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

For a 2024 Rate Card please contact us at terry@africaports.co.za

TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

Newsweek commencing 22 September 2024.  Click on headline to go direct to story : use the BACK key to return.  

FIRST VIEW:   Port of Beira

• Kenya: Advancing green shipping
• Damaged oil tanker Sounion towed to safe area
• TNPA hosts 570 Durban scholars at Port of Durban
• Ghana: sharpening maritime English skills
• Zambia – Lobito railway concession & financing signed
• SA Navy Festival returns on 4-6 October
• WHARF TALK: Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) naval support vessel – RFA ARGUS A135
• TNPA approaches market towards implementing the Ngqura LNG Terminal
• SAMSA kept busy as ships come calling
• World Maritime Day 2024
• DP World plans further investments for the Port of Maputo
• CMA CGM upgrades several West African-Europe services
• CIG calls for container inspection findings to be published
• India Ports & ISPS/PANS: Pre-Arrival Notification of Security
• WHARF TALK: cable laying vessel – CMOS INSTALLER
• Ghana’s Jamestown Fishing Harbour in Accra is officially opened
• Cornelder opens new export reefer yard at Port of Beira
• RFA Warns of Dangerous Conditions on the Roads due to Snowfalls
• South Africa and the Maritime Single Window
• Grindrod acquires full control of Maputo/Matola coal & magnetite terminal
• Beira port general cargo terminal hits historic July volumes
• Green Hydrogen programme makes progress
• Meet SANPC, South Africa’s new petroleum company

• EARLIER NEWS CAN BE FOUND UNDER NEWS CATEGORIES…….

Africa Ports & Ships

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Masthead:  PORT OF CAPE TOWN

Stay Well, Stay Safe, Stay Patient, don’t become one

Advertising:– request a Rate Card from terry@africaports.co.za

Join us on our journey through 2024

and stay up to date with Africa Ports & Ships  – 22 years of reporting directly from Africa (est. 2002).  

SEND NEWS REPORTS AND PRESS RELEASES TO   info@africaports.co.za

Africa Ports & Ships

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

FIRST VIEW:   Port of Beira

The Port of Beira is Mozambique’s second largest and busiest in terms of general cargo, serving a hinterland that includes neighbouring states such as Zimbabwe and Malawi. Zimbabwe (and therefore Zambia) is connected by rail and road, while Malawi enjoys a direct road connection and will shortly to be reconnected directly by rail.

The Port of Beira is managed and operated on a concession awarded to Cornelder de Moçambique (CdM), a joint venture between Moçambique Ports and Railways (CFM) and Dutch company Cornelder Holdings. CdM has operated the Container and General Cargo Terminals in the Port of Beira since October 1998.

Situated on the north bank of the Pungue River the port has 11 berths extending along 1,994 metres of quayside, excluding berth 1 which is reserved for fishing vessels.

The Port of Beira (and city) developed in the late 1880s as a gateway to the hinterland, principally to the then Rhodesia. By 1889 channel buoys were in place and the first wooden pier to handle ships as erected in 1895. A railway, which was under construction by the well-known Southern African railway builder, George Pauling & Sons, reached the then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) border in 1898.

From the 1920s to 1949 deepwater berths and an improved anchorage were constructed under the direction and control of the Companhia do Porto da Beira. In 1949 the Mozambique Ports & Railways company (CFM) took over administrative control of the port and railway. This continued until 1998 when a joint venture was established between Cornelder Holding of the Netherlands and CFM for the new company, Cornelder de Moçambique (CdM), which took over the management of the Beira port container and general cargo terminals. This arrangement continues with added areas of the port.

In recent years a coal terminal with a capacity of up to 6 million tons a year has been completed. Coal can be transshipped to bulk ships lying offshore that are too large to enter the river.

The port has invested also in an increased capacity at the existing grain and general cargo terminals and a new fertiliser facility. Container and cargo handling equipment has been modernised including ship-to-shore gantry cranes.

The Terminals are fully secured with electric fencing, a CCTV security camera system is installed and there is a strict control of personnel, visitors and cargo, which is handled by a private professional security company. Each terminal has a dedicated gate with in and out and fitted with electronic data access, customs, immigration and health).

– Adapted from Africa Ports & Ships’ Mozambique Ports.  Pictures by Cornelder

Africa Ports & Ships

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Kenya: Advancing green shipping

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

Kenya’s leading edge in renewable energy generation could play a significant role in boosting maritime decarbonisation efforts across the East Africa region. This was reported by the IMO news service on 18 September 2024.

A workshop organized by IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme, the Kenya Maritime Authority and the International Power-to-X Hub (PtXHub) earlier in September, which was held in Mombasa, highlighted the crucial connection between the country’s shipping and energy sectors.

Kenya’s green credentials

Approximately 90% of Kenya’s electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, mostly geothermal, while several green hydrogen production projects are in the pipeline, in line with the country’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.

Eng. Martin Munga, Director-General at the Kenya Maritime Authority in his opening remarks said: “With its great renewable energy potential, Kenya is well placed to take leadership in the production of clean fuels for the maritime sector.”

Broad representation

Over 55 representatives from Kenyan government ministries, businesses, non-governmental organizations and academia gathered to discuss the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels towards greener shipping and ports.

At the event participants learned about the latest green shipping technologies as well as barriers to adopting alternative fuels. They explored ways to achieve greater collaboration across the value chain, and steps to ensure that regulations support the production and bunkering of zero- or near-zero emission fuels.

Kenya’s renewable energy resources

International experts highlighted how Kenya’s renewable energy resources could be harnessed to support the development of green shipping corridors, benefitting both the country and the wider East African region.

Presentations from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank focused on financing green hydrogen projects and lessons learned from successful renewable energy projects across the continent.

As part of the workshop, participants visited the Port of Mombasa to learn about its Green Port Policy as well as concrete actions by the Kenya Ports Authority, including the provision of on-shore power for tugs and pilot boats, the development of GHG inventories, and green procurement measures.

National Action Plan for green shipping

The event laid the foundations for the development of Kenya’s first National Action Plan (NAP) for maritime decarbonization.

A roundtable discussion allowed these key stakeholders to exchange views on Kenya’s vision, policy actions, and potential pilot projects. They addressed the unique challenges facing Kenya’s maritime sector, such as infrastructure gaps, and how targeted support and capacity-building could help overcome them.

Michael Mbaru, Deputy Director-Marine Environment Protection at the Kenya Maritime Authority, added: “This collaboration comes at a crucial time for Kenya. The insights and training we have received will help us move forward with a clear and ambitious vision for decarbonising our maritime sector.

“With the support of our partners, we are better positioned to draft a comprehensive National Action Plan that reflects Kenya’s leadership in the green energy space,” Mbaru said.

Astrid Dispert, GreenVoyage2050 Programme Manager at IMO, highlighted the importance of Kenya’s role in the global maritime energy transition.

“The maritime industry is at a key moment as we seek to drastically reduce GHG emissions,” said Dispert, adding that the shift to clean fuels represents one of the most significant opportunities to make real progress.

“Through Kenya’s leadership and commitment, this workshop not only opens doors for local innovation but also sets an example for how countries can harness their renewable energy potential to fuel the decarbonization of global shipping.”

Youth dialogue

During the week, a youth dialogue on green shipping career opportunities was co-hosted by the Kenya Maritime Authority, GreenVoyage2050, the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa (MTCC Africa), and PtXHub.

More than 75 students took part.   Picture above courtesy IMO ©

Added 27 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Damaged oil tanker Sounion towed to safe area

Africa Ports & Ships

The damaged crude oil tanker Sounion (IMO 9312145) has been towed to what is described as a ‘safe area’ without any loss of cargo and is now moored in an undisclosed area for probable transfer of her cargo.

The 163,759-dwt fully-laden tanker was sailing in the lower Red Sea on 21 August when she came under missile attack from Houthi militants based in Yemen.

With the tanker damaged and engine disabled, the crew took to their liferafts and were subsequently picked up and taken to safety. Houthi forces meanwhile boarded the ship, placed charges and set her on fire.

That’s where this story gets a bit weird. Having fired the tanker the Houthis then gave permission for a salvage crew to board the tanker and put out the fires and arrange for the vessel to be taken away.

Why then set fires onboard the vessel in the first place? Did they have second thoughts after someone a little more wise pointed out what was likely to happen if the tanker exploded and spilled over 150,000 tons of thick black oil onto ‘their’ nearby coast?

According to the European Union’s naval operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, naval protection was provided and a tug then successfully towed Sounion to a safe area without any oil spill.

“Any oil spill resulting from the fire could have caused one of the largest oil spills from tankers and led to an environmental catastrophe with devastating environmental and economic consequences for the region and its inhabitants,” said EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

“Since the attack, the European Union has conducted intensive diplomatic and military contacts with regional and international actors to contribute to finding a quick and effective solution to prevent a major environmental crisis.”

Added 27 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

TNPA hosts 570 Durban scholars at Port of Durban

Africa Ports & Ships

On Thursday 26 September (World Maritime Day), the Port of Durban played host to 570 Grade 9 and 10 scholars from various schools within Durban and surrounding areas for its Port Open Day at the Port of Durban.

This initiative is part of Transnet National Ports Authority’s World Maritime Day celebrations, commemorated annually by the International Maritime Organisation on the last Thursday of September.

The Port Open Day aims to raise awareness of the significant role played by the maritime sector in driving the economy of South Africa. This day features a hive of activities including career exhibitions and guidance from maritime industry stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal.

The day was celebrated in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Transport, eThekwini Municipality, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC).

Young minds from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive High, AJ Mwelase High, Thornwood Secondary, Xolophambili Secondary, Kwamakhutha High, Masakhane High, Mqhawe High and JG Zuma High received career talks as well as an opportunity to visit exhibition stands to learn about the diverse careers that the maritime industry has to offer.

Attended by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Mr. Siboniso Duma, this annual observance serves as a tribute to the indispensable role that the maritime industry plays in KZN, South Africa and globally in connecting nations, enabling trade, and fostering economic growth.

TNPA’s celebrations coincides with eThekwini Municipality’s ‘Blue Oceans Economy Week’ held between 24 and 28 September 2024 which seeks to position the City of Durban as a maritime hub and highlight the City’s commitment to harnessing its potential to attract and enhance international events.

“This week is more than just a series of events linked to the Blue Oceans Economy Week,” said the Transport MEC.

Duma said it is a call to action, a commitment to using South Africa’s coastal and ocean resources in a way that promotes economic development while protecting our environment for future generations.

“With 100 kilometres of coastline, Durban is uniquely positioned to lead in maritime trade, innovation, and investing in the leaders of tomorrow ‘Osingaye’, pride and joy of our nation, the youth,” he said.

Port of Durban’s Acting Port Manager, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said that TNPA is intentional about nurturing talent of future mariners.

“World Maritime Day presents the perfect opportunity to highlight the pivotal role that the Port of Durban plays in the maritime economy of South Africa and Africa as the busiest port in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Ben-Mazwi said.

Added 27 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Ghana: sharpening maritime English skills

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

On 20 September the IMO news service reported that instructors in Ghana have updated their skills in teaching maritime English. That is the standard working language for seafarers, essential for ensuring safety on ships that sail worldwide with multinational crews.

Training the trainers

In collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU), which serves Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana and Liberia, IMO organized in Accra from 16 to 20 September a national train-the-trainer course for maritime English instructors.

The course provided twenty-four participants with modern teaching techniques and methodologies for developing and updating maritime English curricula, to support safety and operational efficiency at sea.

Standard phrases

Maritime English includes ‘standard marine communication phrases’ (SMCP), covering all major safety-related verbal communication.

As ships’ crews often come from diverse nationalities, proficiency in Maritime English is crucial for ensuring smooth communication, including in high-pressure situations where misunderstandings can have serious consequences.

Capacity building for STCW

The aim of the course was to enhance the capacity of Ghana’s maritime training institutions to effectively implement the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention) and thereby promote maritime safety and environmental protection.

Meeting global standards

During the course training was aligned with the STCW Convention and IMO Model Course 3.17, ensuring that instructors are well-prepared to meet global standards. The course enabled Ghana’s maritime training institutions to provide high-quality education and contribute to safer maritime operations.

Added 26 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Zambia – Lobito railway concession & financing signed

Africa Ports & Ships

AFC Signs Concession Agreements with Governments of Angola and Zambia to advance Zambia Lobito Rail Project

In a significant milestone for the Zambia Lobito Rail Project, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia for the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the transformational railway project.

The railway will connect Zambia directly with the Lobito Railway inside Angola. Currently the rail connection to the port of Lobito is via the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The agreements, which were signed this week in a ceremonial signing hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the Biden Administration’s G-7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), which was on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), paves the way for the Corporation to spearhead and complete the development of the railway.

Last year, AFC was appointed lead developer on the Zambia Lobito rail project in collaboration with the United States Government, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

The project involves the construction of approximately 800km of greenfield rail line connecting the Benguela rail line in Luacano, Angola, to the existing Zambia Railways Line in Chingola, Zambia.

Once completed, the trade corridor will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and promote investments in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, mining, and electricity access along the corridor.

Concurrent to signing the concession agreements, AFC also signed an agreement to receive US$ 2 million grant funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), towards completion of the environmental and social studies for the project.

The grant, which marks the first time the Corporation will tap into USTDA funding, will facilitate comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) to ensure that the Zambia Lobito Rail Project aligns with international best practices and environmental standards.

AFC will play the pivotal role of lead developer on the rail project which not only offers an efficient evacuation route for minerals and metals from the region but helps establish a trade corridor across Africa from the Port of Lobito on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the Port of Dar es Salam in Tanzania on the coast of the Indian Ocean, facilitating global and intra-African trade.

The railway is expected to create economic benefit of approximately $3 billion across both countries, reduce emissions by approximately 300,000 tons per year and add over 1,250 jobs across construction and operations.

“We are pleased to partner with Africa Finance Corporation on this transformative project which will deepen our nation’s role as a regional logistics hub, boosting trade not only with Zambia but with the rest of the world,” said Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, Angola’s Minister of Transport.

His counterpart for Zambia, Frank Tayali, described the Zambia Lobito Rail Project as an important milestone in Zambia’s efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance the competitiveness of his country’s economy, and improve the livelihoods of his people.

“We look forward to partnering with Africa Finance Corporation to deliver on this groundbreaking project,” Mr Tayali said.

“The Zambia Lobito Rail Project represents a game-changing development for the region, unlocking tremendous potential for trade, industrialisation, and socio-economic growth,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation.

He said AFC is proud to partner with the governments of Angola and Zambia to deliver world-class rail infrastructure. This, he said, will accelerate industrial development in Africa, promote regional integration and provide a vital export route for copper and other critical minerals for the global energy transition.

The Lobito Corridor will provide an alternative strategic route to international export markets for Zambia and DRC. It will offer the shortest route for export and imports, linking key mining regions, agricultural clusters and businesses in Zambia and DRC to the Port of Lobito.

The rail corridor will significantly facilitate the movement of cargo from the Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces, through Angola to the Western markets.

AFC

AFC was established in 2007 as a catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Seventeen years on, AFC has 43 member countries and has invested US$13 billion across Africa since inception.

Added 26 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

SA Navy Festival returns on 4-6 October

Africa Ports & Ships

After an absence of several years the popular SA Navy Festival in the East Dockyard at Simon’s Town, will return this year.

The event, to be held between 4-6 October 2024, offers the public a unique opportunity to engage with the SA Navy’s fleet, personnel and rich maritime heritage.

According to the navy, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, with a host of exciting activities and experiences for all ages.

The programme features various navy ships, a type 209 submarine open to the public as well as various capability exhibits and exciting displays, including Precision Drill, Officers Sword Drill, Sea Cadet Precision Drill and the ever popular SA Navy Band performances.

Admittance to the festival between the hours of 10:00 and 17:00 is free.

Added 26 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

WHARF TALK: Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) naval support vessel – RFA ARGUS A135

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

Strange that. A visiting Russian or Chinese naval vessel gains monumental national coverage, orchestrated by the state PR machinery. Top Brass, Naval Bands, VIPs, and all sorts of banner, and flag, waving ‘meeters’ and ‘greeters’ are arranged for the arrival of the vessel. However, it becomes obvious that a western naval vessel can arrive, but will receive little, if any, fanfare, and with a minimalist, protocol, SAN greeting party to welcome them to South Africa.

As has been shown over the last few years in South Africa, with arrivals from many other naval forces, especially Western or NATO warships, that if you are not a part of the BRICS set-up, and especially not one of the autocratic members, and you don’t fall under the ANC vague ‘historic struggle support’ brotherhood of non-democratic modern colonisers, then a traditional big South African welcome for a visiting western naval vessel is simply not going to be on the cards.

On 14th September, at 08:00 in the morning, the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) naval support vessel ‘Argus A135’ (IMO 7822550) arrived off Cape Town, from the military base at Diego Garcia, in the British Indian Ocean Territory. She entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock and went alongside the Passenger Cruise Terminal at E berth.

Her arrival in Cape Town was very low key, effectively unreported by the local SANDF military PR machine, made little or no copy in the local press, and was completed with little fuss. Aside from recent visits by British Military Sealift Vessels, ‘RFA Argus A135’ is quite likely to be the first British naval vessel to arrive in a South African port since HMS Protector A173 in May 2018. For a naval auxiliary vessel she has an interesting history.

Built in 1981 by Societa Cantieri Navali Italiana Ernesto di Breda SpA at Marghera in Italy, she was launched as one of a pair of Ro-Ro container vessel, and originally named ‘Contender Bezant’ and operated by Sea Containers Ltd., of Hamilton in Bermuda. She has a length of 175 metres and a gross registered tonnage of 26,845 tons. She is powered by two Lindholmen SEMT-Pielstick 18PC2-5V eighteen cylinder, four stroke, main engines producing 23,400 bhp (17,450 kW) and driving two fixed pitch propellers for service speed of 18 knots. For added manoeuvrability ‘RFA Argus’ has twin rudders and a bow transverse thruster.

In 1982, as the Falkland Islands War was reaching its conclusion, she was requisitioned by the British Government as a Ship Taken Up From Trade (STUFT), to be converted to carry as an aviation transport to enable combat helicopters and Harrier jump jets to be taken down as part of the British Force military operations to retake the islands from the Argentinian invaders. She arrived too late in the conflict to take part in the war, and after a voyage south was completed she was initially returned back to her owners.

Lessons learned from the Falklands War meant that the decision was taken to purchase ‘Contender Bezant’ and convert her to an Aviation Training Vessel. In 1985 she was sent to the famous Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast where additional accommodation, a flight deck, two aircraft lifts and hangar facilities, over 4 decks, were fitted. She was renamed ‘Argus’ and given the fleet pennant number A135, where ‘A’ stands for ‘Auxiliary’, and she was to be manned and operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, with a civilian crew, on behalf of the Royal Navy.

She continued in that role until 2009, when it was decided to give ‘Argus’ a further conversion, this time to a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS). She has a minimal fit of purely defensive armament, as opposed to offensive armament, which includes a Vulcan-Phalanx 20mm Gatling gun close in weapons system (CIWS), and four 7.62mm general purpose machine guns, together with two Sea Gnat Chaff launchers. This armament, despite it being defensive only, means that under the terms of the Geneva Convention she cannot be considered to be called a Hospital Ship, and cannot be marked as such, with a white hull and the display of the Red Cross.

As a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS), the conversion of ‘Argus’ included the removal of the forward aircraft lift, to be replaced by a double ramp down to her onboard hospital, to allow the movement of stretchers and gurneys from the flight deck to the new hospital. The forward hangars were converted into a 100 bed hospital complex, which included an Emergency Department, a Resuscitation Unit, a 10 bed Critical Care Unit, a 20 bed high dependency unit, two 35 bed general wards, 4 operating theatres, a Radiology Suite, a CT Scanner Unit, Pathology Laboratories, and a Mortuary. She has also been fitted with two 50 person lifts linking the flight deck to the hospital complex.

She maintains her aft aircraft lift, and her four aft aircraft hangars, which are arranged over four decks. She is capable of hangaring up to 6 Agusta AW101 Merlin helicopters, or a mix of Merlin, AW159 Wildcat and AH-64 Apache helicopters. She has three landing spots on her aircraft deck, and she can also carry CH-47 Chinook helicopters on her aircraft deck. When ‘Argus’ is not required to be used as a PCRS, she continues to be utilised as an Aviation Training Vessel. As well as a Kelvin Hughes Sharpeye Navigation Radar, she is also fitted with a Naval Type 994 2D AWS-10 Air Search Radar.

She carries an operating crew of 80 officers and ratings, and up to 180 personnel when carrying a Maritime Aviation Support Force, and up to 200 Military Medical Staff when tasked as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS). To enable her to operate in any part of the world, she has an operational range of 20,000 nautical miles, and she is also able to transfer fuel to other vessels that are operating with her. She is the only PCRS vessel in the Royal Navy fleet, and is known as a ‘Casualty Class’ vessel.

Her current voyage that brought her to Cape Town began back in October 2023, when she formed part of the Royal Navy’s Littoral Response Group (South), together with ‘RFA Lyme Bay L3007’, initially to operate East of Suez as an Amphibious Task Group. For this tasking she carries three AW101 Merlin HC.4 helicopters, which are different from the AW101 Merlin HM.2 helicopter, as the HC.4 version is a troop carrier utilised by the Commando Helicopter Force, and is equipped with a rear loading ramp, and does not carry anti-submarine equipment, or a Searchwater radar.

Her three AW101 Merlin HC.4 helicopters are all from 845 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), based at RNAS Yeovilton, in Somerset, with her Flight Deck handling, and Air Traffic services, being provided by 1700 Naval Air Squadron, based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

Her voyage took her from Devonport RN base at Plymouth in the UK, to the RN base in Gibraltar, and then onto Cyprus, where she was tasked to maintain a presence due to the Gaza Crisis. In March 2024 she was released to make her way through Suez, where she had an escort provided by the RN Destroyer ‘HMS Diamond D34’, who had been tasked to the Red Sea to provide anti-missile cover to shipping that was being targeted by the Houthi terrorists.

On clearing the Red Sea, ‘Argus’ proceeded to the British Logistics Base at Duqm in Oman, before sailing to Kattupalli, south of Chennai in India, for a maintenance period. She was the first British warship to conduct maintenance in an Indian drydock, under a new arrangement with the Indian Government that both the RN and the USN are using. This is a sign that India is concentrating on her ‘Quad’ role, and providing naval facilities for military forces that, like India, view the Chinese PLAN as a direct threat in the region. She took part in naval exercises with the Indian Navy.

From India ‘Argus proceeded to Singapore, where she arrived in May, before heading south to Darwin, in the Northern territory of Australia, arriving in June, and where she undertook a major military exercise as part of the AUKUS arrangement with Marine forces of Australia, the United States and the Philippines. Another signal of military cooperation aimed at sending a message to China. For these exercises she carried assault troops from 40 Commando, Royal Marines, plus Marines from 24 Commando, 29 Commando, 30 Commando, and the Commando Logistics Regiment.

On completion of her exercises in Northern Australia, ‘Argus’ proceeded to the British Support Base at Muara in Brunei, before heading to the Sembawang Naval Base in Singapore for a further period of maintenance. On sailing from Singapore, she headed to the US Naval Base at Diego Garcia, arriving there in late August. She sailed for Cape Town on 23rd August, for her five day visit. Her Cape Town call was a diversionary call, avoiding the Red Sea, due to the lack of a suitable warship to provide her with a protective escort through Houthi territory.

As scheduled, after five days alongside in Cape Town, and after taking on bunkers, stores, and fresh provision, ‘Argus’ was ready to sail. At 16:00 in the afternoon of 19th September, she sailed from Cape Town, but her AIS gave no destination, although she is expected to be heading back to the UK. It can be expected that she may call at the military base as Ascension Island, and possibly even St. Helena, when heading back to the UK, and again is expected to call at Gibraltar, before her expected arrival at Falmouth, or Plymouth, in the UK.

She is due to remain in British naval service until at least 2030, and her long career has seen her being used in many of the world’s hotspots as both an Aviation platform, and a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS). This includes the Falklands War in 1982, the First Gulf War in 1991, the Bosnia War in 1992, the Kosovo War in 1998, Sierra Leone in 2000 when the British Military removed the terrorist West Side Boys from the country, and again in Sierra Leone in 2015 when she provided medical and logistics support during the Ebola Crisis in the country.

Added 26 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

TNPA approaches market towards implementing the Ngqura LNG Terminal

Africa Ports & Ships

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is looking for interested parties to submit proposals for the envisaged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Ngqura.

The Request For Proposals (RFP) process, which TNPA is pursuing in collaboration with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), will see the appointment of a service provider contracted to assess the environmental compliance and sustainability of the proposed LNG terminal.

This involves conducting a detailed analysis of ecological and local regulations to determine critical environmental authorisations. These include a seismic survey, marine ecology, climate change impact assessment and socio-economic assessment to support the project.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is carried out in tandem with negotiations of the Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) between TNPA and Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), to build and operate an onshore LNG regasification facility at the Port of Ngqura for 30 years.

The appointment of SFF is the outcome of a Section 79 process and directive issued by the former Minister of Transport, in accordance with the National Ports Act of 2005.

“This milestone is a critical step towards the development of the LNG terminal at the Port of Ngqura,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

“Through its commercial seaports, TNPA is at the forefront of enabling the gas-to-power project pipeline whilst ensuring the security of supply and unlocking global opportunities for sustainable impact,” she added.

The Port of Ngqura LNG Terminal is one of 12 priority infrastructure projects announced in March 2024 that hold a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status. The triad strategic partnership is fast-tracking the conclusion of the EIA, with the RFP closing on 30 October 2024.

This partnership will also see the issuing of the RFP for Prefeasibility Studies by end September 2024.

“ISA is established to provide strategic, technical and financial advisory support to project sponsors for the planning, preparation, development and implementation of national pipeline projects and strategic integrated projects,” said Mameetse Masemola, the Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa.

“This project is one of the flagship projects which we are proud to support and excited that progress is moving at pace.”

Tender documents can be accessed on: https://www.idc.co.za/tenders/ and https://www.etenders.gov.za/

Added 26 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

SAMSA kept busy as ships come calling

Africa Ports & Ships

SAMSA has experienced a busy winter period involving drama and incidents off South Africa’s coast.

First up was the shipwrecked small cargo vessel Ultra Galaxy which developed a dangerous list while sailing between Spain and Dar es Salaam. While opposite the South African west coast the risk of the ship capsizing resulted in the crew abandoning ship, later to be picked up and taken to safety at Saint Helena Bay.

Ultra Galaxy subsequently drifted towards the coast before going aground in the surf and breaking up close to the shore. SAMSA has not only been supervising the cleanup of the beaches but is also monitoring matters with the vessel owner’s insurers, P&I and salvage experts regarding wreck removal options.

Indian Ocean

Weather conditions along the Indian Ocean coast have caused problems for the increased number of ships diverted the long way around the Cape as a result of activities in the Red Sea. Several container ships lost containers overboard while sailing off the KwaZulu-Natal coast. These vessels sought shelter in Algoa Bay and at Cape Town where the remainder of boxes onboard could be properly secured and repairs to racking completed.

This priority brought with it other complications, in that at the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura valuable berth space was taken up for these repairs – access to suitable ship-to-shore cranes being among the requirements. This at a time when both container ports were under pressure to improve productivity at the respective terminals. Cape Town has three container berths and Ngqura four, but at each this meant one berth became unavailable for between 10 and 14 days.

A related challenge for SAMSA and other responsible parties were the dozens of containers lost overboard and drifting in the strong Agulhas Current. While some of these will have sunk, others remained afloat, creating a hazard to other ships and smaller craft.

Meanwhile, some of the containers broke open, spilling their contents of products and pollutants into the ocean, of which has washed ashore along the beaches. Among these objects are pharmaceutical products, which is now washing up along large areas of South Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline.

SAMSA has had to ramp up collection efforts – no easy task considering how much of the eastern coastline consists of isolated hard-to-reach places. Worst affected areas include between the Wild Coast and Mossel Bay.

“This follows the loss of containers from at least three vessels over the past six weeks due to adverse weather conditions. In addition to the flotsam, SAMSA is closely monitoring pharmaceutical bottles containing pills that continue to wash ashore.

“The public is urged not to consume these items under any circumstances as they may pose serious health risks,” said SAMSA.

Toll-free number

There is a toll-free that the public can call to report sightings of containers, pharmaceutical bottles, or other debris or to obtain information on the location of drop-off points – 063 404 2128.

“Members of the public can also report sightings to their local municipality or contact the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on 021 938 3300,” adds SAMSA.

In a previous edition we reported on an oil spill from a container vessel in Algoa Bay, at anchor opposite the ports of Ngqura and Port Elizabeth. The vessel remains anchored in the bay awaiting finalisation of an investigation into the cause of the spill while clean-up operations continue.

A number of penguins on St Croix island in Algoa Bay were found to be oiled as a result of th9is spill. Six were captured and taken to the local SANCCOB facility for cleaning and treatment, but a number of others avoided capture. Efforts to locate and capture those that got away are ongoing.

SAMSA advises that further wildlife surveillance is continuing.

SAMSA also reports that no further oil spill residue has been spotted despite daily monitoring of the area.

Where there’s smoke….

Well, not necessarily. The time-chartered container ship Maersk Cincinnati approached the South African coast with smoke coming from one of the ship’s cargo holds. This was first noticed on 15 September while sailing from Colombo and places further east on Maersk’s AE7 service. Maersk Cincinnati is bound for Tanger Med.

The 15,500-TEU vessel was advised to head for Richards Bay but by the time the vessel arrived smoke was no longer visible.

“There were no visible flames, and the temperature in the cargo hold remained under control. Smoke is no longer visible. The crew immediately responded and initiated the required safety protocols on the vessel,” reported a Maersk spokesman.

“The ship owners have reported that all the crew members are safe and accounted for. The vessel owners are in touch with the crew to ensure they receive all possible support. The vessel is in stable condition, with all machinery, steering and navigational equipment fully operational,” said the spokesman, Mr Adhish Alawani.

While further assessment of the situation takes place, the container ship remains at anchor among all the bulkers off Richards Bay.

Added 25 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

World Maritime Day 2024

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

The World Maritime Day 2024 will take place on Thursday 26 September. This year’s World Maritime Day theme is Navigating the future: safety first!

Several initiatives will be held to commemorate the Day, including:

* WMO-IMO Symposium on Extreme Maritime Weather: The event will focus on Bridging the Knowledge Gap Towards Safer Shipping and will take place on 23-26 September at IMO HQ in London.
To read more details readers are invited to see here

* Lighting up landmarks: IMO HQ will be bathed in blue light in the evening of the day to promote this year’s theme. see here.

IMO has invited Member States, intergovernmental organizations in cooperation with IMO, and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO to light up landmarks.

Parallel event: Spain

The World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) will be held in Spain from 20 to 22 October.

The event will consist of a number of high-level panel discussions focused on IMO’s theme for 2024: “Navigating the future: safety first!”, featuring prominent international speakers who will offer insight into several relevant subjects.

Details of the event, including registration, programme, speakers, and contact information are available on the official website here

Added 25 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

DP World plans further investments for the Port of Maputo

Africa Ports & Ships

DP World, which has considerable investments in the Port of Maputo, is planning to increase its involvement and operations in the Mozambique port, as well as possible additional investments elsewhere in the South East African country.

This was confirmed in New York this week by the chairman and chief executive officer of DP World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

Speaking to journalists following his meeting in New York with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, Bin Sulayem said DP World is enthusiastic about the African country and its prospects. He mentioned not only Maputo but also Nacala where he said his company can add value to the trade sector.

“We’ve been in Mozambique for more than 20 years and Mozambique is now a major cargo hub, especially for neighbouring countries, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the region.

“This is reflected in our investment to expand the port of Maputo and we have discussed the possibility of creating industrial parks in various parts of the country and improving logistics in the country and in neighbouring countries,” he said.

Referring specifically to Maputo and its port, he said investment in the expansion of the port, worth US$ 600 million over the next three years, is already underway.

DP World, which operates the container terminal at the port of Maputo, is also a shareholder in the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) together with South Africa’s Grindrod, Mozambique’s Gestores, and CFM, the state-owned Mozambican port and rail company.

The MPDC holds a concession valid until April 2058, which requires it to make further investments in developing the port.

During the period of the full concession to 2058 a total of $2,060 billion is to be invested.

DP World intends within phase 1 of the $600m investment to increase capacity at the container terminal from the current 170,000 TEU to 530,000 TEU annually. This will be achieved within the three year period.

Another area of investment in phase 1 is the general cargo terminal, where the capacity is to be increased from 10 million tonnes a year to 13 million over the same three years.

Earlier in this edition of Africa Ports & Ships we report on Grindrod having taken steps to acquire the remaining 35% interest in Terminal de Carvão da Matola Limitada (TCM) at a cost of $77 million.

The coal terminal handles the export of coal and magnetite at the adjacent Matola port and has a current capacity to handle up to 7 million tonnes of coal annually, which will be increased to 12 million tonnes a year.

In 2023 the Port of Maputo handled a total of 31.2 million tons of cargo, which was a 16% increase on the previous year. Of the 31.2mt approximately 25-26 million tons was made up of coal and various ores.

Added 25 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

CMA CGM upgrades several West African-Europe services

Africa Ports & Ships

CMA CGM in enhancing its shipping services between Europe and West Africa

The service upgrades affect the following with new features:

– Casablanca will exclusively be offered via the WAZZAN service, with a weekly direct link to Dakar

– Freetown will be shifted to MEDWAX and Dakar to WAZZAN, benefiting from extensive coverage via Gibraltar hub

– A new BIJAGOS service will be dedicated to Gambia and Guinea-Bissau markets offering competitive transit times

******

WAZZAN service

The WAZZAN service will be operated in 28 days:

Rotation: Casablanca (Morocco), Algeciras (Spain), Tanger (Morocco), Nouakchott (Mauritania), Dakar (Senegal), Nouadhibou (Mauritania), Las Palmas (Canary Islands).

1st departure: m/v “LION” – ETA Casablanca on 10 October 2024

 

******

BIJAGOS service

The BIJAGOS service will be operated in 35 days:

Rotation: Algeciras (Spain), Tanger (Morocco), Dakar (Senegal), Banjul (The Gambia) and Bissau (Guinea-Bissau).

1st departure: m/v “EM HYDRA” – ETA Algeciras on 14 October 2024

******

MEDWAX service

The MEDWAX service will be operated in 28 days:

Rotation: Algeciras (Spain), Tanger (Morocco), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Conakry (Guinea), Monrovia (Liberia) and San Pedro (Cote d’Ivoire)

1st departure: m/v “CMA CGM GUARANI” – ETA Algeciras on 2 October 2024

******

EURAF 4 service

EURAF 4 service will be operated in 42 days:

Rotation: Valencia (Spain), Algeciras (Spain), Tanger (Morocco), Lomé (Togo), Bata (Equatorial Guinea), Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), Kribi (Cameroon) and Libreville (Gabon)

1st departure: m/v “LUTETIA” – ETA Valencia on 6 October 2024

Added 25 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

CIG calls for container inspection findings to be published

Africa Ports & Ships

The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) is calling on national administrations to carry out and report the findings of their container inspection programmes.

The CIG also wants the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to continue collating and publishing the results in a publicly accessible form, to support efforts to improve safety in the carriage of goods by sea.

Under resolutions adopted more than 20 years ago member governments of the IMO agreed to conduct routine inspections of freight containers and the cargoes packed in them in a consistent way [1].

The findings are to be submitted annually to IMO for collation and reporting so that a global picture of levels of compliance with international regulations and recommended practices can be obtained, and any appropriate safety improvements identified.

Less than 5 per cent

An analysis by partner organisations in the Cargo Integrity Group reveals that less than 5 per cent of 167 national administrations covered by the agreement are regularly submitting the results of their inspections to IMO in publicly available form.

Whilst applauding the diligence of those governments making regular submissions, the Cargo Integrity Group says it is concerned at the overall low numbers of reports as this means that insufficient data is available for IMO or industry to draw reliable conclusions, fundamentally undermining efforts to improve the safety and sustainability of shipments by sea.

“The Cargo Integrity Group understands that other states may be conducting inspections of containerized goods entering and leaving their countries but are not submitting the findings to IMO as agreed. Where such reports are not submitted to IMO there is no shared value.

“CIG partners believe that common and consistent reporting of inspection findings is essential to help target communication and training programmes aimed at improving awareness of the requirements and recommended safe practices for the transport of goods in containers. These include the SOLAS Convention[2], the CSC Convention[3], the IMDG Code[4], and the CTU Code[5].

The dangers posed by poorly packed, mishandled or misdeclared containerized shipments has been demonstrated again recently in a series of fires and explosions aboard container ships.

Whilst the precise circumstances of these incidents remain under investigation, the Cargo Integrity Group is concerned that measures already in place to help identify possible weaknesses are not being fully implemented and that opportunities for improving compliance standards are being missed.

Alarmed

“CIG partner organisations are also alarmed to learn that the IMO is considering discontinuing the collation and publication of these reports in a form that is easily accessible to Industry. The future of this essential function by the global maritime regulatory agency is being decided in meetings taking place this [last] week.

“The Cargo Integrity Group calls on national administrations to fully implement their agreed actions on submitting container inspection findings to IMO to help improve standards in the safe and compliant transport of goods by sea and to follow-up on material deficiencies that may be discovered.”

In addition, the Group has called on IMO to continue to publish the reported findings in a form that allows ready understanding of where efforts to improve awareness of, and compliance with, mandatory regulations need to be directed.

References:

1.] Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inspection Programmes for Cargo Transport Units. IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1649, 20 May 2022.
2.] The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (The SOLAS Convention), 1974, entered into force on 25 May 1980.
3.] The Convention for Safe Containers, 1972 (The CSC Convention).
4.] The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (The IMDG Code), Amendment 41-22, effective from 1 January 2024.
5.] The IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (The CTU Code) is published jointly by the sponsoring organisations and is a compendium of recommended practices to be followed by those packing or loading intermodal containers, road vehicles and railway wagons for international transport.

The Cargo Integrity Group has published a Quick Guide to the CTU Code and a Container Packing Checklist to support compliance with these requirements and recommendations: Safety — World Shipping Council

About the Cargo Integrity Group

The Cargo Integrity Group brings together international freight transport and cargo handling organisations with different roles in the supply chain and a shared dedication to improving safety, security and environmental performance throughout the logistics supply chain.
The Bureau International des Containers, the Container Owners Association, FIATA, the Global Shippers Forum, ICHCA, TT Club and the World Shipping Council are cooperating on a range of activities to further the adoption and implementation of crucial safety practices and regulations.

Added 24 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

India Ports & ISPS/PANS: Pre-Arrival Notification of Security

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

News has been received from IR Class, the Indian Register of Shipping, that the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai has issued a Merchant Shipping Notice (No 13 of 2024) providing guidance for vessels entering Indian port facilities in line with the requirements specified under the ISPS Code and specifically the Pre-Arrival Notification of Security (PANS).

Information required 96 hours ahead of ETA

Section 29 of the Merchant Shipping (Ships and Port Facility Security) Rules, makes it a mandatory obligation for any ship entering a port within the jurisdiction of India to provide PANS information ninety-six hours prior to its arrival.

Application

The reporting requirement of PANS applies to the following vessels on international voyages entering Indian waters, vessels trading in coastal waters or coasting between Indian Ports:

a. Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft.

b. Cargo ships, including high-speed craft of 500 gt and above.

c. Mobile offshore drilling units.

d. Pleasure Yachts.

e. Sailing Vessels.

Submission of documentation

The PANS is to be submitted to the concerned port and the relevant regional authority at least 96 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel at any port in India.

If the voyage of the vessel is shorter than 96 hours, the PANS is to be submitted within two hours of departure from the vessel’s last port.

Armed guards?

Information regarding armed guards onboard the vessel when calling Indian Ports or transiting through the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is also required to be forwarded to the Indian Navy, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai and the local Customs Authority (through the vessel’s agent at the concerned port).

Government of India Merchant Shipping Notice No 13 of 2024 at two pages plus nine pages of annexes is available to be downloaded with the link here.

Added 24 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

WHARF TALK: cable laying vessel – CMOS INSTALLER

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

Recent years have seen a number of cable laying vessels calling into both Cape Town and Durban as they have been part of some extremely large, international, communications projects that have been connecting almost every African coastal state to a submarine cable network, which will bring them into the 21st century, and give them connectivity to the world.

Of course, there are other cable laying vessels that do not form part of any telecommunications networks, such as those that are designed to operate in shallow coastal waters, and are primarily utilised in laying electricity cables, by either connecting up wind farm arrays, or by laying wind farm output cables back to shore electricity grids. These same cable vessels are also utilised in laying standard electricity grid cables linking nearby islands, or isolated communities.

On 4th September, at 06:00 in the morning, the cable laying vessel ‘CMOS Installer’ (IMO 9199854) arrived off the Table Bay anchorage from Durban, and went to anchor. She remained at anchor for the next six days, and at 10:00 in the morning of 10th September she finally entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock and went alongside the outer berth at the Eastern Mole. Such a berth in strongly indicative that her call was one made for a bunkers, stores, and fresh provisions uplift, and her stay would not be for very long.

Built back in 1999 by Scheepswerft De Hoop Lobith BV, at Tolkamar in Holland, ‘CMOS Installer’ is 92 metres in length and has a deadweight of 4,697 tons. She is a diesel electric vessel and is powered by two Cummins 16V170 sixteen cylinder, four stroke, engines producing 3,861 bhp (2,840 kW) each, which provide power to two Schottel SRP1212 azimuth thrusters producing 1,200 kW each for a service transit speed of 10 knots.

Her auxiliary machinery includes four Caterpillar 3512B generators providing 1,424 kW each, and a single Scania DS9-95 emergency generator providing 175 kW. She also has an Aquamar AQE-25D water maker, capable of producing 25 tons of fresh water per day.

For added manoeuvrability ‘CMOS Installer’ has a bow Schottel STT1010 transverse fixed pitch thruster providing 1,100 kW, a bow Schottel STT4CP transverse controllable pitch thruster providing 1,044 kW, and a bow Schottel SPR1212 ZSV retractable azimuth thruster providing 1,200 kW. Her thrusters, together with her propulsion thrusters, gives ‘CMOS Installer’ a dynamic positioning classification of DP2. For added station keeping requirements she is also fitted with a four point mooring system.

For cable laying operations ‘CMOS Installer’ is fitted with a single cable carousel. Which is capable of holding 3,600 tons of cable, and has a carrying volume of 1,516 m3. She has a working deck area of 931 m2, with a deck strength of 10 tons/m2. She has a TTS GPOKac 2000 knuckleboom deck crane, with a lifting capability of 80 tons at 14 metres outreach, and a lifting capability of 35 tons at 30 metres outreach. The crane has active heave compensation (AMC) for overside operations, and is capable of operating down to a depth of 300 metres.

She is specially designed to operate on cable laying projects in extreme shallow waters and has a draft of only 4.5 metres, with a freeboard of just 1.013 metres. Her hull is flat bottomed which allows her to be grounded during close inshore cable laying, and when making close shore approaches during beach landing operations, during extreme low tide periods.

Purchased by her current owners in February 2024, ‘CMOS Installer’ is owned in a joint venture (JV) between Herbosch-Kiere NV of Kallo in Belgium, and Enshore Subsea of Blyth in the United Kingdom. The joint venture company set up between the two companies is Combined Marine and Offshore Services NV (CMOS), with ‘CMOS Installer’ being both operated and managed by the CMOS JV.

Between 2022 and 2024 ‘CMOS Installer’ was contracted to operate in Taiwan, and solely to lay power cables between the shore and three offshore wind farms, plus all of the inter array cables within each wind farm. On purchase, she went for drydocking in Singapore, before sailing to South Korea where she loaded her current load of submarine power cables. The loaded cable is destined for her first contract under her new owners.

Prior to arrival in Cape Town, ‘CMOS Installer’ had first arrived off Durban at 10:00 in the morning of 9th August, where she was directed to the Umhlanga anchorage for just over one day. At 07:00 in the morning of 11th August she entered Durban harbour, and proceeded to her maintenance berth to undergo some required shoreside engineering assistance. She remained in Durban for just under three weeks, and at 07:00 in the morning of 31st August she sailed from Durban, now bound for Cape Town.

In Cape Town her stay at the Eastern Mole was for less than 36 hours, which confirmed her call was simply for bunkers, stores, and fresh provisions, and possibly some light shoreside technical assistance. At 2000 in the evening of 11th September ‘CMOS Installer’ sailed from Cape Town, with her AIS showing that her destination was to be Dakar in Senegal, where her first CMOS contract was to be conducted.

This new contract was one element of a large Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) project, awarded to CMOS and valued at US$202.3 million (ZAR3.52 billion). The project is to lay two 225 kV submarine cables, over a distance of 17.5 km across Dakar Bay between the new power station, currently being built at Cap des Biches, which lies on the eastern shore of Dakar Bay, and to substations located at Rive Bel Air, located on the western shore of Dakar Bay.

The new power station at Cap des Biches will be a 300 MW combined-cycle gas powered station, with construction phases starting in 2022, and unlike ESKOM likely to be completed on time, and on budget. Upon completion, the Cap des Biches power station will be the biggest power plant in Senegal, and is expected to generate nearly 25% of the national power consumed, and providing the equivalent electricity requirements needed to power up to 500,000 homes.

The new power station will enhance universal access to electricity, and support the Senegalese Government’s target to increase its generation capacity, with a greater utilisation of natural gas and renewables. General Electric (GE) will supply two 9E.03 gas turbines, one STF-A200 steam turbine, three A39 generators, and two Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) as part of the power station electricity production capabilities.

The project that ‘CMOS Installer’ will undertake is part of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), which is funded by the US Government, and who have provided a grant of US$550 million (ZAR9.58 billion) towards the project for SENELEC, with the Senegal Government providing US$50 million (ZAR870.8 million), and known as the Senegal Power Compact Submarine Cable Project.

The difference between what the USA, and the West, provide for Africa, as compared to China, is that these projects fall under genuine aid packages, given as grants, and not bank loans, which brings with it the risk of ‘debt trap diplomacy’, which is becoming a serious issue with African nations and Chinese so-called ‘aid’. Unknown to most folk, the electricity sector in Senegal is among the most developed in West Africa, currently with over 1,001 MW of installed power generation capacity in-situ, which is a 67.9% national electrification rate.

Back in July 2012, ‘whilst operating under a previous name of ‘Team Oman’, she was in collision with the Dutch cargo vessel ‘Hydra’, whilst proceeding westbound in the Kiel Canal, at Breiholz. She was en route between Karlskrona in Sweden, and Portland in the UK, with ‘Hydra’ being en route eastbound between Bremen in Germany, and Muuga in Estonia. In the collision both vessels suffered minor hull plate damage, but no injuries were reported. On exiting the Kiel Canal, ‘Team Oman’ berthed at Brunsbuettel for a hull survey, and ‘Hydra’ berthed in Kiel for the same reason. Subsequently, both vessels were able to continue their voyages.

Added 22 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Ghana’s Jamestown Fishing Harbour in Accra is officially opened

Watch short YouTube video of the new Jamestown Fishing Port [05:00]

Africa Ports & Ships

Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the revamped and rebuilt historic Jamestown Fishing Harbour in the Greater Accra Region.

The rebuilt fishing harbour cost a reported US$ 60 million and involved dredging operations, building new breakwaters, quayside construction, berthing facilities, and the installation of navigational aids.

Other work included rebuilding internal and access roads and yard, a number of new buildings, improving water supply, electrical engineering works, and sundry mechanical equipment.

On the water side there is now a facility for the safe launching and landing of canoes, improved fish handling, and better storage capacities. Key facilities include a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, and market stalls.

The harbour also includes a daycare centre to support women traders, allowing them to work knowing their children are safe.

Overall, the new harbour will lead to an increase in domestic fish production, which is vital for food security and economic stability.

Among the features of the new harbour are an administration and office building, shops, an engine repair workshop, ship repair workshop, an hydraulic structure engineering facility, an entrance guard, sewage treatment room, police and fire protection station.

Financing for the project came from China as did the construction team, CRCC Harbour and Channel Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd. The project took several years to come to completion.

In President Akufo-Addo’s words, it is a project of considerable national importance requiring collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure it achieved its purpose.

He said that the new harbour would become a creator of employment, helping to strengthen the domestic economy and would revitalise the lives of Jamestown’s traders and the region’s immediate environs.

“These are not just buildings, these are investments in the future of this community,” the resident said. “Take, for instance, the inclusion of daycare centres designed to allow our hardworking mothers to trade with a peace of mind, knowing that their children are safe.”

Talk of having a new fishing port at Jamestown goes back to the 1960s, giving the completion of the project some context. The new Jamestown Fishing Harbour is said to symbolise hope and resilience, demonstrating what can be achieved through collective effort and commitment.

Added 22 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Cornelder opens new export reefer yard at Port of Beira

Africa Ports & Ships

Cornelder de Moçambique, which manages and operates the Mozambique Port of Beira, has recently opened a new export reefer yard to cater for increased exports of commodities, including citrus products and seafood.

The yard has an additional 64 reefer plugs to add to the 144 in the existing reefer yard. The new reefer facility is placed close to the dockside.

The report says the existing reefer yard is scheduled to undergo an expansion by the end of this year by when its capacity will have increased from the 144 reefer plugs to 288 by the end of the year.

During 2025 the Port of Beira will offer a total of 352 reefer plugs.

These successive expansions help position the port of Beira to meet growing demand for reefer cargo, both imported and exported.

Cornelder’s recent launch of the Reefer Monitoring System (RMS) is aiding with the increased volumes. The system enables real-time remote monitoring and management of reefer containers through Cornelder’s terminal operating system, ensuring optimal temperature control and the safety of cargo.

According to Cornelder de Moçambique, the improvements are part of their ongoing strategy to enhance the Port of Beira’s facilities, “ensuring we’re always prepared to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners.”

Added 22 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

RFA Warns of Dangerous Conditions on the Roads due to Snowfalls

Africa Ports & Ships

South Africa’s Road Freight Association (RFA) has issued a warning to members of the public and media about the situation on the roads due to the heavy snowfalls.

In a note received on Saturday 21 September, Gavin Kelly, RFA chief executive wrote saying many of the major routes in KwaZulu-Natal – especially the N3 and N11 – are closed. “There is no way to move through portions of the routes that have seen up to two metres of snowfall.”

Reporting that the RFA is receiving numerous calls on the matter, Kelly advised all road users to “ascertain road conditions before they set out: N3TC, TRAC N4, Bakwena N1 and provincial road authorities provide regular updates on routes.

“Please check with these organisations. There are large sections of KwaZulu-Natal , Free State, Mpumalanga and Gauteng that are heavily affected and impassable.”

Kelly said that whilst the RFA focuses on commercial road freight, it is concerned about the general public either being unaware of the conditions, or presuming that it is easy to travel through the snow. It is not!

“This can be a life-threatening event if no preparation has been done, and there is no emergency protocol in place (someone who checks in on you and monitors progress).”

The RFA advises: “Please do not risk travelling whilst the current reality of road closures and / or becoming stuck in snow drifts is a very real possibility.”

Added 21 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

South Africa and the Maritime Single Window

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

This year, 2024, marks a milestone in the acceleration of digitalization in shipping – the mandatory Maritime Single Window.

The FAL Convention is now in force

The requirement under the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), requires Governments to use a single digital platform or Maritime Single Window to share and exchange information with ships when they call at ports, since 1 January 2024. This will streamline procedures to clear the arrival, stay and departure of ships and greatly enhance the efficiency of shipping worldwide.

Groundwork in SA

It is reported that leading maritime stakeholders in South Africa are laying the groundwork to advance maritime digitalization in the country through the establishment of a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system.

IMO and DoT workshop

A multi-stakeholder workshop was held in Durban from 10 to 12 September, organized by the IMO and South Africa’s Department of Transport. This event focused on the next practical steps to implement the mandatory digital platform.

Simplifying processes

Since 1 January 2024, all IMO Member States are required to use a single digital platform or Maritime Single Window for collecting and exchanging information with ships during port calls. This system simplifies the processes for the arrival, stay, and departure of vessels, significantly improving the efficiency of global shipping operations.

Broad representation

Over sixty representatives from key government agencies participated in the workshop, including the Department of Transport (DoT), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), Border Management Authority (BMA), as well as ship agents and the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (SAASOA).

Bringing all relevant stakeholders together, the workshop examined the key requirements of the International Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (the FAL Convention) concerning the digitalization of ship clearance processes at ports.

Shared experiences

Participants heard from two IMO experts from the Port of Bilbao, one of the largest ports in Spain, and from International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) who shared their experiences in maritime digitalization.

Discussions explored the potential challenges that South Africa could face in developing an MSW, as well as success factors.

Added 20 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Grindrod acquires full control of Maputo/Matola coal & magnetite terminal

Africa Ports & Ships

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Grindrod Limited revealed it is in the process of acquiring the remaining 35% interest in Terminal de Carvão da Matola Limitada (TCM), which handles the export of coal and magnetite at the Matola port.

The R1.346 billion (US$ 77 million) acquisition is expected to be finalised within the next six months, pending regulatory approvals and fulfilment of key conditions.

As a member of a consortium with CFM and DP World, Grindrod already owns and operates terminals at the port, and the acquisition of the remaining interest in TCM marks a crucial step in the company’s growth plans.

TCM, a private entity based in Maputo, operates a dry bulk terminal with an annual export capacity exceeding 7 million tonnes, specialising in critical commodities like magnetite and coal.

The terminal’s sub-concession with the Maputo Port Development Company allows it to handle cargo via rail and road, offering an integrated pit-to-port logistics solution.

Grindrod said the acquisition aligns seamlessly with it’s long-term vision of enhancing its integrated logistics services along the Maputo corridor.

According to the company, TCM is a “strategic asset” that will play a pivotal role in unlocking value across the corridor. By fully consolidating its ownership of TCM, Grindrod aims to maximise the terminal’s potential, delivering more efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions for its clients.

Grindrod’s plan to boost the port’s throughput capacity is bolstered by a new agreement with Vitol Coal South Africa.

This agreement, set to potentially last up to nine years, has an initial capacity allocation of 2.25 million tonnes per annum and replaces the current agreement.

Grindrod says this long-term partnership highlights its commitment to maintaining stable and consistent cargo flows, further strengthening its competitive position in the region.

Additionally, the acquisition marks a significant investment by Grindrod and seals Grindrod’s alignment with Maputo Port’s expansion plans. The group’s intention to further develop the TCM terminal will likely result in increased capacity and operational efficiency.

The investment will not only boost the port’s throughput but also position it as a critical logistics hub for Southern Africa’s mining sector.

With continued global demand for commodities, particularly from Asia, the increased capacity at TCM is expected to attract more traffic through the port, enhancing its great potential.

The strategic location of Maputo Port, serving as a gateway to international markets, establishes it as a decisive hub for future investments in regional trade infrastructure.

Grindrod says its acquisition of the remaining 35% stake in TCM not only solidifies its presence at Mozambique’s Maputo Port but also aligns with its broader strategy to expand logistics and export capabilities across Southern Africa.

With the transaction expected to close within six months and a long-term throughput agreement secured, Grindrod is now well-positioned to leverage its assets and partnerships to meet the rising demand for integrated logistics solutions in the region.

Added 19 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Beira port general cargo terminal hits historic July volumes

Africa Ports & Ships

The Mozambique Port of Beira General Cargo Terminal achieved a record throughput in July 2024 when it topped 442,000 tons.

This was a remarkable increase on the 199,000 tons handled in 2023.

According to Cornelder de Moçambique, which manages and operates the Beira port, this growth was driven by increased imports of clinker and maize for domestic needs, along with a significant rise in wheat, equipment, and sulphur imports for regional countries.

Exports came via three regional countries with Zambia providing manganese for export while Zimbabwe continues to lead the export market through its nearest port. Exports also included local eucalyptus.

Overall, the General Cargo Terminal recorded a 24% increase in volume over the first seven months of the year, compared to the same period in 2023.

Beira’s Container Terminal also saw strong growth, with a 40% increase in the first seven months of the year, handling 226,000 containers compared to 160,000 containers in the same period in 2023.

Zimbabwe remains a key driver of exports through Port of Beira, particularly with chromium, lithium, petalite, and tobacco.

Malawi registered significant growth in cotton and tea exports.

Tobacco volumes are expected to rise in the coming months, further strengthening the port’s position as a regional export hub.

Added 19 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Green Hydrogen programme makes progress

Africa Ports & Ships

Since the gazetting of nine Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) at a Capex value of R300 billion, the Green Hydrogen National Programme (GHNP) has attracted projects with the Capex value of over R800 billion with about 20% of the total investments at the bankable feasibility stage.

This is according to Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, who was speaking at the Green Hydrogen Devac conference in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday (18 September).

The gazetting of the SIPs was done by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in 2022.

According to Zikalala, most of these projects are at different stages of development ranging from prefeasibility to execution.

These projects include the Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) in Johannesburg which entails a fuel cell and electrolyser component manufacturing facility in Gauteng, the Prieska Energy Cluster Green Ammonia Production facility in the Northern Cape, Boegoes Bay Green Hydrogen Port Rail and Infrastructure Project driven by the Northern Cape provincial government.

Other projects include the Hive Green Ammonia export project in the Eastern Cape, Arcelor Mittal South Africa (AMSA) Saldanha Green Steel Project in the Western Cape and the Sasolburg 60MW H2 production in Gauteng.

Zikalala said South Africa only needed one percent of the country’s land area to support green hydrogen economy initiatives, creating jobs and improving the economy. He said this was unusable land for agriculture and human settlements.

The Deputy Minster said ISA acted as one of the government enablers for the South African green hydrogen opportunity.

He said that by gazetting the GHNP as a SIP, ISA enabled projects to be placed on an expedited path to development with prescribed and shortened timeframes for various project approvals and authorisations.

“The seventh administration has identified three priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said the Deputy Minister.

He called on green hydrogen players to work with government in the creation of jobs in the green hydrogen economy.

“We look up to you to take a lead in facilitating green hydrogen manufacturing capability in a manner that localises the production of upstream and downstream value-added products. Working together, South Africa can realise its potential to produce six to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives per year by 2050.

“We reiterate that South Africa as a green hydrogen investment destination still offers substantial additional investment opportunities including green shipping, green fertiliser production, electrolyser manufacturing, pipeline development, green field port developments”, said Zikalala. source: SAnews.gov.za

Added 19 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

News continues below

Meet SANPC, South Africa’s new petroleum company

A policy statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday (28 September) has resulted in the formation of a new state-owned petroleum company, the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC).

The SANPC has been formed following the merger of the Central Energy Fund (CEF) subsidiaries, iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund.

The SANPC is poised to become a leading player in the country’s energy sector ensuring energy security, driving new technologies, developing and enabling essential infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships and propelling social and economic development.

It is also expected to oversee strategic planning, coordination and governance of the country’s petroleum resources, contributing to the country’s development and economic growth.

The company has been granted approval to start operating in terms of the s51(g) (h) of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999.

The formation of the state-owned company follows President Ramaphosa’s February 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA) wherein he announced government’s intention to repurpose and “rationalize” state-owned enterprises to support growth and development in South Africa.

Under this national directive, on 10 June 2020, Cabinet approved the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) request to merge the three subsidiaries of the Central Energy Fund (CEF); namely the South African Gas Development Company SOC Limited (iGas), PetroSA and Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF).

“The rationalization of these subsidiaries into one single SA National Petroleum Company is on the basis that each company be efficiently structured so as not to transfer operational inefficiencies and going concern issues into the new entity.

“Out of the three merging entities, only iGas and SFF are financially viable to be merged into the new entity subject to key legal requirements. However, following a rigorous assessment of the PetroSA business, the only financially viable division to be merged into the new company is Trading and the Ghana asset,” the new petroleum company said in a statement on Wednesday.

It added that the remainder of the business that does not form part of the SANPC will form part of legacy assets requiring further work to be done before they could be transferred into the SANPC.

“In the interim, the SANPC will be incorporated as a subsidiary of [the] CEF Group of Companies until the National Petroleum Bill is promulgated into law. For the SANPC to kick start its operations, it would use the Lease and Assign model wherein certain assets of the merging entities will be leased to the new company, the SANPC.”

The proposed Lease and Assignment model provides the opportunity to strategically select what is leased and assigned to the SANPC by ring-fencing or isolating PetroSA’s legacy assets such as decommissioning liability and current operating challenges of the Gas to Liquid Refinery.

“This approach will improve the financial risk profile for SANPC to secure funding as well as provide a legally sound solution to deal with the constraints associated with the non-profit status of [the] SFF. At the same time, work has begun to attend to the legacy assets which include the re-instatement of the Gas -To- Liquids (GTL) Refinery and the decommissioning liability methodology and provisioning.

“Once all the matters relating to these legacy assets are resolved, they would be ready for transfer to the SANPC.”

The company said that the Lease and Assignment transaction is deemed necessary and the most effective approach for the merger.

“With the combined strengths of the three subsidiaries, a solid financial position, and robust stakeholder support, the SANPC is well-positioned to leverage these benefits and seize the R95 billion market opportunity.

“The SANPC would be poised to become a leading player in South Africa’s energy sector, ensuring energy security, driving new technologies, developing, and enabling essential infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and propelling social and economic development,” said the company. source: SAnews.gov.za

Added 19 September 2024

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

GENERAL NEWS REPORTS – UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY

Total cargo handled by tonnes during August 2024, including containers by weight

• see full report for the month in the news section here

PORT	August 2024 million tonnes
Richards Bay	6.070
Durban	6.509
Saldanha Bay	5.543
Cape Town	1.235
Port Elizabeth	1.085
Ngqura	1.340
Mossel Bay	0.000
East London	0.195
Total all ports during August 2024	21.978 million tonnes

=================

Terry Hutson