to reduce its debt and increase liquidity, CMA CGM has completed the first transaction in an agreement with China Merchants Port (CMP) for the sale of CMA CGM’s stake in eight port terminals to Terminal Link for US$815 million in cash.

Terminal Link joint venture was created in 2013 and is 51% owned by CMA CGM and 49% by CMP.

The transaction delivers on CMA CGM Group’s US$ 2.1 billion liquidity plan…[restrict] announced on 25th November 2019 and strengthens its balance sheet amidst the high uncertainty created by the global Covid-19 health crisis.

The French line said that while the crisis has had a limited impact in the first quarter of 2020, the Group expects a decline in volumes, particularly outbound to Europe and the United States.

The deal will enable Terminal Link to expand its geographic footprint and global network and enhancing its business development prospects.

This initial disposal includes the following terminals:
Odessa Terminal (Ukraine)
CMA CGM PSA Lion Terminal (CPLT), Singapore
Kingston Freeport Terminal (Jamaica)
Rotterdam World Gateway (Netherlands)
Qingdao Qianwan United Advance Container Terminal (China)
Vietnam International Container Terminal, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Laem Chabang International Terminal (Thailand)
Umm Qasr Terminal (Iraq)

The sale of the last two terminals covered by the agreement between CMA CGM and CMP should be completed by the end of first-half 2020 for an all-cash consideration over USD 150 million, pending approval by the competent regulatory agencies.[/restrict]

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US NEWS: HELP ON THE WAY:
USNS Comfort is deployed on US East Coast 
On the West Coast it is USNS Mercy

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived in Los Angeles on 27 March deployed in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts in a similar way as USNS Comfort was deployed on the East Coast last week.

The two hospital ships are part of MSC’s operation with more than 110 ships around the world.

With the designation USNS (United States Naval Ship) they are not commissioned ships. They are crewed by civilians. Some MSC ships have small military departments assigned to carry out specialized military functions such as communications and supply operations. MSC ships carry the prefix ‘T’ before their normal hull numbers.

The two Mercy-class hospital ships have become prime assets in the US Navy’s efforts to reach out to foreign countries and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Since 2001, the hospital ships have conducted a number of humanitarian-assistance and disaster-response missions at home and abroad, providing care to more than 550,000 people.

Comfort, which originally drew most of its medical staff from the Washington area, was transferred to Norfolk, Virginia, in 2013 to be closer to the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, where most of its medical staff now is based. Comfort deployed for 180 days for Continuing Promise 2015. In 2017 Comfort deployed to Puerto Rico to support relief efforts after Hurricane Maria, and in 2018 she deployed to South and Central America for Enduring Promise 2018.

Mercy has made three 150-day deployments in recent years including Pacific Partnership 2015, 2016 and 2018. Comfort also provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Features

USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) each contain 12 fully-equipped operating rooms, a 1,000 bed hospital facility, digital radiological services, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CAT-scan and two oxygen producing plants.
Each ship is equipped with a helicopter deck capable of landing large military helicopters. The ships also have side ports to take on patients at sea. When fully operational, the hospital ships have a crew of about 71 civilians and up to 1,200 Navy medical and communications personnel. The precise crew composition and size varies by mission type. During humanitarian-assistance missions, the crew often includes representatives from other US services, foreign militaries and non-governmental organisations.

Background

Both hospital ships are converted San Clemente-class super tankers. Mercy was delivered in 1986 and Comfort in 1987.

Normally, the ships are kept in a reduced operating status in Norfolk, Virginia, and San Diego, California, by a small crew of civil service mariners and active duty Navy medical and support personnel.

It is reported that each ship can be fully activated and crewed within five days.

Edited by Paul Ridgway
London

 

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CRUISE AND SHIP PORT MOVEMENTS DUE TO COVID-19

DURBAN

QUEEN MARY 2

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 arrived off Durban on Thursday 26 March and, in an unusual action for the Queen, went to anchor outside port at the anchorage opposite Umhlanga. By Friday midday the ship, which has always been welcomed by crowds of Durbanites even in the days when access to the North Pier was heavily restricted, remained in this position, not far from another anchored cruise ship visitor, MSC Orchestra.

The liner was arriving from Fremantle, where most of her passengers were disembarked. Those that remain on board are understood to be passengers returning to the UK who are otherwise unable to fly and will return instead with the ship, whose destination remains Southampton. When she finally enters port to take bunkers and any necessary supplies, it will be a silent mostly ‘non-event’ save for those fortunate people living in apartments along the beachfront.

Update Sunday 22h30:

The NSRI reports that on Friday, 27 March, at 19h00 the NSRI Durban duty crew launched the sea rescue craft Alick Rennie, accompanied by a ShipMed doctor, to rendezvous at the Queen Mary 2 cruise liner at the outer anchorage off-shore of Umhlanga, Durban.

The ShipMed doctor, under the authority of the Department of Health Port Health Unit and the Department of Transport, was tasked to carry out routine Covid-19 tests onboard.

On arrival at Queen Mary 2 the doctor, wearing full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), was transferred onto the ship and following the sample tests that were collected the doctor was transferred back onto the sea rescue craft and brought back into the Port of Durban without incident.

All precautions, PPE and protocols as outlined by the Department of Health were followed during the operation. As of 22h30 Sunday 29 March Queen Mary 2 remained at anchor outside, although earlier in the weekend the ship sailed a short distance along the coast to improve the conditions on board for the remaining passengers.

ARCADIA

The P&O Cruises’ Arcadia arrived in Durban on Sunday 22 March – her movements being similar to those of Queen Mary 2, of going to anchor outside until cleared with ‘free pratique’ and allowed to enter harbour. With Arcadia it involved several false alarms and it was Thursday 26 March before she was finally cleared, allowing the ship to proceed to P berth on the T-Jetty.

It appears the port authority and health officials were required to carry out COVID-19 tests on 13 symptomatic individuals onboard the vessel, which turned out to be negative. The Port of Durban helicopter transported a medical doctor out to the vessel to conduct the testing in full personal protective equipment (PPE).

TNPA subsequently advised that the vessel was then cleared and granted free pratique (a clean bill of health) by the Port Health Unit of the Department of Health. Arcadia then docked on the morning of Thursday, 26 March 2020 and departed for Southampton at 7pm on the same day.

Arcadia was one of six cruise ships that were already on their way to South Africa before new regulations were promulgated by the Minister of Transport on 18 March 2020, which now ban cruise liners and prohibit passenger embarkation and disembarkation at all South African cruise ports.

As a result Arcadia’s other cruise calls in South Africa were cancelled and she docked in Durban to receive bunkers and provisions. Four South African crew members were allowed to disembark, as permitted by the new regulations which allow cruise ships only to disembark a returning South African citizen and/or a permanent resident.

MSC ORCHESTRA

The arrival of this ship back in Durban after a final cruise to Mozambique has been recorded in earlier editions. After all passengers and crew had disembarked, save for a small ‘skeleton’ crew sufficient to operate the ship, MSC Orchestra moved to the outer anchorage where she will remain until a date in April when the ship may then return to the Mediterranean.

COVID-19 PASSENGER – MSC Orchestra

In news that became available on Sunday, 29 March and more than a week after MSC ORCHESTRA returned on her final voyage from Mozambique, it has been reported that a female passenger who travelled with the ship on that occasion, has proved positive with the coronavirus.

Apparently the woman returned home and later began showing symptoms of the virus.  She was tested and proved positive. Efforts are now underway to trace the more than 3,300 passengers and crew that were on board the ship with her.

MSC Cruises SA has issued health authorities with a list of everone that was on board the final cruise.

SAS DURBAN

This is not a cruise ship item by any means but may be of interest to some readers. After a long eight month sojourn at the Bayhead shipyards, undergoing very necessary repairs and maintenance, the former SA Navy mine sweeper, SAS DURBAN M1499 was returned on Tuesday 24 March 2020. She joined another museum exhibit, the former Transnet salvage and harbour tug JR MORE, which had also returned from the shipyard some weeks earlier.

While appearing much more sprightly than when she went for repair last August, it was noticeable that more work is required to place the naval ship back in good appearance. An onlooker made the comment as the vessel returned to the museum, saying he was left seriously underwhelmed by the external appearance of the minesweeper. “She didn’t look to me like a craft that had received six months of shipyard attention to spruce her up.”

A fresh coat of paint should do wonders.

CAPE TOWN

Much has already been reported on the AIDAmira and the fears of having cases of the coronavirus on board, after six passengers arriving from Turkey were reported to have been in the proximity or company of two crew of the inappropriately-named bulk carrier, CORONA, who were joining the ship in Cape Town.

Tests on the passengers proved negative and after some delay in port, during which the passengers disembarked to take chartered flights back to Germany, AIDAmira sailed at around 14h30 on Thursday, 26 March, bound for Gibraltar.

TALL SHIP SAGRES

Amidst all the fuss over the pending lockdown and cruise ship arrivals and departures, not much notice was taken of one of the more spectacular Tall Ships that slipped into Cape Town harbour on Wednesday 25 March 2020. Her stay was short and later the same day Sagres, a training ship of the Portuguese Navy, sailed from the Cape bound for Vitória in Brazil. CORRECTION: Sagres is returning direct to Lisbon (acknowledgements to Sergio Rezendes and Ricardo Gaudino for this update)

Because of the COVID-19 scare and the approaching lockdown any thought of the crew on board being able to enjoy and explore the wonders and beauty of the Western Cape were dispelled, while local folk were equally denied the opportunity of visiting and exploring the sailing ship.

One a final note, Transnet reports that to date there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any South African sea-port.

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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

“Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.”
– Dennis Wholey

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