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TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

This bulletin of news commenced on 18 December 2024.  Click on headline or scroll down: use the BACK key to return.  

FIRST VIEW:   AFRICA MERCY

• Operation Deep Freeze: USCGC Polar Star departs Australia for Antarctica
• Damen Cape Town delivers another patrol vessel to Nigeria’s Homeland IOSL
• RFA: The end of Transnet rail monopoly and the beginning of better things?
• Walvis Bay emerges as MSC’s new transshipment hub port in Southern Africa
• MSC applies surcharge for cargo from the Middle East & India sub-continent to Mombasa
• Construction work on DP World’s new port at Ndayane in Senegal gets underway
• Bulker Hagen Oldendorff grounding: ATSB safety recommendations
• Transnet reports 6% revenue increase amid operational challenges
• IMO Secretary-General’s new year message
• EUKOR Car Carriers secures US$ 4.2 billion contract with Hyundai and Kia
• Senegalese fishery achieves historic MSC certification
• The best of UK’s Defence Imagery 2024
• Chaos and crisis in Mozambique continues
• US to build polar security cutter
• APM Terminals Expands MedPort Tangier Capacity to 5.2 million TEUs
• SASTUNA Secures MSC Certification for Southern Africa Albacore Fishery
• Antarctic iceberg A23a afloat again
• South Africa receiving a growing number of visiting foreign naval vessels
• Vale tests wind energy on one of world’s largest ore carriers
• World Shipping Council Elects New Leadership
• No Christmas MMIPV for the Navy
• Dust, more dust: Saharan dust affects the Canary Islands, Spain
• Bears starting to roar in the car carrier market
• Managing Maritime Risks: Stowaways and Rescued People at Sea
• South African Albacore Tuna Fishery secures global MSC certification for sustainability
• Port Elizabeth tanker berth back in business
• Transnet Port Terminals’ quayside performance shines through recommissioned conveyor belt
• Mayotte disaster
• Cyclone Chido downgraded after bringing devastation to Mayotte
• Dumping of wastes at sea: Kenya advances efforts to curb
• Red Sea tensions: 4 scholars explain what’s at stake for global trade and security
• FFS Tank Terminals lines up to operate Port of Cape Town’s Liquid Bulk Terminal
• WHARF TALK: luxury cruise ship – AZAMARA QUEST
• MENA: Training on assessment, examination and certification of seafarers
• SA Agulhas II prepares for annual South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) relief voyage
• Madagascar: Casualty investigation and reporting
• South African government suspends mineral transport to Maputo port
• Tropical cyclone warning for northern Madagascar and Mozambique Channel

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

Africa Ports & Ships

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FIRST VIEW:  AFRICA MERCY

Mercy Ships’ hospital ship Africa Mercy arrived back in Durban on Wednesday 18 December after spending much of the year on station in Madagascar, providing valuable transformative surgical education and life-changing surgical care to patients in the island nation.

Africa Mercy completed dry docking and general maintenance in Durban last year in Durban’s Dormac Shipyard, where the ship underwent extensive repairs and maintenance to prolong and improve the vessel’s service life and improve the quality of the ship’s medical services. This included an upgraded hospital, an updated lab and pharmacy equipment.

On completion of the upgrade, Africa Mercy went to East London where she was recrewed, prior to departing for Madagascar towards the end of January. On arrival off Madagascar much of her time was spent at the port of Toamasina on the east coast. In line with the Ministry of Health’s objective to serve patients nationwide, patient registration took place at 12 locations across the country.

This was not the first visit to the island for Africa Mercy, having made three previous visits during which over 6,425 life-changing surgical procedures and over 52,000 dental procedures took place.

During the recent field service, Mercy Ships volunteer medical crew provided more than 1,000 specialized surgeries in various fields, including maxillofacial and ear nose and throat, general, paediatric specialized general, paediatric orthopaedic, cataract surgery, and reconstructive plastics, and ophthalmology.

Over the course of three previous visits, Mercy Ships collaborated with the government and Ministry of Health to provide more than 6,425 life-changing surgical procedures and over 52,000 dental procedures.

In addition to delivering life-changing surgical and dental care, Mercy Ships has a longstanding commitment to education, having trained 2,019 healthcare professionals in Madagascar in the past.

More information is available at www.mercyships.co.za

Africa Ports & Ships

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Operation Deep Freeze: USCGC Polar Star departs Australia for Antarctica

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

The US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star departed from Sydney on 27 December to commence passage across the Southern Ocean to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025.

On 21 December Polar Star moored at HMAS Kuttabul alongside several Royal Australian Navy ships close to the centre of Sydney during a logistics port call for fuel and supplies.

Leading up to and during the transit, the crew received training and prepared to support the vital mission despite the austere environment. Operation Deep Freeze is one of the more challenging US military peacetime missions due to the harsh environment in which it is conducted.

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on the planet, and each trip requires careful planning and coordination.

In the words of Captain Jeff Rasnake, CO of Polar Star: “The success of Operation Deep Freeze relies on strong collaboration with our international partners, I am deeply grateful for their continued, and relentless support of Polar Star’s role in that mission.

“The future of scientific excellence in Antarctica is safeguarded by our joint commitment to cooperative research and protecting the Antarctic environment.”

About Operation Deep Freeze

Operation Deep Freeze is a joint military service mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations of the National Science Foundation, who is the lead agency for the United States Antarctic program (USAP).
<p<> The year 2024 marked Polar Star’s 28th passage to Antarctica. Every year, a joint and total force team work together to complete a successful Operation Deep Freeze season.

Military members from the US Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together through Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica to continue the tradition of providing US military support. Operation Deep Freeze through the US Antarctic Program works closely with other nation’s Antarctic programs to ensure the continued use of the continent for the advancement of science.

Polar Star provides heavy icebreaking capabilities to facilitate sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, and cargo handling for two of the US’s three research stations in Antarctica with McMurdo Station being the largest.

The cutter’s icebreaking capabilities enable the safe delivery of critical supplies to sustain USAP’s year-round operations and support international partnership in the harsh Antarctic environment.

It is vitally important that the US maintains a maritime domain presence in Antarctica to protect international access to the region in line with the Antarctic Treaty that celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2024.

During the transit across the Pacific, the crew sailed through the position 0 degrees latitude and 180 degrees longitude, also known as ‘The X’ marking the intersection of the equator and international date line. Crossing this exact position is a unique and rare opportunity among mariners.

Added 8 January 2024

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Damen Cape Town delivers another patrol vessel to Nigeria’s Homeland IOSL

Africa Ports & Ships

Damen Shipyards Cape Town recently delivered an FCS 3307 patrol vessel to Nigeria’s Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Ltd. (Homeland IOSL).

This vessel, on charter with an international energy company, will undertake offshore patrol duties to enhance the security of personnel, assets, and the environment in Nigerian maritime territories.

This is the tenth Damen vessel to join the Homeland fleet, reflecting ongoing fleet expansion efforts and reaffirming Homeland IOSL’s confidence in Damen, whose approach of building vessels in series and keeping them in stock allows for rapid delivery of proven products to its clients.

The FCS 3307 Patrol is equipped with Damen’s advanced Sea Axe hull technology, which allows it to cut through water at remarkably high speeds, ensuring safety, stability, and comfort for the crew, alongside enhanced manoeuvrability, and fuel efficiency.

The vessel also features a spacious aft deck, facilitating the transfer of cargo to offshore facilities.

Dr. Louis Ekere, CEO of Homeland IOSL said the recently delivered vessel includes custom features such as ballistic protection in the wheelhouse and messroom area.

“It also features an electronic fuel monitoring system (EFMS), to allow the operators to monitor fuel use in real time, taking steps to address inefficiencies and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

“Homeland IOSL’s FCS 3307 Patrol comes equipped with a night vision camera and a daughter craft to enhance its operational capabilities around the clock,” he added.

Damen said that in addition to the vessel, Damen will provide extensive aftersales support including crew training and a comprehensive spare parts package.

Homeland IOSL will also benefit from access to Damen’s technical facilities, which support both scheduled and unscheduled services to maximise vessel uptime.

Added 8 January 2024

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RFA: The end of Transnet rail monopoly and the beginning of better things?

by Gavin Kelly
Road Freight Association

The Road Freight Association (RFA) notes that “the Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy has approved the publishing of the Transnet Network Statement for the rail network in South Africa. The Network Statement facilitates open access to South Africa’s rail network by third-party operators.”

Are we about to see great things – or are we doomed onto a circle of argument and squabbles by various potential third-party operators as recently seen at the Port of Durban?

For years, the RFA has been very vocal about the need for “revolutionary” change in our rail operations. Despite its current challenges, South Africa’s rail network, with its extensive reach and some (to this day) state-of-the art infrastructure in certain areas, has the potential to become a cornerstone of the national economy, driving growth and creating numerous jobs.

However, there are some nagging questions:

 

1.] Can Transnet REALLY create the required environment for third party operators to operate efficiently on the rail network?
2.] Is the rail network (ie the signalling, rail mass carrying capacity, points, sidings, warehousing, security and other infrastructure) ready to accommodate a “flood” of trains and a drive from the national logistics chain requirements?
3.] Are the train sets adequate – or will these all need to come from the third-party operators?
4.] Who will adjudicate and resolve disagreements between these third-party operators or between them and Transnet itself?

Whilst a huge amount of cargo is delivered via road every day*, the reality is that the cargo needs to move between the origination and destination and the challenge will be creating an environment where system failures (or third-party failures) do not have a resultant collapse of the various routes identified for the open access.

The RFA has continually noted that rail needs to “carry its load” – and this has been clearly underwritten by the impact that we have all witnessed, on roads across the country. These roads were never built to take the volumes of vehicles nor the axle massloads (this being before any overloading comes into play) – and both roads and towns along the way have had a Jekyll and Hyde relationship – damage and wear to the infrastructure but increase in local business trading to support the increase in road freight traffic through these regions.

Truly, the publishing of the network statement is an important step.

The RFA encourages all companies that could become a third-party operator, to study the statement and to engage with the Dept of Transport in getting rail operations back to a viable and efficient service.

There will be many opportunities for road transport and there will be changes in how transport is done (in the long run), but we need to get the foundation pieces running. Reliably. Efficiently. Securely. Affordably.

The Road Freight Association will watch developments with keen interest – 2025 will be a crucial year in ensuring that South Africa (thereby its economy and wealth creation for all its citizens in the form of employment) will turn around and become an invigorated and vibrant logistics hub, chain and developmental node for all modes of transport.

Surely, by now, there should be no argument that road and rail can (and must) symbiotically work together.

******

Road/Rail comparison

According to the RFA the following estimates for the month of October 2024 show the comparison between cargo hauled by road and rail.

Road: 66.99 million tons
Rail:   12.50 million tons

Added 6 January 2024

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Walvis Bay emerges as MSC’s new transshipment hub port in Southern Africa

Africa Ports & Ships

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has revealed significant updates to its shipping services in Southern Africa, solidifying the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia as a vital transshipment hub.

This follows the concession to manage and operate the Walvis Bay Container Terminal awarded to a MSC subsidiary company, TIL.

The changes include an enhanced NWC to South Africa service and the introduction of two new shuttle services. Here’s a closer look at the development:

Key Updates:

1. North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa Service: The updated service offers direct connections between North Europe and South Africa, with the inclusion of a direct call to Walvis Bay. This move ensures efficient cargo delivery to Namibia.

2. Namibia Express: The Namibia Express connects Cape Town (South Africa) and Walvis Bay (Namibia), allowing for the delivery of cargo from all over Europe to Namibia via transshipment in Cape Town. This is set to start with the MSC Himanshi III on 8 January 2025.

3. Mozambique Shuttle: The Mozambique Shuttle links Walvis Bay (Namibia) with Maputo and Beira (Mozambique), extending up to Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and Mombasa (Kenya). For cargo import and export from Europe, Walvis Bay will act as a transshipment hub for cargo destined for Maputo and Beira.

Strengthening the Intra-Africa Network:

Walvis Bay’s emergence as a transshipment hub on the Southern Africa West Coast enhances MSC’s capability to move goods from Europe efficiently. It also strengthens MSC’s intra-Africa network, facilitating better connectivity and service across the region.

Detailed Schedule:

NWC to South Africa:

Rotation Start: MSC Rosaria voyage NZ504A from London Gateway on 20 January 2025.

Route: London Gateway – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Bremerhaven – Le Havre – Sines – Las Palmas – Walvis Bay – Port Elizabeth – Durban – Cape Town – Las Palmas – London Gateway.

Namibia Express:

First Sailing: MSC Himanshi III voyage OA502A from Cape Town on 8 January 2025, arriving in Walvis Bay on 11 January 2025.

Route: Cape Town – Walvis Bay – Cape Town.

Mozambique Shuttle:

First Sailing: MSC Imma III voyage JO502A from Beira on 14 January 2025, arriving in Walvis Bay on 24 January 2025.

Route: Beira – Walvis Bay – Durban – Maputo – Mombasa – Dar Es Salaam – Beira.

Crucial regional player

This strategic move positions Walvis Bay as a crucial player in the regional and global shipping landscape, boosting trade and connectivity in Southern Africa.

Added 6 January 2024

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MSC applies surcharge for cargo from the Middle East & India sub-continent to Mombasa

Africa Ports & Ships

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is applying a congestion surcharge to all cargo from the Middle East and Indian subcontinent bound for the Kenya port of Mombasa.

The subcontinent countries affected are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The surcharge of US$ 500 for a 20ft and $500 for a 40ft container applies to all equipment types and comes into effect as from next Monday, 13 January 2024 (gate in date).

MSC says the port congestion at Mombasa is generating difficult conditions and increased costs in which to operate.

Added 6 January 2024

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Construction work on DP World’s new port at Ndayane in Senegal gets underway

Africa Ports & Ships

Construction of the new port at Ndayane in Senegal has begun with the arrival of the dredger Willem van Rubroeck.

The project is set to help transform into a major centre for global trade, says the developer of the new $1.2 billion port, DP World.

The vessel will dredge a 5 km-long shipping channel — an essential step in building this state-of-the-art, high-capacity port designed to elevate Senegal’s trade infrastructure.

Phase 1 of the project includes an 840-metre quay and a 5 km channel capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships.

Construction in this phase of the container terminal facility will result in a capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually. Phase 2 will add a further 410-metre quay, positioning Ndayane as a leading logistics hub in West Africa.

The Port of Ndayane builds on DP World’s success at the Port of Dakar, which has grown from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023.

However, the Dakar port’s location within a densely urbanized area limits expansion, making Ndayane a strategic solution to support Senegal’s long-term trade and economic growth ambitions.

Following a recent meeting with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to Senegal.

“We believe in Senegal’s economic potential and fully support the government’s ambitions for the nation,” he said. “The Port of Ndayane will elevate Senegal and impact trade across the African continent.

“We are proud of our achievements with the Port of Dakar, and Ndayane marks the next level—positioning Senegal as a key trade hub for the region.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said DP World’s plans extend beyond the port. “We will develop an economic zone near the port and Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is expected to create even more employment than the port itself.”

The project is being delivered in collaboration with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance agency.

BII estimates the port will boost Senegal’s GDP by 3% through increased trade flows, potentially adding $15 billion in trade value by 2035.

During construction, the project will create over 1,800 jobs, and once operational, it is expected to support 2.3 million jobs across Senegal, including 22,000 tied directly tied to expanded trade.

Added 6 January 2025

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Bulker Hagen Oldendorff grounding: ATSB safety recommendations

Edited by Paul Ridgway  
Africa Ports & Ships
London

 

To eliminate single point of failure following bulk carrier grounding

In a report of 20 December the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) issued a number of safety recommendations after an electrical short circuit led to the grounding of a bulk carrier in the channel off Port Hedland, in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

On 9 April 2022, the Liberian-flagged capesize bulk carrier Hagen Oldendorff (built 2020, 299m loa, Classed LR) departed its berth with a harbour pilot on board and four tugs assisting for an outbound passage of Port Hedland’s 40 km dredged channel.

Rudder angle indicator loss of power

During the transit, shortly after completing a turn, an electrical short circuit led to the loss of power to all the ship’s analogue rudder angle indicators.

Incorrectly believing the ship’s steering had failed, the bridge team implemented the relevant emergency response procedures for a steering failure.

Manoeuvring orders issued during the response resulted in an uncontrolled turn to port, and a collision with the side of the channel at about 6.1 knots.

The ship was returned to the centre of the channel, and taken out to anchorage, where inspection revealed it was taking on water in two of its double-bottom water ballast tanks, due to substantial damage which required extensive repairs.

Fortunately, no injuries or pollution were reported.

Comment

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell reflected: “Port Hedland is the largest bulk export port in the world, and a grounding in the channel could have significant outcomes not only for the environment and for the safety of those on board, but also for the Australian economy.

“Pilotage and towage are primary risk control measures in ensuring the safety of port operations.

“In any best practice, safety-critical operation, single points of failure should be eliminated. In this instance an electrical short circuit led to the loss of power to all of the ship’s analogue rudder angle indicators.”

The ATSB’s final report notes Hagen Oldendorff’s rudder angle indicators were compliant with international regulations and classification society rules.

Significant research has gone into the appropriate safety measures and procedures for ship movements in and out of Port Hedland.

Safety recommendation made

In this regard the ATSB has issued a safety recommendation to Hagen Oldendorff’s flag state administration, the Liberia Maritime Authority, as well as the ship’s classification society, Lloyd’s Register, and Australia’s maritime regulator, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, to address the risk associated with a single point of failure in electrical power supply for ship rudder angle indicators.

Tug procedure safety issue addressed

The ATSB’s investigation also found the ship’s pilot had cast off the port and starboard shoulder tugs early, inconsistent with the recommended practices of Port Hedland’s escort towage strategy.

The report

To read the 73-page report: Grounding of Hagen Oldendorff, Port Hedland, Western Australia, on 9 April 2022 issued on 20 December 2024 readers are invited to see the link here

Added 6 December 2025

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Transnet reports 6% revenue increase amid operational challenges

Africa Ports & Ships

Durban, 3 January 2025 – Transnet has reported a 6.0% increase in revenue for the current six-month reporting period to 30 September 2024, rising from R39.2 billion to R41.5 billion.

This improvement comes in light of South Africa’s more optimistic economic outlook and the implementation of Transnet’s Recovery Plan.

However, the company faced a challenging period, posting a loss of R2.2 billion compared to a loss of R1.6 billion in 2023.

EBITDA decreased by 1.6%, from R13.8 billion to R13.6 billion, with a resultant decrease in the EBITDA margin to 32.8%.

Despite the positive revenue and rail volume performance, various operational challenges persisted. Freight Rail’s volumes were affected by security incidents, rolling stock unavailability, and the condition of rail infrastructure.

Container volumes also decreased due to market challenges, equipment availability, and adverse weather conditions.

Net operating expenses increased by 10.2% to R27.9 billion, driven by personnel costs, security incidents, fuel and electricity tariff hikes, and maintenance costs. Net finance costs rose by 7.9% to R7.1 billion, attributed to interest rate hikes and increased debt.

Transnet’s Recovery Plan has shown early successes in stabilising operations and addressing infrastructure challenges. However, significant work remains, particularly in debt management and security.

The company remains committed to supporting South Africa’s economic recovery through efficient logistics services.

Projects focused on improving rolling stock availability, rail infrastructure, and port equipment replenishment will be prioritised.

The Department of Transport and National Treasury are monitoring the Recovery Plan’s progress, ensuring that tangible gains translate into sustainable profitability.

Transnet continues to collaborate with the government to transform the logistics sector, supporting the long-term sustainability of the business. The company says it remains focused on resolving operational challenges and implementing cost control measures to improve operational delivery.

Key highlights
• Revenue increased by 6,0% from R39,2 billion to R41,5 billion
• EBITDA decreased by 1,6% from R13,8 billion to R13,6 billion
• The loss for the period is R2,2 billion compared to a loss of R1,6 billion in 2023
• Cash generated from operations after working capital changes increased by 5,4% to R13,8 billion
• Gearing is at 48,0%
• Rolling cash interest cover (including working capital changes) is 1,9 times
• Capital investment to sustain and expand operations is R10,5 billion
• Debt service of R13,1 billion in capital repayments and interest paid

Added 3 January 2024

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IMO Secretary-General’s new year message

Priorities for 2025 – Key items on the IMO 2025 agenda

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

In a video message, Secretary-General Dominguez said:

“We start 2025 focusing on three main topics, as we were last year.

“The first one, seafarers, the second one, security around the globe, and the third one, decarbonization. When it comes to seafarers, we need to enhance the safety and security of the key personnel on board ships. We also need to focus on increasing the support that we provide to them, not just on decarbonization, but also when it comes to reducing the criminalization of seafarers; then diversity.

“We have made progress, particularly when it comes to gender in the maritime sector, but the reality is that there is more to come. I will continue to be firm on my commitment and my policy of not participating and engaging in panels where there is no female representation.

“This is a big year for IMO, and I remain positive that Member States and stakeholders will find common ground and adopt the technical and economic measures – that will allow the sector to meet the objectives set up in the 2023 GHG strategy, and decarbonizing the sector by or around 2050 – this year. We are also focusing on the sustainability of the oceans. For IMO, the theme [for World Maritime Day 2025] is: Our ocean, Our obligation, Our opportunity.

“Join me in shaping a successful and memorable year for IMO.”

To view the video-message watch below: [1:43]

Added 3 January 2025

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EUKOR Car Carriers secures US$ 4.2 billion contract with Hyundai and Kia

Africa Ports & Ships

EUKOR Car Carriers, part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen group, has clinched a five-year contract worth US$ 4.2 billion with Hyundai Motor and Kia. This significant agreement will boost export volumes from Korea and China.

EUKOR and Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Shaper class car carriers. Picture: EUKOR
The renewed contract extends the previous duration from three to five years and raises the volume of transported cargo. Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced that Korean exports’ share has increased from 40% to 50%, with additional volumes also being exported from China.

According to Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the freight rate increases align with market rates for a contract of this nature. The put and call agreement linked to Hyundai Motor’s 20% ownership share in EUKOR remains unchanged and was not part of the negotiations.

Lasse Kristoffersen, President & CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, remarked, “The contract reinforces our strong position in Korea and cements our long-term partnership with Hyundai Motor Group.” Xavier Leroi, EUKOR’s CEO and head of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Shipping segment, described the contract as “nothing short of historic.”

For 2025, Wallenius Wilhelmsen expects adjusted EBITDA to range between US$ 1.8 billion to US$ 1.9 billion, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 4-6%. The company anticipates another solid year based on cargo volumes and contract coverage, despite some signs of softness in the auto segment.

New model introductions in 2025 are expected to boost volumes, while high and heavy volumes may remain muted for much of the year with potential improvement towards the end.

The company also plans to avoid the Red Sea region due to security concerns.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen acknowledged the growing uncertainties for 2025 but expressed confidence that their solid contract base, including 2024 renewals, would support their business and mitigate potential market softening.

Added 2 January 2025

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Senegalese fishery achieves historic MSC certification

Africa Ports & Ships

A Senegalese tuna fishery, represented by Compagnie Africaine de Pêche au Sénégal S.A. (CAPSEN) and Grand Bleu S.A., has become the first in West Africa to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable fishing.

This marks a significant milestone, making it only the second tuna fishery in Africa to meet the MSC’s global standard.

Edouard Le Bart, MSC’s Regional Program Director for Southern Europe and Africa, praised the achievement, noting that West African Atlantic fisheries are among the most productive yet face significant threats from overfishing and poor management practices.

The MSC certification symbolizes a major step towards sustainable fishing in the region and benefits the people of Senegal.

The certification allows the fishery to supply the international market with sustainably caught tuna. CAPSEN, which sells half its annual catch to local processor SCASA, exports around 70% of its MSC-certified tuna to the United States. The combined operations of CAPSEN and SCASA employ nearly 1,800 people locally.

The journey to certification began with a four-year Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) launched in 2020, which included various actions to meet MSC standards. The fishery targets eastern Atlantic skipjack and Atlantic yellowfin tuna and is managed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

Efforts to improve data collection and reduce the impact on non-target species have been pivotal. The fishery introduced observer training workshops and a digital template for accurate catch information. Additionally, non-entangling and biodegradable fish aggregating devices (FADs) are being adopted to minimize environmental impact.

This certification follows the recent MSC certification of the South African albacore pole-and-line tuna fishery. The success of the Senegalese fishery underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable fishing and positions it as a leader in fisheries sustainability.

Added 2 January 2025

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The best of UK’s Defence Imagery 2024

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

On Christmas Eve the UK Ministry of Defence issued a selection of images, the best provided by service photographers over the past year.

In the words of Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, he reflected: “Our photographers are foremost sailors, soldiers and aviators who, through their skill and creativity behind the camera, make a huge contribution to the way the British Armed Forces engage with the nation and with the world. The versatility of our Armed Forces and the range of duties we fulfil is more than evident in this year’s collection.”

We are privileged to publish here below a small selection:

HMS Diamond returned to Portsmouth in July after an historic Middle East deployment that saw her shoot down nine drones and a ballistic missile.
<p<> The Type 45 spent six months keeping traffic in shipping lanes moving in the face of attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden – waters through which 11% of global trade passes.

The ship’s momentous mission saw her sail nearly 44,000 miles, spending 151 days at sea and, in one night on January 9, shoot down seven drones aimed at merchant vessels by the Houthis in Yemen – the most aerial threats neutralised by a British warship in one day.

Diamond spent more than two months in these waters under high or medium threat, at a relentless operational pace – her Wildcat helicopter flew sorties amounting to 200 hours.

Diamond spent the final weeks of her deployment patrolling against illegal activity, seizing 2.4 tonnes of drugs in the Indian Ocean.

HMS Protector is the Royal Navy’s only Ice Breaking Patrol Ship and is currently deployed in the Antarctic region promoting British interests in the area and enforcing the Antarctic Treaty by working with partners including the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) and the governments of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

Protector’s tasking was based on the enduring responsibility of HM Government to provide a sovereign presence in the British Antarctic Territory (BAT), South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI).

It is also a key maritime Geospatial Information (GEOINF) enabler, supporting the national requirement to provide a global oceanographic survey capability and, where capacity allows, provide assistance to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). It also provides a periodic presence and reassurance to Overseas Territories and contributes to maritime situational awareness predominantly in the southern hemisphere.

RFA Tidespring, viewed from HMS Prince of Wales’ quarter deck by the ship’s company, during a fifteen ship formation when UK-led Carrier Strike Group (CSG) joined the NATO Amphibious Task Group (ATG) and additional Norwegian naval units for a photo-opportunity (PHOTEX).

The units were at sea for Exercise Nordic Response 24, a multi-domain exercise taking place in the northern Nordic region in March 2024. The CSG had been exercising strikes to simulate defence of allied territory, whilst defending itself. The ATG has been exercising landing amphibious units ashore to retake allied territory. Exercise Nordic Response 24 was part of the largest NATO exercise in decades.

Pictures: MOD Crown Copyright 2024 © 
(Reproduced here with grateful thanks)

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Chaos and crisis in Mozambique continues

Major cities paralysed by post-election chaos

by Terry Hutson 
Africa Ports & Ships

Not that long ago many critics of South Africa were extolling the virtues of its neighbour Mozambique, and in particular the attractions and capabilities of that country’s main port at Maputo.

This was at a time when South Africa’s ports and railways were in a state of disarray, with congested roads outside the ports of Richards Bay and Durban, broken down equipment hampering the loading or unloading of ships in port at virtually all the ports along the South African coastline, and a railway network reeling from inefficiency, a lack of locomotives and available rolling stock, sabotage along the heavy-haul lines, and miners and cargo owners alike forced to turn to an overcrowded road system in desperation of ‘making do’.

Then came a general election to elect a new government and president in Mozambique, and everything has turned round. Maputo has been described in some quarters as being ‘on fire’ as protesters in their thousands express their frustration at the result in the only manner open to them, a result which claimed the ruling party Frelimo had gathered over 70% of the vote.

Protesters took immediately to the streets. A subsequent relook by the electoral commission following weeks of protest, during which hundreds of Mozambicans have been killed by over-zealous, poorly trained and often corrupt police, agreed there were discrepancies with the vote count but then decided that Frelimo had won by 65%.

More rioting and protest and more deaths is the result, as Mozambique teeters on the edge of anarchy. Joseph Hanlon reported in his Mozambique News Reports and Clippings column at the weekend that “In the four days 23-26 December, 134 people have been killed by police or in demonstration related incidents. This brings the death toll for the 66 days of demonstration to 261, according to Plataforma Elecitoral Decide, which is keeping the most accurate count. In the past four days there have been 228 people shot but only 161 detained.”

Young protesters who took to burning tyres and creating road blocks along principal highways, including the strategically important road between Maputo and South Africa, are now reported to be digging up roads to prevent vehicles from passing.

Meanwhile, the killing of protesters continues and on Friday 28 December cities across the country were facing disruption or even shut-down as the post-election and post electoral commission mayhem continues. Adding to the drama come reports of looting, in which the Mozambique police were reported to have been seen joining in.

A short video taken apparently from the waters of Maputo Bay shortly after the Christmas celebration, showed the skyline of Maputo with black smoke from horison to horison. Whether this is from multiple burning tyres and other road obstacles, or from buildings, is not clear.

Reports have circulated however of some burning buildings, shops and supermarkets being looted, and police again reported to be participating.

On Friday 28th shops and businesses in the capital and elsewhere were largely closed and transportation of goods across the city and country was virtually non-existent.

In its decision on the election, the Constitutional Council, Mozambique’s highest court, stated that while discrepancies did take place, they only required a revision from 70% to 65% of the vote in favour of the ruling party Frelimo, which has been in power in Mozambique since the country’s independence in June 1975.

The areas most affected by the subsequent chaos enveloping Mozambique are Maputo and its largely industrial suburb of Matola.

In the area known as Benfica (George Dimitrov suburb) 11 or more people have died after a food warehouse was set on fire after being attacked and ransacked by looters.

Police chief Bernardino Rafael said the looters were simply criminals. “We are witnessing an assault on the Matola industrial complex by a group of criminals, making it difficult to maintain control,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is contesting the election results, says the police are to blame for the vandalism and deaths of a reported 248 protesters. He called for more protests but spoke out against looting or damaging infrastructure.

He accused the police of breaking into warehouses and stores and banks, and of telling the population to come and help themselves to food. “People come in because they’re hungry,” Mondlane said in a live broadcast on Thursday.

It’s also reported that the Maputo prison also known as Machava has been broken into during which about 6,000 inmates escaped. Reports say 33 prisoners died during the confrontation with security forces.

South Africa border crossing

As of 25 December 2024, the situation at the Ressano Garcia border crossing into South Africa was reported to remain open with pedestrians and small vehicles processed normally. Less certain is the situation regarding the passage of trucks mostly bound for the port at Maputo, or returning to South Africa.

Any accurate update on this would be appreciated.

Earlier in the month (12th) the South African Border Management Authority (BMA) issued a statement saying it “continued to process pedestrians and small vehicles but cargo trucks were still temporarily suspended due to ongoing protests on the Mozambican side.

The BMA hasn’t updated since.

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US to build polar security cutter

Edited by Paul Ridgway    
Africa Ports & Ships
London

The US Coast Guard is recapitalizing its polar icebreaker fleet to ensure continued access to both polar regions and support the country’s economic, commercial, maritime and national security needs. This was reported by the USCG news service on 23 December.

Current fleet

The operational polar fleet currently includes one 399-foot heavy icebreaker (Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, commissioned in 1976) and one 420-foot medium icebreaker (Coast Guard Cutter Healy, commissioned in 2000). These cutters are designed for open-water icebreaking and feature reinforced hulls and specially angled bows.

Polar Star underwent a three-year reactivation and returned to operations in late 2013. Since then, Polar Star has completed six Operation Deep Freeze deployments to resupply McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Polar Star has also completed one rare winter journey to the Arctic.

Polar Star entered into a service life extension project (SLEP) in 2021 to extend the cutter’s service life by four years.

Approval to build

The US Coast Guard / US Navy Integrated Program Office received approval on 19 December to begin to build the first polar security cutter (PSC).

The PSC is the first heavy polar icebreaker constructed in the United States in more than five decades. The work is being performed by Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the prime contractor for design and construction of the future PSC fleet.

This decision continues work that has been underway since the summer of 2023 as part of an innovative approach to shorten the delivery timeline of these critical national assets.

The approval incorporates eight prototype fabrication assessment units (PFAUs) that are currently underway or planned. The PFAU effort was structured as a progressive crawl-walk-run approach to help the shipbuilder strengthen skills across the workforce and refine construction methods before full-rate production begins.

The PFAU process has prepared the government and the shipbuilder to begin full-scale production of the PSC class, resulting in more precise, cost-effective and reliable construction processes.

Why this programme?

The United States has vital national interests in the polar regions. Polar security cutters (PSCs) enable the U.S. to maintain defence readiness in the Arctic and Antarctic regions; enforce treaties and other laws needed to safeguard both industry and the environment; provide ports, waterways and coastal security; and provide logistical support – including vessel escort – to facilitate the movement of goods and personnel necessary to support scientific research, commerce, national security activities and maritime safety.

Heavy polar icebreaker model tank testing is shown in the video here

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APM Terminals Expands MedPort Tangier Capacity to 5.2 million TEUs

Africa Ports & Ships

APM Terminals has successfully completed a major expansion at MedPort Tangier, increasing its annual capacity to 5.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

This marks the final stage of a three-year project, delivered on schedule, and adds an additional 1 million TEUs to the terminal’s capacity.

The expanded terminal now boasts a two-kilometre berth length, enhancing its capability to serve major shipping lines Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, as part of the Gemini Cooperation for East-West trade routes. The recent developments have also led to the recruitment of 500 new employees in 2023 and 2024, highlighting the company’s commitment to a diverse and dedicated workforce.

Keld Pedersen, Managing Director at APM Terminals West Med, emphasized the readiness of the terminal to handle the new network being phased in from February 2025. He praised the workforce for their problem-solving skills and dedication to delivering top-quality service.

Technologically advanced features have been incorporated into the terminal’s operations, including an auto mooring system for vessel berthing, digital berth planning, and the Gemini simulation tool. These advancements contribute to the terminal’s efficiency and safety, making it one of the most advanced container terminals globally.

The World Bank and S&P Global have recently ranked the port of Tangier as the fourth most efficient container terminal in the world, reflecting the impact of these improvements. The new technology also helps reduce port hours, improve crane productivity, and lower emissions from vessels through the use of shore-power deployed by the port authority.

Pedersen highlighted the broader benefits of the expansion, noting its alignment with APM Terminals’ global strategy and its positive impact on customers, communities, and employees. The expansion ensures that MedPort Tangier remains a key player in global shipping, with enhanced capacity and cutting-edge technology.

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SASTUNA Secures MSC Certification for Southern Africa Albacore Fishery

Africa Ports & Ships

The Southern Africa Sustainable Tuna Association (SASTUNA), representing the South African albacore tuna pole and line fishery, has achieved the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable fishing. This certification was granted after a rigorous six-month assessment by SCS Global Services.

SASTUNA is a not-for-profit organization formed by leading marketing companies – Kaytrad Commodities Pty Ltd, Breakwater Products Pty Ltd, and Blue Seas Products – to standardize local tuna trading and ensure inclusivity and reputational gain for all stakeholders involved in the responsible fishing practices.

The certification report lists over 130 independently owned vessels operating as Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), employing more than 3,000 South Africans, many of whom are second or third-generation family members in the traditional pole and line tuna industry.

Adrian Smith, Chair of SASTUNA and Director at Kaytrad Commodities Pty Ltd, emphasized the inclusive approach of the certification, benefiting all vessel owners by enabling them to sell their fish as certified sustainable.

Harry Cole, Operations Coordinator at Blue Seas, highlighted that MSC certification may open new markets and stabilize market prices, creating better employment opportunities and prices for their tuna.

The fishery, which lands 3,000-5,000 tonnes of sustainably caught tuna annually, primarily exports to international markets, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

Sean Walker, Managing Director at Breakwater Products Pty Ltd, noted the importance of competing globally with sustainable practices, ensuring confidence in their low-impact fishery.

This achievement follows a four-year fishery improvement journey led by WWF South Africa. After a pre-assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard in 2019, stakeholders developed a work plan to meet certification requirements, focusing on healthy target stocks, minimal environmental impact, and effective management.

Andrew Gordon, MSC’s Southern Africa Senior Fisheries Outreach Manager, praised the fishery’s progress through the Fish for Good project and the MSC Improvement Program, which helped improve practices over five years.

Key management measures include appointing an expert observer team to collect catch information and training fishing crews for the safe handling and release of endangered, threatened, and protected species.

Although MSC certification is a milestone, the fishery continues to work with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) to develop harvest control rules ensuring long-term productivity.

Michael Smith, Chairman of the Large Pelagic SMME Association, and Clyde Bodenham, President of the South African Tuna Association, both recognized the certification as a testament to the commitment of all involved in managing fish stocks and marine resources responsibly.

SASTUNA joins two other African tuna fisheries certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, becoming part of a global network of over 500 wild-capture fisheries.

For more information, visit the MSC’s official website here

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Antarctic iceberg A23a afloat again

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

With a surface area of almost 3,500 square kilometres and a thickness of 400 metres, A23a is the largest iceberg in the world. After calving from the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf in West Antarctica in 1986, the iceberg was stuck on the floor of the Antarctic Ocean for over 30 years. However, it has recently started to move again, drifting northward towards the southern Atlantic Ocean.

Oceanographers suggest that A23a will eventually enter the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where it is expected to break into smaller icebergs and melt.

This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellites on 12 December 2024, shows the iceberg when it was 400 km southwest of the island of South Georgia.

Copernicus open data is key to tracking the movement of icebergs in the ocean and to monitoring remote environments, including Antarctica.

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South Africa receiving a growing number of visiting foreign naval vessels

by Guy Martin
defenceWeb

After several quiet years during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, naval visitors to South Africa are increasing in numbers, with military vessels from France, the UK, China, Russia, India, and Japan amongst those stopping in South Africa in recent years.

The latest visitor was the German Navy frigate FGS Baden-Wurttemberg, which in mid-November called in Cape Town as it returned from an Indo-Pacific deployment. The vessel took the long way home around the Cape as it avoided the Red Sea and potential Houthi attack.

Other naval visitors to South Africa in the 2024/25 financial year are, according to Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, the roll-on/roll-off UK sealift vessel Anvil Point; France’s L’Astrolabe polar patrol vessel, the Chinese frigate CNS Xuchang, the Japanese training vessels JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze, the Chinese space tracking ship Yuan Wang 7, the Chinese hospital ship Peace Ark, the Russian training vessel Smolny, and the UK’s landing helicopter dock RFA Argus and sealift ship Hurst Point.

Replying to a parliamentary question posed by the Democratic Alliance’s Chris Hattingh, Motshekga explained that 2023/24 naval visitors came from Portugal (patrol vessel NRP Setubal and submarine NRP Arpao), China (space tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5, destroyer Nanning, frigate Sanya, and logistics ship Wei Shan Hu), India (frigate INS Trishul and offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna), and France (frigates Floreal and Nivose).

The Department of Defence’s 2022/23 financial year was similarly busy, with some unusual visitors, such as the Norwegian sail training vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl paying a visit, along with the Iranian Navy’s logistic ship IRIS Makran and frigate IRIS Dena. India also brought a sailing vessel to South Africa, the INSV Tarini.

France was most active in the 2022/23 year, with numerous naval vessels stopping in South African ports. These included the frigates Nivose and Courbet, amphibious assault ship Mistral, polar patrol vessel L’Astrolabe, offshore patrol vessel Le Malin, and landing ship Champlain.

Other visitors included the Nigerian landing ship NNS Kada; the US expeditionary mobile base USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams; the Indian frigate INS Tarkash; the Chinese frigate Rizhao; the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov, and the Chinese space tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5.

The Covid-19 year of 2020/21 were much quieter, with just the Chinese space tracking ship Yuan Wang 6, USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams, and Floreal visiting. 2021/22 saw the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams return, along with the French landing ship Champlain and frigate Floreal.

Motshekga noted that whenever foreign naval vessels visit a South African port the South African Navy endeavours to do a passage exercise (passex) with the vessel. “The exercise is informal and focuses on communication exercises and simple officer of the watch manoeuvres.”

Regarding multinational exercises, the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to any in 2020/21 and 2021/22, but things picked up the following year when South Africa hosted Exercise Shared Accord with the United States (July 2022), Ibsamar VII with Brazil and India (October 2022), and Oxide with France (November 2022).

Exercise Mosi II was held in February/March 2023 with Russia and China, and was followed by Exercise Good Hope VIII in January/February 2024 with Germany, and Ibsamar VIII with Brazil and India in October.

The latter saw the participation of the Brazilian Navy’s Niteroi-class frigate BNS Defensora, equipped with a Super Lynx helicopter and a Special Forces team, and India participating with the frigate INS Talwar, its onboard Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter and an Indian Special Forces team.

Written by defenceWeb and republished with permission. The original article can be found  here

Added 23 December 2024

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Vale tests wind energy on one of world’s largest ore carriers

Africa Ports & Ships

Durban, 23 December 2024 – The Valemax Sohar Max, one of the world’s largest ore carriers equipped with a wind propulsion system, has successfully completed its maiden voyage from China to the Port of Tubarão, Brazil.

Vale, in partnership with Omani shipowner Asyad, has initiated a test period with the installation of five rotor sails, each standing 35 metres high and 5 metres in diameter.

Developed by Anemoi Marine Technologies, the rotor sails harness wind energy to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The Sohar Max test is the fifth wind energy project on Vale’s service vessels. Two additional projects are planned by the end of 2025.

“Since 2010, Vale has operated with highly efficient ships and promoted wind energy initiatives,” remarked Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Director of Shipping. “This project continues our tradition of innovation and fleet modernization to reduce emissions.”

The first voyage with this technology is expected to deliver a 6% efficiency gain and an annual reduction of up to 3,000 tons of CO2 equivalent per ship. Future tests will validate these results.

The Sohar Max project is the latest in Vale’s Ecoshipping program, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in line with the International Maritime Organization’s goals.

The rotor sails work by creating a pressure difference through rotation, moving the ship forward via the Magnus effect, thereby reducing fuel consumption and maintaining speed when wind conditions are favourable, saving fuel and maintaining speed and travel time.

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World Shipping Council Elects New Leadership

Africa Ports & Ships

The World Shipping Council (WSC) Board of Directors has appointed Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new Chair, and Randy Chen, Vice Chairman of Wan Hai Lines, as Vice Chair. Their two-year term starts immediately.

Soren Toft succeeds Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, and Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, who co-chaired the WSC Board for the past four years.

Joe Kramek, WSC President and CEO, expressed his optimism, stating, “I look forward to working with Soren Toft and Randy Chen. Their leadership will continue to propel the WSC as the united voice of liner shipping.”

Short Bios:

Soren Toft, CEO, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company: Soren Toft has led MSC since December 2020, overseeing the company’s global cargo, logistics, air cargo, and towage operations. He also chairs the WSC Board and sits on the Board of Terminal Investment Ltd. Previously, he was COO at Maersk and held various leadership roles across Europe and Asia. Toft holds an executive MBA from IMD, Switzerland.

Randy Chen, Vice Chairman, Wan Hai Lines: Randy Chen drives international business development at Wan Hai Lines and represents the company in industry forums such as the WSC and the Asian Shipowners’ Forum. On the Board of Directors since 2002, Chen has a background in software and financial services, and holds an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School and a BA in Economics and English Literature from Duke University.

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No Christmas MMIPV for the Navy

by defenceWeb

The SA Navy (SAN) will not add multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) number three to its fleet inventory this year.

The Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) built SAS King Adam Kok III (P1573) is, according to project manager Armscor, still busy with acceptance trials, better known in South Africa as operational testing and evaluation (OTE).

She was scheduled to commence OTE in November with a possible acceptance date of this month (December). That was ruled out this week by Armscor Senior Manager: Corporate Communication, Liziwe Nkonyana, who told defenceWeb “acceptance trials are ongoing and will be extended to the end of January 2025”.

As far as becoming the newest addition to the SAN patrol squadron at Naval Base (NB) Durban is concerned, Nkonyana would not be drawn on either a specific month or day saying “the third MMIPV will be taken into service before the end of the 2024/25 financial year” – just over three months away.

When she joins SAS King Sekhukhune I (P 1571) and SAS King Shaka Zulu (P1572) alongside the refurbished SAS Makhanda (P1569), P1573 will complete the inshore patrol strength of the maritime service of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF).

All three DSCT platforms are built to the company’s Stan Patrol 6211 design. The 62 m long, 750 ton vessels have a 20 knot economical speed and a range of 2,000 nautical miles.

Each vessel is fitted with a Reutech 20 mm Super Sea Rogue marine gun and Reutech FORT (frequency modulated optical radar tracker) low probability of intercept (LPI) optronics radar tracking system. They carry a nine and seven metre RHIBs (rigid hull inflatable boats) for boarding and other operations.

Written by defenceWeb and republished with permission. The original article can be found  here

Added 22 December 2024

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Dust, more dust: Saharan dust affects the Canary Islands, Spain

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships

Following Storm Dorothea, the Spanish Canary Islands were affected by a haze brought on by strong winds on 17 December. These carried suspended dust from the Sahara Desert.

This dense haze, known locally as calima, led to decreased air quality in several areas. The islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were the hardest hit, with daily concentrations of particulate matter reaching levels higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.

Calima can have significant impacts on air quality, visibility, and health.

Dust is visible hovering over Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 17 December.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service provides daily analyses and forecasts of worldwide long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants, which are useful for informed decision-making to help keep communities safer. More information is available here

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Bears starting to roar in the car carrier market

Africa Ports & Ships

The car carrier market is facing a turbulent 2025, spurred by a combination of tariffs and an increase in supply, writes Andrea De Luca, Maritime Analyst at VesselsValue, part of Veson Nautical.

Bearish sentiments emerged in June after the European Union (EU) announced import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) as high as 45.3%, effective from November for five years. These tariffs, introduced after an investigation into Chinese state subsidies for domestic car manufacturers, are shaking confidence and posing challenges for car carrier operators.

In late October, the stock price of leading owner-operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen dropped nearly 20% following the release of their Q3 results, although it partially recovered after equity analysts highlighted weaker global car sales forecasts. Despite this, Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s updated guidance suggests a solid year in 2025 with adjusted EBITDA growth of 7-12%, indicating a softer landing.

De Luca noted, “The bears are beginning to roar, but we think there is enough demand for deep-sea roll-on/roll-off (RORO) transportation from China to suggest rates and asset values won’t crash in the short and medium term in this sector.”

Million cars in containers

VesselsValue has identified approximately 1 million cars currently transported in containers from China that are likely to switch back to RORO modalities in 2025/26, unexpectedly boosting demand for car carriers.

However, freight rates for light vehicles from China to Europe have begun to soften as China’s export volumes project slower growth, coupled with an influx of large newbuilds, including the 9,100-car Hoegh Aurora delivered to Norway’s Höegh Autoliners and China COSCO Shipping Corporation’s fleet of thirty PCTCs due by 2026.

De Luca explains, “While economic headwinds are growing stronger, we don’t expect charter rates to collapse to long-term averages given stable demand from Asia, particularly driven by China.”

China’s car market is a global giant, with annual car sales around 26 million. However, EU-imposed EV tariff hikes could reduce China’s global demand by about 10%, equivalent to a 2% cut in global demand.

“If the EU aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2035, collaboration with China is essential,” remarks De Luca. “Conversely, the US, already imposing 100% EV tariffs, may see even higher tariffs under President Trump’s administration.”

Volatility

The car carrier sector is set for volatility in 2025, with a significant 39% orderbook-to-live fleet ratio leading to an 11% net supply increase, which will heavily impact the market.

Additionally, resolving the Red Sea crisis sooner than expected could push this figure up by another 6% to 17%, leading to potential oversupply and a market downturn.

Although this scenario is unlikely, it would comfortably tilt the car carrier market into oversupply territory creating a perfect storm for rates and asset values, enticing the next major round of scrapping.

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Managing Maritime Risks: Stowaways and Rescued People at Sea

Africa Ports & Ships

Stowaways present significant security challenges for ships and crew, incurring substantial costs for shipowners and insurers, with incidents on the rise globally. The financial burden of each incident continues to escalate, costing the industry millions annually. Additionally, seafarers increasingly encounter people in distress at sea due to global migration trends.

Stowaway incidents range from single individuals hidden on cargo ships to hundreds of people on overcrowded boats. Both stowaways and rescued individuals on board a ship pose security risks and operational challenges. The primary focus for merchant shipping must be on preventing stowaways from accessing ships.

While stowaways can embark from any port, certain regions pose a higher risk. Trends, like stowaways hiding in rudder trunks, have emerged, particularly on routes between Africa and the Canary Islands. Ferries and RoRo freighters in Europe also face increased stowaway activity.

Global migration by sea remains unresolved, with seafarers frequently encountering migrants in distress. These journeys are perilous, often involving overcrowded, inadequately provisioned boats.

Although overall irregular crossings in the Mediterranean have decreased since 2015, some routes remain highly active. Migrants travel from Africa, Lebanon, and Turkey towards Europe, and similar movements occur in regions like the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Seafarers are often required to assist distressed individuals at sea, as mandated by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reflected in the SOLAS and SAR Conventions. However, merchant vessels are typically ill-equipped to handle large groups of distressed people, placing additional burdens on the crew.

The newly released ICS/Witherby publication, “Shipboard Response to Stowaways and Distressed People in Small Boats – 2025-26 Edition,” offers guidance on managing these situations. It covers security, safety procedures, and compliance with international regulations, providing practical advice and recent case studies.

Bridge cards summarizing key points are available for quick reference, beneficial to officers, crew, NGOs, P&I Clubs, governments, and regulatory authorities.

Learn more about the publication here

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South African Albacore Tuna Fishery secures global MSC certification for sustainability

Africa Ports & Ships

In a groundbreaking development for sustainable fishing, the Southern Africa Sustainable Tuna Association (SASTUNA), representing South Africa’s albacore tuna pole and line fishery, has achieved certification to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.

This accolade follows a six-month assessment by SCS Global Services.

SASTUNA was established by leading marketing companies—Kaytrad Commodities Pty Ltd, Breakwater Products Pty Ltd, and Blue Seas Products—to streamline local tuna trading and bolster the reputations of stakeholders in the responsible fishing industry.

The association includes over 130 independently owned vessels, all certified under the MSC standard, supporting more than 3,000 South Africans, many of whom are from multi-generational fishing families.

Adrian Smith, Chair of SASTUNA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to benefiting all members involved in the albacore tuna industry, enabling vessel owners to sell their catches as certified sustainable. Harry Cole of Blue Seas highlighted the potential of MSC certification to open new markets and stabilize prices, thus ensuring better financial returns and more sustainable jobs.

The fishery lands 3,000-5,000 tonnes of albacore annually, with over 90% exported to markets worldwide. Sean Walker of Breakwater Products praised the fishery’s commitment to low-impact, sustainable practices.

The certification is the result of a four-year improvement journey, led by WWF South Africa, which included data collection on the fishery’s impact on albacore stocks and the broader ecosystem. Measures implemented included expert observers to monitor catch data and training for fishing crews in safe handling practices.

Though the albacore stock is healthy, the fishery continues to work with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) to develop harvest control rules ensuring long-term productivity.

Michael Smith, chairman of the Large Pelagic SMME Association, and Clyde Bodenham, President of the South African Tuna Association, both commended SASTUNA’s efforts in achieving MSC certification, underscoring the importance of responsible fishery management and the ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.

SASTUNA now joins a global network of over 500 certified wild-capture fisheries, landing 19% of wild marine seafood.

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Port Elizabeth tanker berth back in business

Africa Ports & Ships

Motorists in the Nelson Mandela Bay area can breathe a sigh or two of relief, following the completion of repairs to the Port Elizabeth tanker berth.

The port’s only tanker berth suffered damage from a collision when a vessel under pilotage crashed into it, destroying some of the infrastructure and leaving the berth non-operational.

With the nearby port of Ngqura lacking tanker facilities, it meant that fuel for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area had to be collected at East London almost 300 km away and ferried in by road tanker.

This was done but at a cost to local motorists who had to pay a premium of around R1.66 per litre for 95 octane petrol, according to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.

The cost of diesel and paraffin were also affected.

However, with the return to service of the repaired an reopened tanker berth, things can get back to normal.

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Transnet Port Terminals’ quayside performance shines through recommissioned conveyor belt

Grindrod’s Navitrade terminal in Richards Bay has reached a remarkable milestone, achieving 2 million tonnes of coal throughput.

This achievement is attributed to the significant support and collaboration from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). The combined efforts of TPT and Grindrod teams, along with TPT’s exceptional quayside performance, have set new records and positioned the terminal for continued success.

Kwazi Mabaso, CEO of Grindrod Terminals, highlighted the crucial role played by TPT in repairing the 2.2 km conveyor belt that was damaged in the October 2021 fires.

“This conveyor, which transports coal from the Navitrade terminal to the port, was successfully recommissioned in January 2024, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced port congestion,” said Mabaso.

The success of Navitrade’s largest shipment, loading 87,243 tonnes onto the m.v. KMAX VISION in October 2024, further underscores the dedication, collaboration, and commitment of both teams. The recommissioned conveyor belt has been pivotal in enhancing TPT’s strong quayside performance.

Added 19 December 2024

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Mayotte disaster

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

On 14 December, Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, hit Mayotte, a French archipelago in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar.

With winds exceeding 220 km/h, Chido was the strongest storm to affect the islands in over 90 years, destroying buildings and key infrastructure, including roads and electrical grids, and impacting the ability of rescue crews to reach residents.

Authorities report that hundreds of casualties have likely resulted from the storm, while survivors face shortages of electricity, water, and aid.

Rescue teams have been dispatched from France and the nearby French territory of Reunion to support recovery operations in Mayotte.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) has been activated (EMSR780) to provide detailed maps of the affected areas. This data visualisation, based on CEMS data, depicts the damaged and destroyed buildings and transportation infrastructure in the areas of interest.

More information is available on the CEMS website here

Added 18 December 2024

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Cyclone Chido downgraded after bringing devastation to Mayotte

Africa Ports & Ships

After devastating the Mozambique Channel island of Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has been downrated to a tropical depression as it weakens on its journey westward across Malawi and Zimbabwe.

The tropical depression was expected to be downrated even further on Wednesday 18 December. What had been a severe tropical cyclone when it crossed the Mozambique coast about 40 km south of the port of Pemba, began to lose much of its its strength while passing inland towards the Zimbabwe border.

Local reports say that nearly 10,000 houses on the Mozambique mainland have been destroyed, displacing large numbers of people already exposed to the uncertainty of terrorist activity in Cabp Delgado province.

Mozambique news agency Lusa reported that close to 200,000 people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The storm formed in the western Indian Ocean to the north-east of Mauritius, passing north of the Madagascar coast and bringing the full force of its wind and rain to the island of Mayotte, resulting in an unknown number of casualties on the island.

Mayotte

On the island of Mayotte, the death toll remains unknown, although the French interior ministry reports that the number may reach several thousands, although it would be difficult to account for all the victims, the ministry added.

The island’s capital, Mamoudzou is particularly hard hit and it will take days to establish the true scale of the cyclone’s impact, authorities said.

Making matters worse are the estimated one hundred thousand illegal migrants from nearby Comoros who have taken up undocumented residence on Mayotte and who will be among the missing and dead.

The French military based at Reunion were airlifting medical and emergency personnel and supplies to the devastated island, which is part of the French overseas territory.

The island’s airport has been badly damaged including the air traffic control tower and only military aircraft are currently able to land and take off.

Comoros

According to the few reports received, the Comoros group, a little to the north-west of Mayotte, consisting of Grand Comore, Anjouan and Moheli, appears to have escaped severe damage from the heavy rain and strong winds although between 20 and 30 houses have been destroyed and several people are reported to have been injured.

The Comoros group is an independent nation that took independence from France in 1975.

Added 18 December 2024

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Dumping of wastes at sea: Kenya advances efforts to curb

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships

According to news received from IMO, Kenya is making strides in marine environmental protection with a focused effort towards implementing the London Protocol (LP), a global framework aimed at preventing pollution from the dumping of wastes at sea.

As we well know protecting the ocean from dumping of wastes and other matter at sea depends on full implementation of the LP, requiring robust national systems for assessing, permitting, monitoring and enforcement of disposal at sea activities.

Broad representation

A national workshop held in Mombasa from 2 to 4 December brought together more than 25 senior officials from diverse government agencies to discuss the legal, technical and administrative aspects related to applying the London Protocol in Kenya.

A legal framework

The training included an introduction to the Protocol as a legal framework for marine pollution management and considered possible barriers to implementation.

Participants discussed the establishment of national systems for monitoring, assessment, compliance and enforcement, and explored possible next steps for future coordination and cooperation between relevant agencies.

KMA host + UK Govt support + IMO’s ITCP

Hosted by the Kenya Maritime Authority with support from the UK Government and delivered through the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme, the workshop underscored Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding ocean ecosystems, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development  see also here.

For more background

To see the brochure commemorating the LP in the years 1996 to 2016: The London Protocol: what it is and why it is needed readers may wish to use this link: connect here.

Added 16 December 2024

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Red Sea tensions: 4 scholars explain what’s at stake for global trade and security

Africa Ports & Ships

Kagure Gacheche, The Conversation

Added 16 December 2024

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FFS Tank Terminals lines up to operate Port of Cape Town’s Liquid Bulk Terminal

Africa Ports & Ships

FFS Tank Terminals (Pty) Ltd has been selected as the preferred bidder to acquire, operate, maintain, refurbish, construct and transfer a Liquid Bulk Terminal for a 25-year concession period at the Port of Cape Town’s Liquid Bulk Precinct.

This was announced by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Friday (13 December 2024).

FFS Tank Terminals is an existing terminal operator at the port’s liquid bulk precinct. The selection follows participation in the ports authority’s concession process outlined in Section 56 of the National Ports Acts No. 12 of 2005.

The appointment is a strategic move to enhance the Port’s efficiency and competitiveness. It is also in line with TNPA’s mandate to facilitate the provision of port services and facilities with emphasis on port revenue diversification, job creation, infrastructure development and collaboration with the private sector to foster sustainable economic growth.

FFS Tank Terminals (Pty) Ltd, a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, brings over 25 years of expertise in the liquid bulk sector, specialising in handling products such as heavy fuel oil and edible oils. FFS has been active also in the ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

The new concession agreement is set to inject an investment of R195 million into the facility, enabling terminal infrastructure refurbishment and upgrades that will substantially enhance operational efficiency.

“The selection of FFS Tank Terminals as the preferred bidder solidifies TNPA’s commitment to ensuring continued liquid bulk operations and security of supply, coupled with growing port capacity and volume throughput,” said Ophelia Shabane, TNPA Acting Port Manager for the Port of Cape Town.

She said the transaction will not only support economic growth and development at the Port of Cape Town but will also stimulate the local economy through commitments made by the bidder such as job preservation, employment creation, local supplier development as well as skills development.”

In a statement TNPA said it is implementing a phased approach with the appointment of terminal operators for the Port of Cape Town’s Liquid Bulk Precinct.

“Whilst all the terminals are currently operational in the precinct, more terminals are anticipated to undergo the concession process in the new year, in compliance with the open and transparency requirement of the National Ports Act.”

Added 14 December 2024

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WHARF TALK: luxury cruise ship – AZAMARA QUEST

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’ 
Story by Jay Gates

Uptown top ranking. It was a surprise number hit single back in 2001, by Althea and Donna. It is a Jamaican saying which describes being stylish, showing off your best, displaying confidence, walking around with panache, being a part of the upper social strata, and being highly respected. In Jamaica it effectively meant that one had achieved a certain high status in life.

In the modern maritime world of passenger cruise lines, there are one or two such cruise companies who fit that bill, and could easily be described as being operators who are clearly ‘uptown top ranking’. Happily, for the casual maritime observer, these companies often send their cruise vessels on voyages that have them calling at South African ports.

Only recently did I describe the four types of passenger cruise vessel that tend to call at South African ports. First up is the permanent seasonal cruise liner, normally operating out of Durban, second is the one stop cruise liner, transiting on a voyage from one hemisphere to another, third up is the positioning cruise liner, without passengers, and heading to start a cruise programme elsewhere, courtesy of the Houthis. The fourth iteration is the cruise liner arriving on the coast to undertake a short cruise programme, which up to now had yet to arrive. As they say “Seek and ye shall find”, or more accurately “Everything comes to he who waits”!

On 8th December, at 05:00 in the early morning, the luxury passenger cruise liner ‘Azamara Quest’ (IMO 9210218) arrived off Cape Town, from Lüderitz in Namibia. She entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock, and as expected was placed alongside the Passenger Cruise Terminal at E berth, for her stay in the Mother City. Unusually, she was berthed starboard side to, which is not the norm for passenger vessels berthing at E berth.

Built in 2000 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard at St. Nazaire in France, ‘Azamara Quest’ is 181 metres in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 30,277 tons. She is a diesel electric vessel and is powered by four Wärtsilä 12V32LN generators providing 26,400 kW for onboard domestic electrical needs, and for propulsion requirements. Power for propulsion is transferred to two GEC Alstom electric motors providing 6,750 kW each, which drive two fixed pitch propellers for a service speed of 18 knots.

Her auxiliary machinery includes a single Cummins KTA19-D(M) emergency generator providing 400 kW. She has four Alfa Laval Aalborg Unex G-226 exhaust gas boilers, and two Alfa Laval Aalborg Unex CHB-8000 oil fired boilers. For added manoeuvrability ‘Azamara Quest’ has two bow Brunvoll FU-63-LTC-1750 transverse thrusters providing 1,750 kW each.

The operating company of ‘Azamara Quest’ was founded in 2007 by Royal Caribbean Line Holdings Ltd. (RCLH), to operate a high end, top class, luxury cruise brand. The company was named Azamara Cruises, and in 2021 RCLH sold off the brand, for US$201 million (ZAR3.58 billion), to a New York based private equity firm, Sycamore Partners.

Sycamore Partners are a private equity firm, not a traditional shipowner, and four of the defunct ‘R’ class cruise vessels are now owned by Sycamore Partners. With ‘Azamara Quest’ nominally owned by SP Cruises Vessel (AQ) Ltd., operated by Azamara Cruises, of Miami in the US State of Florida, and managed by V Ships Leisure SAM, of Monaco.

One of a class of eight sisterships, ‘Azamara Quest’ was originally built for the now defunct Renaissance Cruises, and known as the Renaissance ‘R’ class, with each of one of the sisters given the uninspiring names of the letter ‘R’ followed by a sequential number based on their launch dates. On the collapse of Renaissance Cruises in 2001, four of the class ended up with Oceania Cruises, and with the other four all eventually ending up with Azamara Cruises.

She was the first vessel to enter service with the new Azamara Cruises brand, although at her launch ‘Azamara Quest’ was originally named ‘R7’. Her current Azamara Cruises fleet sisterships being ‘Azamara Onward’ (R3), ‘Azamara Journey’ (R6), and ‘Azamara Pursuit’ (R8). The luxury brand of cruising offered by Azamara Cruises is borne out by the fact that she is listed with the luxury hotel equivalent of 5 Stars. Uptown Top Ranking!

She has eleven decks, of which nine are solely for passenger use, and six of the decks being set aside for cabins, which number a total 361. Her cabins include 44 Stateroom Suites, 199 cabins with balconies, 94 Oceanview cabins, and 26 Inside cabins. She can carry 722 passengers on a double occupancy basis, or a maximum total of 794 passengers, and with them all being looked after by a crew of 408 personnel.

Her upmarket status also means that ‘Azamara Quest’ provides fully compliant cabins which are fully wheelchair accessible, and have been certified for use by disabled passengers, under the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). There are a total of five ADA certified cabins onboard, namely two Balcony, two Oceanview, and one Inside cabin.

Her onboard facilities are extensive, and include eight restaurants, seven bars, two lounges, a theatre, casino, card room, library, boutiques shops, frozen yoghurt bar, spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, treatment rooms, massage rooms, acupuncture rooms, steam room, and aromatherapy rooms. Her deck activities include a jogging track, shuffleboard, table tennis tables, and she has two swimming pools with four Jacuzzi hot tubs.

Her voyage to South Africa began on 20th November, with an 18 day cruise itinerary of Las Palmas (Canary Islands)- Dakar (Senegal)- Banjul (Gambia)- Jamestown (St. Helena Island)- Walvis Bay- Lüderitz (both Namibia)- Cape Town, with her cruise terminating on 8th December. On arrival in Cape Town ‘Azamara Quest’ began a full season of six coastal cruises around South African ports, which will run to February 2025.

The first of these cruises, which are all of twelve days duration, will all follow a roughly similar itinerary, insofar as the list of ports visited will be unchanged, although the order in which they will be visited are slightly different. The first cruise will sail from Cape Town, with the itinerary being Cape Town (8th December 18:00)- Port Elizabeth (10th 07:00-22:00)- Richards Bay (Overnight 12th-13th 08:00-14:00)- Durban (15th 09:00-20:00)- Mossel Bay 18th 07:00-15:00)- Cape Town (19th December 09:00) where the cruise will terminate, before being repeated that day.

At the conclusion of her South African coastal cruise programme in February 2025. ‘Azamara Quest’ will effectively retrace her outbound voyage back to Las Palmas. She will arrive back in Cape Town on the 20th February at 09:00, with an overnight stay, and her northbound itinerary will be Cape Town (21st February 17:00)- Lüderitz- Walvis Bay- Jamestown- Banjul- Dakar- Las Palmas, where she will arrive back in the Canary Islands on 11th March, at the conclusion of an 18 day cruise. From Las Palmas she will continue north to begin a European 2025 summer cruising season covering both the Mediterranean Sea, and Northwest Europe.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, three of the Azamara Cruise fleet were placed into long term lay-up in the King George V Dock, on the River Clyde at Glasgow, in Scotland. The three fleetmates included ‘Azamara Journey’, ‘Azamara Pursuit’, and ‘Azamara Quest’, which spent a total of thirteen months, running from June 2020 all the way through to July 2021, in lay-up.

In June 2022, ‘Azamara Quest’, was in the Mediterranean Sea, on a cruise en route from Barcelona to Malaga, in Spain, when she informed the Spanish Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Palma de Mallorca that they had a person overboard. She was 75 nautical miles off the Balearic Islands when the female passenger was reported as going overboard. Despite an extensive search, consisting of two Spanish Coastguard Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters, and a Coastguard rescue vessel, the passenger was not found.

In May 2018, ‘Azamara Quest’ was conducting a cruise in New Zealand waters, and was en route to Picton on the South Island. She was in the Marlborough Sound, and altered course to enter the Tory Channel. A breakdown in communications between the Pilot and the Bridge Team meant that ‘Azamara Quest’ initiated her turn into the Channel too late, without a sufficient rate of turn , and she struck the charted ‘Wheki Rock’, causing minor damage to the hull, and damage to one of her propellers.

In March 2012, she suffered a fire in one of her engine rooms, which temporarily disabled ‘Azamara Quest’. At the time she was cruising in the South China Sea, and was en route between Manila, in the Philippines, and the Malaysian port of Sandakan, on the island of Borneo, and was carrying 593 passengers. Five of the crew were injured fighting the fire, one seriously, with the fire being contained in the Engine Room. She made her way to Sandakan where seriously injured crewman was transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

Back in Cape Town, ‘Azamara Quest’ had completed her bunker uplift, stores onload, and taking on fresh provisions, and with her passenger changeover complete, she was ready to begin her South African coastal cruise programme. At 18:00 in the evening of 8th December, she sailed from Cape Town, now bound for her first of many calls at Port Elizabeth.

Her call at Port Elizabeth was as per her published cruise itinerary, with her arrival off Port Elizabeth at 06:00 in the morning of 10th December. After fifteen hours alongside, she sailed at 21:00 in the evening of 10th December, now bound for the Zululand port of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, with an ETA given as 12th December at 07:00 in the morning, for her overnight stop, the only such extended port call on this current first coastal voyage.

Added 13 December 2024

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MENA: Training on assessment, examination and certification of seafarers

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

On 9 December IMO reported that maritime educators and trainers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have gained essential skills and knowledge in seafarers’ assessment, examination and certification.

This followed an IMO familiarization training course delivered in Manama, Bahrain from 24 to 28 November.

IMO model courses

Training is based on IMO’s Model Course 3.12 on Assessment Examination and Certification of Seafarers Training (ASECT) for Administrators, Trainers and Assessors.

The model course is useful for trainers and assessors who are directly responsible for seafarers’ education, training, and certification worldwide. The course helps cultivate competent, appropriately trained, and qualified seafarers who can deliver safe, secure, and environmentally sound operations both on board and ashore.

Aspects considered

In line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), IMO Model Course 3.12 covers aspects such as:

* International provisions for training, assessment, examination and certification of masters, officers and ratings.

* Selection of assessment methodologies.

* Organization of assessments.

* Issue and control of certificates.

Broad representation

Twenty participants from nine countries in the region (Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia) attended the training course, including representatives from maritime academies, officials from the maritime administration, and training instructors responsible for implementing the STCW Convention.

Updating of training programmes

The regional training course assisted Parties to the STCW Convention from the MENA region in updating their training programmes for seafarers and promoting the effective implementation of the STCW Convention in their respective countries.

IMO’s ITCP

This training was delivered through the IMO’s ITCP and supported and hosted by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain.

Unique contribution

The Kingdom of Bahrain highlighted the importance of their seafarers’ training institutions and the opportunity to pay tribute to seafarers from the MENA region for their unique contribution to society in facilitating maritime trade.

Added 13 December 2024

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SA Agulhas II prepares for annual South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) relief voyage

Africa Ports & Ships

The South African Research and Antarctic Supply Vessel, SA Agulhas II (IMO 9577135), which is operated, managed and maintained by AMSOL on behalf of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), is scheduled to soon depart from Cape Town for its annual South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) relief voyage.

The research and supply vessel will depart for the annual Antarctic mission under the leadership of AMSOL’s Captain Michael Mdluli, together with the vessel’s officers, crew, researchers, and scientists will depart for the annual Antarctic mission.

En route and at the ice shelf the team will undertake several important tasks, including the exchange of personnel, supplies, and equipment at the South African Government’s SANAE base, where the overwintering team is stationed.

The voyage will also support vital climate and oceanographic research. source: AMSOL

Added 13 December 2024

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Madagascar: Casualty investigation and reporting

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

On 9 December the IMO news service reported that Malagasy officials had completed comprehensive training on marine casualty investigations – a crucial element in ensuring maritime safety and cleaner seas.

Under provisions of IMO instruments, each flag State has an obligation to investigate every very serious marine casualty (those that entail the total loss of the ship or a death or severe damage to the environment) and others, as defined by the relevant conventions, involving its ships and to report its findings to IMO using the Global Integrated Information System (GISIS) platform. (Log in is needed to access)

Enhancing safety

These reports help to determine whether changes to current regulations are needed, as well as any remedial actions that should be taken to enhance the safety of seafarers and passengers and the protection of the marine environment.

A national workshop was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar from 2 to 6 December aimed to bolster the country’s casualty investigation capacity and increase the rate of reporting.

Broad range of topics

Thirty-one officials, including thirteen women, representing the Ministry of transport and Meteorology (MTM) and the Agence Portuaire, Maritime et Fluviale (APMF) of Madagascar took part in the training, which covered the following topics:

The role of marine casualty investigator

* Obligations of the flag State.

* Mandatory standards.

* Identification of risks.

* Human element.

* Analysis and reporting.

Member State’s audit

The workshop also addressed findings and observations from the member State’s audit, including those outlined in the corrective action plan.

Under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, Member States (IMSAS) are regularly audited and provided with a comprehensive and objective assessment of how effectively they are implementing mandatory IMO instruments covered by the Scheme.

The training was delivered through IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) in close collaboration with the Agence Portuaire, Maritime et Fluviale (APMF) of Madagascar.

Added 13 December 2024

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South African government suspends mineral transport to Maputo port

Africa Ports & Ships

Faced with ongoing post-election unrest in neighbouring Mozambique, which has spread across much of that country, the South African government has called for a temporary suspension of the transporting of minerals by road to the port at Maputo.

This followed a visit to the Lebombo border post on Monday by transport minister Barbara Creecy, where she witnessed at first hand the long 20km queue of trucks lining the highway leading to the border with Mozambique.

The trucks were prevented from entering Mozambique by protesters angered by the result of the election, which the opposition claims is fraud. The ruling party is claiming over 70% of the vote and since then there has been widespread unrest and protest across various parts of the country.

The Mozambique government reacted harshly and a large number of protesters including innocent bystanders have been shot dead by police.

The transport minister was responding primarily to the long stationery queue of trucks, with more arriving hourly. She said the drivers by being stranded along the highway to the border crossing are deprived of basic requirements such as food and water and toilet facilities. She called for an immediate suspension of further deliveries for the Maputo port.

She said a meeting had been held with the transporters association (Road Freight Association) asking them to delay any further shipments of ore as the border was basically closed to them “until we have information from our counterpart in Mozambique about when the border will be open.”

She said that the Mozambican authorities had opened the Ressano Garcia crossing (on the Mozambique side of the border) in order that empty trucks and passenger vehicles could enter into South Africa, but that since Sunday morning (8 December) no cargo vehicles had been allowed to cross from the South African side into Mozambique.

Eswatini sugar exports affected

In a related matter, deliveries of sugar from Eswatini to the port at Maputo for export have been similarly disrupted, the Voice of America news agency is reporting.

Raw sugar from the Eswatini mills is exported to Europe and the United States through the Maputo port sugar terminal and a spokesman for the Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA) said that using an alternate route via the port at Durban would come at an additional cost.

In 2023 Eswatini exported more than 26,000 tonnes of sugar to the United States, taking benefit from the US African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Added 12 December 2024

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Tropical cyclone warning for northern Madagascar and Mozambique Channel

Africa Ports & Ships

A moderate Tropical Cyclone named Chido (04S) is currently located approximately 580 nautical miles north of Port Louis (Mauritius) and was tracking westward at 8 knots on Wednesday 11 December 2024.

The Mozambique Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) warns that by the 13th the cyclone will possibly extend over the mainland region of Madagascar as a Tropical Cyclone, and could hit the Mozambique Channel by Sunday 15 December 2024.

The Pearl Harbour-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) also carries a warning of Cyclone Chido, advising among other items of a significant wave height of 48 ft (14.6 metres).

JTWC issues daily updated reports on this and any other extreme weather systems in the Indian Ocean.

INAM advises that faced with the possibility of Chido entering the Mozambique Channel, “the institution…. continues to monitor the situation”, and calls for competent bodies to take note of and continue monitoring of the situation.

Added 03:30, 12 December 2024

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GENERAL NEWS REPORTS

UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY

in partnership with – APO

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

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

PORT	October 2024 million tonnes
Richards Bay	7.650
Durban	5.821
Saldanha Bay	3.321
Cape Town	1.105
Port Elizabeth	0.088
Ngqura	1.229
Mossel Bay	0.088
East London	0.141
Total all ports during October 2024	20.105 million tonnes

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Terry Hutson