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TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

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FIRST VIEW:   DEEPSEA WORKER

Entering port at Durban on 19 January 2025 was the multipurpose offshore supply vessel, Deepsea Worker (IMO 7905285), with an interesting array of equipment on her deck.  Deepsea Worker has reached the impressive age of 46 years, having been well built in 1979 by the firm of Hatlo Verksted, in Ulsteinvik, Norway.  Picture by Keith Betts

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Maersk reports third-best financial year

A.P. Moller-Maersk reported strong financial results for 2024, with a 65% increase in EBIT, reaching USD 6.5 billion and calling this its third best financial year. The growth was driven by higher container demand and elevated freight rates in Ocean, and expansion in its Terminals and Logistics & Services divisions. Read more….

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WHARF TALK: anchor handling tug and supply (AHTS) vessel – SKANDI PEREGRINO

As has been mentioned before, the oil and gas industry has not really been affected by the Houthi belligerence in the southern Red Sea, mainly due to the vast majority of oil and gas developments not requiring to transit any maritime assets through the Suez Canal, other than the rare requirement of an Eastern Mediterranean asset needing to get to the Persian Gulf, and thus an even rarer Africa circumnavigation via the Cape sea route.  Read more….

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Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager announces updated Network Capacity Statement

Johannesburg – Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has released an updated Annexure 29b – Network Capacity Statement and an Addendum to Section 4-10 of the Network Statement, effective immediately. These updates are intended to enhance transparency, increase equitable access, and drive economic transformation in the freight rail sector.  Read more….

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AMSOL introduces MT Uhambo for STS bunkering in Algoa Bay

After a temporary halt in ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operations due to environmental concerns and regulatory issues, AMSOL has introduced its new bunkering tanker, MT Uhambo, into Algoa Bay. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) had previously suspended bunkering activities in May 2022 following a significant oil spill. Read more….

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Derailment closes the Ressano Garcia-Maputo railway line

Sources in Mozambique advise that the railway line between the South African border at Lebombo/Ressano Garcia and the port of Maputo, has been shut because of a derailment in the Chinculo district. Read more….

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AMSOL’s Umkhuseli tows distressed bulker into Durban

AMSOL’s emergency towing vessel, Umkhuseli (IMO 9427055), entered Durban Harbour at 08:20 on Sunday (2 February) while towing the distressed Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Evanthia (IMO 9308106). The bulk carrier, built in 2005, experienced a problem while 270 nautical miles out in the South Atlantic, which required the assistance of the African Marine Solutions Group’s (AMSOL) standby emergency towing vessel to go to her assistance. Read more….

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AD Ports Group to develop logistics infrastructure in Alexandria

AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt’s Ministry of Industry and Transport to explore the development of an integrated logistics park in Alexandria. The MoU outlines a collaboration to develop and manage a 1.1-square-kilometre logistics hub at Alexandria Port. 

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US shippers face perfect storm of tariffs and freight rate increases, analysts warn

US shippers are grappling with a perfect storm of rising costs, with the latest increase in tariffs on Chinese imports and soaring ocean freight rates caused by the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, analysts warn. The most recent data from Xeneta, an ocean and air freight intelligence platform, reveals that average spot rates for ocean freight from China to the United States have skyrocketed.

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Latest Indian Navy frigate INS Tushil visits Durban

The Indian Navy’s latest guided missile stealth frigate, INS Tushil, last week called in South Africa while on her maiden voyage home from Russia. The vessel arrived in Durban on Wednesday 29 January and departed on Saturday 1 February. INS Tushil was greeted by the South African Navy frigate SAS Amatola on her maiden entry into the Indian Ocean region. 

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Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite Gaza ceasefire

Air cargo market performance – IATA 2024 data

December 2024 brought the year to a close with continued strong performance. Global demand was 6.1% above December 2023 levels (7.0% for international operations). Global capacity was 3.7% above December 2023 levels (5.2% for international operations). Cargo yields were 6.6% higher than December 2023 (and 53.4% higher than in December 2019).

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AD Ports Group commences port and logistics operations in Luanda, Angola

AD Ports Group, a prominent facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has begun its long-term management and development of a multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business in Luanda, Angola. This initiative represents a significant expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, undertaken in partnership with local entities Unicargas and Multiparques.

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WHARF TALK: German cruise ship – AIDASol

It is not very often that two passenger vessel sisterships, still operating from the same cruise company fleet, visit South African shores in the same season. In this instance, at the start of the season, one was conducting a passenger carrying positioning voyage to the Persian Gulf, avoiding the Red Sea and the Houthi menace, and the next arrival was three quarters of the way through a round the world cruise, and on the homeward leg back to Europe.

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Namport and APS sign MoU to strengthen logistics and energy cooperation

The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve, SA (APS) have formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in the development of sustainable, green, and digital logistic corridors. 

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Indian Ocean cyclone update

Since the last report, Cyclone 11S has crossed westwards towards Madagascar and at 03h00 on Sunday 2 February was situated near 18.6S 58.3E, approximately 128 nautical miles northeast of Port Louis in Mauritius. The cyclone has tracked west. Minimum central pressure at midnight was 997 MB. Maximum wave height at that time 12 feet (3.65m). 

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Further boost for Onne Multipurpose Terminal

The Eastern Nigerian multipurpose terminal at the port of Onne has benefited with the addition of two mobile cranes and a container freight station. The USD 25 million investment by the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) will enable the port at Onne to meet the rising demand for dependable port services in eastern Nigeria.

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Indian Navy ship completes hydrographic survey of seas around Mauritius

An Indian Navy hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sarvekshak recently completed a hydrographic survey covering an area of over 25,000 square miles around the coast of Mauritius. Following completion of the survey, India’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Shri Anurag Srivastava, handed over newly prepared charts and survey equipment to Mauritius’ President Dharambeer Gokhool.

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Expectations of a further fall in ocean freight rates

The ceasefire in the Middle East together with the Lunar New Year will see ocean container freight rates fall further this month with carriers now taking action to slow the market decline. That’s the forecast from Xeneta, acting on the latest data. The ocean and air freight intelligence platform shows average spot rates from the Far East stand at USD….

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Two cyclones, one in Mozambique Channel, pose Indian Ocean threats – SEE UPDATE ABOVE

The Indian Ocean has two cyclones posing some threat to shipping and nearby land this week, one (cyclone 12S ‘Elvis’) in the southern Mozambique Channel tracking southeastwards and threatening the southern tip of Madagascar. The second cyclone (11S) is out in mid ocean south of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, which is currently tracking west-southwestward on a path that may take it close to Mauritius and Rodrigues.

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WHARF TALK: multi-role offshore support vessel – ARMADA 78 04

Back in early January an offshore vessel, of a class that hints strongly as to what the future might hold in the maritime world, arrived off Cape Town on yet another logistics call for bunkers. As with them all, she was in and out within a single day. Then in a loose fashion, as with the old adage about London Buses, another of her sisterships arrived not two weeks later for the same reason. So, what is so special about these vessels, and her other sisterships?

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Sounion salvage effort emphasizes environmental protection effort

The Sounion vessel disaster in the Red Sea highlighted the importance of prioritizing long-term environmental impacts during critical salvage operations, according to Ambipar Response, the emergency response division of Ambipar Group. In August 2024, the 164,000 dwt tanker Sounion, carrying more than 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was struck by multiple missiles from Houthi rebels during a routine transit.

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Global shipping impacted by Red Sea conflict despite Israel-Hamas ceasefire

The recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire has provided a glimmer of hope for global shipping and supply chains. However, the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea continues to present significant safety risks and operational challenges for shipowners and seafarers.

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SA Port Statistics for Calendar Year 2024

Port statistics for the Calendar Year 2024, covering the eight commercial ports under the administration of Transnet National Ports Authority, are now available. The statistics here reflect port cargo throughputs, ships berthed and auto and container volumes handled together with liquid and dry bulk volumes.

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MV Mpungu opens a new chapter in Lake Victoria shipping

MV Mpungu, Lake Victoria’s newest freight vessel, has completed a successful return maiden voyage between Port Bell in Uganda and Port Mwanza South on the southern shore of Africa’s largest lake.

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

Africa Ports & Ships

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FIRST VIEW:  DEEPSEA WORKER

Entering port at Durban on 19 January 2025 was the multipurpose offshore supply vessel, Deepsea Worker (IMO 7905285), with an interesting array of equipment on her deck.

Deepsea Worker has reached the impressive age of 46 years, having been well built in 1979 by the firm of Hatlo Verksted, in Ulsteinvik, Norway.

In those years she has operated with several other names, which have included Tender Captain (1985), Far Captain (1989), Skandi Captain (1999), and Skandi Inspector (2015). The vessel currently flies under the flag of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

The OSV has a gross weight of 3,345 tonnes and a deadweight of 2,500 tonnes.  Her length is 81 metres and beam 18m. Deepsea Worker is owned by DOF Subsea of Bergen in Norway and managed by DOF out of their Aberdeen office in Scotland, UK.

This picture is by Keith Betts

Africa Ports & Ships

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Maersk reports third-best financial year

Africa Ports & Ships

A.P. Moller-Maersk reported strong financial results for 2024, with a 65% increase in EBIT, reaching USD 6.5 billion and calling this its third best financial year.

The growth was driven by higher container demand and elevated freight rates in Ocean, and expansion in its Terminals and Logistics & Services divisions. The company also achieved volume growth in Terminals and solid improvements in most in its Terminals segment and solid improvements across the Logistics & Services division resulting in steady growth with improved EBIT margins.

In response to these results, Maersk’s Board of Directors has proposed a dividend of DKK 1,120 per share and announced a share buy-back program worth USD 2 billion to be executed over 12 months.

CEO Vincent Clerc highlighted the company’s ability to navigate global challenges and disruptions, improving customer satisfaction while increasing productivity and managing costs.

“Our ability to navigate shifting circumstances and ensure steady supply chains for our customers was put to the test throughout 2024,” Clerc said. “Our efforts were rewarded with record-high customer satisfaction.

A.P. Moller-Maersk successfully capitalized on increased demand while enhancing productivity and rigorously managing costs — all of which contributed to its strong financial performance, he added.

“With three strong businesses — Ocean, Logistics & Services, and Terminals — plus integrated offerings across the supply chain, we are uniquely positioned to support our customers in an era where geopolitical changes and disruptions continue to reinforce the need for resilient supply chains.”

Profitability in Maersk’s Ocean business was boosted by higher freight rates, reflecting the situation in the Red Sea and strong volume demand.

High utilization and cost discipline ensured that Ocean operations were streamlined and able to tackle uncertainties. Operational costs were stable year-on-year, offsetting the increased costs and additional bunker consumption of re-routing the network south of the Cape of Good Hope.

Logistics & Services demonstrated resilience in 2024 with momentum building steadily each quarter culminating in volume growth, higher revenue and improved EBIT margin compared to 2023. Revenue grew 7% supported by solid growth in Warehousing, Air and First Mile product categories while profitability benefitted from progress in most products.

Terminals delivered its best ever financial results in 2024 with EBITDA and EBIT reaching record highs. This was driven by significant top line growth due to strong volumes along with inflation-offsetting tariffs increases, a better customer and product mix, and higher storage revenue.

For 2025, Maersk anticipates global container volume growth of 4% and aims to grow in line with the market, though its outlook remains subject to macroeconomic uncertainties. Maersk assumes that the Red Sea re-opens mid-year for the low end of the guidance and re-opens at year-end for the high-end.

The company returned USD 1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share buy-backs, with additional returns of USD 1.1bn from the spin-off of Svitzer.

Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics, committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 across its entire supply chain with new technologies, new vessels, and alternative energy solutions.

Added 6 February 2025

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WHARF TALK: anchor handling tug and supply (AHTS) vessel – SKANDI PEREGRINO

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

As has been mentioned before, the oil and gas industry has not really been affected by the Houthi belligerence in the southern Red Sea, mainly due to the vast majority of oil and gas developments not requiring to transit any maritime assets through the Suez Canal, other than the rare requirement of an Eastern Mediterranean asset needing to get to the Persian Gulf, and thus an even rarer Africa circumnavigation via the Cape sea route.

As such, Cape Town and Durban continue to see regular visits from oil and gas industry vessels, with some coming for heavy maintenance and drydocking, but most arriving in transit, whilst positioning from one contract to another, and requiring logistical support of bunkers, stores and provisions. The vessels come in all shapes and sizes, and from all corners of the globe. Some transits are embarked on global voyages, such as from the United Kingdom to Australia.

On 25th January, at 09:00 in the morning, the anchor handling tug and supply (AHTS) vessel ‘Skandi Peregrino’ (IMO 9447627) arrived off Cape Town, at the end of the first leg of a long positioning voyage which began on 30th December from Falmouth in the United Kingdom. She entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock and, and went alongside the inward section of the outer Eastern Mole berth, a sure sign that the call was purely logistical.

Built in 2010 by the Vard shipyard at Vung Tau in Vietnam, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ is 75 metres in length, and has a gross registered tonnage of 3,181 tons. She is powered by two Rolls-Royce Bergen B32:40V12 main engines producing a hefty 16,100 bhp (12,000 KW), which drive two Scana Volda 105 controllable pitch propellers, to give her an intervention seaspeed of 15 knots.

Her auxiliary machinery includes a single Cummins KTA38-DM generator providing 950 kW, and a single Scania DI16 generator providing 370 kW. She has a single John Deere 6068 TFMSO emergency generator providing 99 kW. For added manoeuvrability ‘Skandi Peregrino’ has a Rolls-Royce Kongsberg TCNS73/50-180 retractable azimuth thruster providing 880 kW, a Brunvoll FU-80-LTC bow transverses thruster providing 880 kW, and a Brunvoll FU-80-LTC stern transverse thruster providing 880 kW.

Her mixture of propulsion and thrusters gives her a dynamic positioning classification of DP2, which is controlled by a Kongsberg KPOS DP21 system. Her DP2 capability is provided by two DGPS receivers, one MDL fanbeam system, one wind sensor system, two motion reference units, one radius system, and one Spotbeam IALA diff correction system.

For her Anchor Handling and Tug requirements ‘Skandi Peregrino’ is fitted with two Rolls-Royce SL350W/BSL350W towing winches, with one drum holding 1,500 metres of 83mm towing wire, and the other holding 1,074 metres of 83mm towing wire. When utilised as an ocean tug, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ has an impressive bollard pull of 191 tons.

For her platform supply operations she has an aft working deck offering 550 m3, and a deck strength of 10 tons/m2, and a cargo carrying capacity of 700 tons, which includes to provision of six deck reefer plugs. She has two deck cranes, one a full working deck Triplex travelling rail crane, with a lifting capacity of 3 tons, and an offset Triplex provisions crane with a lifting capacity of 5 tons.

Her underdeck cargo carrying tank layout, both for liquid and bulk cargoes, includes her capability of carrying 1,700 m3 of marine fuel, 810 m3 of fresh potable water, 1,970 m3 of drill water, 460 m3 of brine, 460 m3 of drill mud, 230 m3 of base oil, 264 m3 of cement, 260 m3 of barite, and 230 m3 of bentonite. She can discharge her marine fuel, fresh water, and drill water at a pumping rate of 200 m3/hour, her base oil at 150 m3/hour, her drill mud, and brine, at 75 m3/hour, and her dry bulk tanks can be pumped out at a rate of 26m3/minute.

With accommodation for up to 27 personnel, the facilities aboard ‘Skandi Peregrino’ include two dining rooms, two lounges, a gymnasium, two conference rooms, and two client offices. She is fitted with a Hrso Hansum Marine reverse osmosis plant that is able to produce 10m3 of fresh water per day.

She has a firefighting classification of FiFi1, and is fitted with two fire monitors which are capable of throwing water at a rate of 1,200 m3/hour. For any pollution control operations that she is tasked to perform, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ can deploy twin dispersant spray booms, and is fitted with a tank holding 45 m3 of oil dispersant.

One of three sisterships, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ was for a while configured to act as an Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel (ERRV), but was converted back to an AHTS vessel in March 2024. This reconfiguration took place after she had been placed in warm lay-up in Norway since June 2020, and was completed to enable her to undertake a contract in the UK sector of the North Sea, operating out of Scottish ports, which included Aberdeen, Montrose, and Invergordon.

Owned by DDW Offshore AS, of Lysaker in Norway, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ is an Aker AH08 design, and is operated by DOF Group ASA, of Storebø in Norway, and is managed by DOF Management AS, also of Storebø. Her management is likely to change shortly to DOF Management (Australia) Pty. Ltd., of Perth in Western Australia, which is a change linked to her current voyage.

After a period of 35 hours alongside in Cape Town, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ had completed all of her logistical requirements of uplifting bunkers, stores and fresh provisions, and made ready to sail. At 20:00 in the evening of 26th January she sailed from Cape Town, with her AIS now showing that her next destination was to be Fremantle in Western Australia.

Her long positioning voyage from the United Kingdom to Australia, via the Cape, is due to ‘Skandi Peregrino’ undertaking a new one year contract, with a two year extension option, which begins in March. The contract will be carried out with her sistership ‘Skandi Atlantic’, with an as yet unnamed client, but thought to be Esso Australia, and will be in support of the jack-up drilling rig ‘Valaris 107’.

The support of ‘Valaris 107’ is unusual for Australia, as she is one of only two jack-up drilling rig that are currently operating in Australian waters, All other drilling rigs are either drillships, or semi- submersible rigs. As ‘Valaris 107’ has no means of propulsion, ‘Skandi Peregrino’ will be utilised as both a tug when moving the rig, and as a supply vessel when the rig is on station.

With jack-up legs over 110 metres in height, ‘Valaris 107’ is able to drill in eaters up to 100 metres in depth. She will be used throughout 2025 to complete the Esso Australia programme of plugging and abandoning 26 wells in the Gippsland Basin, which lies in the Bass Strait between the State of Victoria and the State of Tasmania.

The wells that are to be plugged include those of three surface oil platforms, and five subsea production facilities, that cover a total of eight oilfields. The fields lie in water depths between 38 metres and 94 metres, and at a distance ranging between 12 nautical miles, and 42 nautical miles, from the shores of Victoria.

It is then likely that ‘Skandi Peregrino’ and ‘Skandi Atlantic’ will tow ‘Valaris 107’ to the new Kipper Field, which lies in 100 metres of water, and is located in the Bass Strait, some 45 nautical miles south of Ninety Mile Beach, also off the coast of the State of Victoria. This new field holds natural gas reserves of 620 billion cubic feet.

Added 6 February 2025

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Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager announces updated Network Capacity Statement

Africa Ports & Ships

Johannesburg – Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has released an updated Annexure 29b – Network Capacity Statement and an Addendum to Section 4-10 of the Network Statement, effective immediately.

These updates are intended to enhance transparency, increase equitable access, and drive economic transformation in the freight rail sector.

The revised Annexure 29b outlines available network capacity and operational considerations for train operating companies (TOCs) across all corridors.

It provides clarity on capacity allocation principles and includes enhancements to improve network reliability, efficiency, and planning.

This update aligns with TRIM’s commitment to addressing infrastructure constraints and promoting a competitive rail environment in line with the National Rail Policy.

The Addendum to Section 4-10 introduces transformation-focused measures to promote equitable access for emerging operators. In line with B-BBEE legislation and the Rail Sub-Sector Code, the addendum incorporates equity participation principles, offering new entrants greater opportunities in the industry.

TRIM says it is working with stakeholders to create a fair and sustainable framework for inclusive rail access, including consolidating smaller freight volumes and participating in yard and terminal operations.

The statement adds that these updates mark a significant step towards a more inclusive, transparent, and competitive rail sector, unlocking the full potential of South Africa’s freight rail network.

For more information or to access the updated Annexure 29b and Addendum to Section 4-10, please visit the following:

• Transnet Network Statement Webpage

• Addendum Section 4-10 Network Statement

• Annexure 29

Added 5 February 2025

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AMSOL introduces MT Uhambo for STS bunkering in Algoa Bay

Africa Ports & Ships

Durban, South Africa – After a temporary halt in ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operations due to environmental concerns and regulatory issues, AMSOL has introduced its new bunkering tanker, MT Uhambo, into Algoa Bay.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) had previously suspended bunkering activities in May 2022 following a significant oil spill. The incident, which involved the release of approximately 3,000 litres of heavy marine fuel oil, led to extensive clean-up operations and a thorough investigation into the safety and compliance of bunkering operations.

In September 2023, SARS detained several vessels over alleged illegal operations, further complicating the situation. However, after reaching an agreement on necessary regulations and compliance measures, SARS released final rules for offshore bunkering in November 2024, allowing operations to resume.

AMSOL’s introduction of MT Uhambo marks a significant step towards resuming bunkering services in the region. The tanker is equipped to carry out STS bunkering services safely and efficiently, adhering to the new protocols established by regulatory authorities.

It is understood the tanker will load cargo from the ex-Astron storage depot. All vessel agent enquiries should be addressed to AMSOL.

The restart of bunkering operations is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region, providing much-needed support to local businesses and job creation. AMSOL’s commitment to safe and environmentally friendly operations ensures that bunkering activities will be conducted with the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.

Added 5 February 2025

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Derailment closes the Ressano Garcia-Maputo railway line

Africa Ports & Ships

Sources in Mozambique advise that the railway line between the South African border at Lebombo/Ressano Garcia and the port of Maputo, has been shut because of a derailment in the Chinculo district.

The derailment occurred on Sunday afternoon when a 50-wagon train carrying export chrome ore derailed, with two wagons overturning completely.

There were no reported injuries to anyone but a number of concrete sleepers were destroyed and the line was effectively blocked by the overturned wagons and spilled cargo.

It is understood the line was due to be reopened yesterday (Tuesday) but this has not been confirmed.

The 88-km line within Mozambique is in the process of being doubled to increase the volume of traffic.

An average of 12 trains a day can operate on the present line.

Added 5 February 2025

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AMSOL’s Umkhuseli tows distressed bulker into Durban

Africa Ports & Ships

AMSOL’s emergency towing vessel, Umkhuseli (IMO 9427055), entered Durban Harbour at 08:20 on Sunday (2 February) while towing the distressed Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Evanthia (IMO 9308106).

The bulk carrier, built in 2005, experienced a problem while 270 nautical miles out in the South Atlantic, which required the assistance of the African Marine Solutions Group’s (AMSOL) standby emergency towing vessel to go to her assistance.

Evanthia had sailed on 4 January from the Brazilian port of Paranaguá before encountering problems as she approached the Cape of Good Hope, which lived up to its nickname with capable help by way of a towing rescue tug.

Umkhuseli and AMSOL play an important role in partnership with the South African Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), in protecting the South African coastline.

Umkhuseli is on permanent call for marine emergencies, providing essential services such as emergency response, safety standby, rescue towage, search & rescue, environmental protection, and salvage.

The tow into Durban lasted a total of 10 days, with Evanthia going alongside Pier 1 at berth 103 and Umkhuseli taking occupation around the corner at 104.

Africa Mercy

Another ship of interest in Durban at present, apart from the 32 other vessels in port, including the cruise ships Silver Spirit and Azamara Quest, plus a further 20 ships outside, is the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy.

She is now moored behind Evanthia at berth 102, having moved from the Bayhead repair yards following her arrival from Madagascar on 18 December 2024.

Before her arrival in Durban, Africa Mercy was stationed in the port of Toamasina on the east coast of Madagascar for the best part of the year, carrying out her medical charity work.

Added 4 February 2025

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AD Ports Group to develop logistics infrastructure in Alexandria

Africa Ports & Ships

AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt’s Ministry of Industry and Transport to explore the development of an integrated logistics park in Alexandria.

The agreement was finalized in Cairo on 22 January 2025, when it was signed by Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Amr Ahmed Moustafa, Executive Managing Director of the holding company for Maritime and Land Transportation (HCMLT).

The MoU outlines a collaboration to develop and manage a 1.1-square-kilometre logistics hub at Alexandria Port. The port is a critical gateway for Egypt’s foreign trade, handling approximately 60% of the country’s imports and exports.

“AD Ports Group partners with governments for the long-term development of their economies, said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

“This collaboration with Egypt represents a key opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to prosperity. The Alexandria logistics park could play a central role in leveraging Egypt’s strategic position in global trade flows, especially in the Mediterranean region.”

This partnership is a continuation of AD Ports Group’s growing presence in Egypt. In recent years, the group has expanded its footprint by acquiring several Egyptian maritime companies, including Transmar, TCI, and Safina B.V.

The group has also secured long-term concessions to develop cruise terminals in the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, Al Sokhna, and Sharm El-Sheikh, and has committed to building a multipurpose port and Ro-Ro terminal at Safaga and Al Sokhna, respectively.

The new logistics park in Alexandria is poised to be one of the largest such hubs on the Mediterranean, strengthening both Egypt’s logistics infrastructure and its role as a critical player in global trade.

The initiative underscores the close ties between the UAE and Egypt, with the UAE being Egypt’s second-largest trading partner and largest international investor. In 2023, UAE investments in Egypt totaled USD 9.6 billion, with trade volume reaching USD 6.9 billion.

The MoU further cements the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, following a significant agreement in February 2024 in which the UAE committed to investing USD 35 billion in developing the Ras El-Hekma coastal region, located 350 km northwest of Cairo.

Over 1,600 Emirati companies currently operate in Egypt, underscoring the deep economic relations between the two nations.

Added 4 February 2025

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US shippers face perfect storm of tariffs and freight rate increases, analysts warn

Africa Ports & Ships

US shippers are grappling with a perfect storm of rising costs, with the latest increase in tariffs on Chinese imports and soaring ocean freight rates caused by the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, analysts warn.

The most recent data from Xeneta, an ocean and air freight intelligence platform, reveals that average spot rates for ocean freight from China to the United States have skyrocketed.

Rates for a 40-foot container (FEU) from China to the US West Coast have reached $4,816, while shipments to the US East Coast have surged to $6,264 per FEU. These rates represent a massive increase of 196% for the West Coast and 157% for the East Coast since December 2023, when the conflict in the Red Sea escalated.

This price surge is compounded by the 10% tariff on Chinese imports that went into effect on 3 February.

Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta, emphasized that US shippers are facing a relentless wave of disruptions and rising costs.

“They have already dealt with substantial increases in ocean container freight costs due to the conflict in the Red Sea, and now they are hit with a 10% hike in tariffs on imports from China,” Sand said. “It’s hard to see how businesses can absorb these costs without passing them on to consumers.”

The impact of these increases is significant, as more than 40% of all containerized imports into the US come from China, affecting both businesses and consumers nationwide.

Although a delay in tariffs on Mexican imports offers some relief, Sand noted that it does little to alleviate the broader concerns over the escalating US-China trade tensions. “The reigniting of the US-China trade war is a risk that goes far beyond the immediate tariff increases,” he added.

Shippers, Sand pointed out, have limited options for mitigating the impact of these tariffs. Unlike the previous round of tariffs in 2018, when shippers had time to stockpile inventory before tariffs were implemented, the latest tariffs took effect almost immediately, leaving little time to adjust.

While shifting supply chains out of China to countries like India or Southeast Asia may offer some long-term solutions, this process is costly and requires careful market analysis.

The fragile hope for relief that emerged after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which had raised expectations for lower freight rates in 2025, has now been dampened.

Any potential savings from decreased freight rates will likely be outweighed by the added tariff costs, and if China retaliates with additional trade restrictions, the situation for US importers could worsen further.

As US shippers navigate these turbulent waters, the combined effects of higher tariffs and ocean freight costs are threatening to drive up prices for goods across the country, putting additional strain on the already fragile global supply chain.

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Latest Indian Navy frigate INS Tushil visits Durban

defenceWeb

The Indian Navy’s latest guided missile stealth frigate, INS Tushil, last week called in South Africa while on her maiden voyage home from Russia.

The vessel arrived in Durban on Wednesday 29 January and departed on Saturday 1 February.

INS Tushil was greeted by the South African Navy frigate SAS Amatola on her maiden entry into the Indian Ocean region. The two ships engaged in tactical manoeuvres followed by a traditional steam past.

While in Durban, Commodore Peter Varghese, the Commanding Officer of the INS Tushil, welcomed on board the High Commissioner of India to South Africa, Prabhat Kumar, and the Consul General of India to Durban, Dr Thelma John David.

Interactions were held with the SA Navy in addition to social engagements with select schools, cultural and recreational activities – including a 5 km run, and a dinner reception marking the docking of INS Tushil in Indian Ocean waters.

Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, welcomed the port call and exercises, and spoke on the importance of Durban and the links with India. Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, the Flag Officer Fleet from Simon’s Town, represented the Chief of SA Navy and spoke on the close linkages and deep ties between the South African and Indian navies.

“This marks the first trip in Indian waters. It is a privilege to be in one of our best partners’ homes. South Africa means a lot to India, and the Indian Navy has had a long-standing relationship with the South African Navy,” Varghese said.

“South Africa means a lot to India and for the Indian navy we’ve had a longstanding relationship with the South African Navy. It’s not only limited to capability building but it’s getting into more high quality levels of interactions which are seen between a few partners.

“On our way down here we were also deployed in the Gulf of Guinea which is a high piracy risk area. In partnership with the regional navies there we conducted joint patrols,” he said.

INS Tushil is on her maiden voyage to India, after being built by Yantar Shipyard in Russia. The ship’s keel was laid in July 2013 and she was launched in October 2021. She is the seventh Talwar/Teg class frigate built for the Indian Navy and the first of the third batch of the class of frigates ordered (under a $2.5 billion 2016 agreement with Russia, Goa Shipyard Limited is building two Talwars and Yantar Shipyard is building another two in Russia).

On her delivery voyage, INS Tushil will sail through the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean, with several port calls, joint patrols, and maritime exercises along the way. She is due to reach India in mid-February 2025.

INS Tushil made her first port call in London on 22 December 2024 as part of her maiden operational deployment. On 27 December, she reached Casablanca, Morocco, for a two-day visit.

On 3 January, INS Tushil reached the Port of Dakar, Senegal. The ship also conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Senegalese Navy during her stay until 5 January.

The INS Tushil arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, on 12 January before a three-day stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia, from 21 to 23 January. This marked marked the fifth Indian Naval Ship to visit Namibia in recent years, following INS Tarkash’s visits in 2017, 2019, and 2022, and INS Sumedha’s visit in 2023.

INS Tushil measures approximately 125 metres in length and displaces around 3,900 tons. The vessel is equipped with advanced weaponry, including eight BrahMos vertically launched anti-ship cruise missiles, 24 medium-range and eight short-range surface-to-air missiles, along with a 100 mm gun and two close-in weapon systems for defence against incoming threats. The frigate also features two double torpedo tubes and a rocket launcher for anti-submarine operations.

Powered by a gas turbine propulsion system, INS Tushil can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots. The ship accommodates a crew of about 180 personnel, including 18 officers, and is capable of operating anti-submarine helicopters such as the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31.

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

See also, INS Sarvekshak surveys Mauritius, in this issue below

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Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite aza ceasefire

Gokcay Balci, University of Leeds

Before returning to the Suez Canal, container lines will want to see a prolonged period of stability around the Red Sea. This is due, in part, to safety and security concerns related to the crew, cargo and the ship.

But shipping companies also have operational challenges to keep in mind associated with the scheduling of port calls and voyages. Shipping lines will find it difficult to switch back to the longer route around Africa immediately if attacks in the Red Sea resume.

And, at least for now, the situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains unpredictable. In a televised speech on January 20, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned: “We have our finger on the trigger.”

With other disruptions continuing to affect global shipping, such as port strikes, low water levels in the Panama Canal and extreme weather events, supply chain issues are likely to continue throughout 2025.

Gokcay Balci, Lecturer in Sustainable Freight Transport and Logistics, University of Leeds

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Air cargo market performance – IATA 2024 data

Edited by Paul Ridgway
Africa Ports & Ships
London

December 2024 brought the year to a close with continued strong performance. Global demand was 6.1% above December 2023 levels (7.0% for international operations). Global capacity was 3.7% above December 2023 levels (5.2% for international operations). Cargo yields were 6.6% higher than December 2023 (and 53.4% higher than in December 2019).

Trade Lane Growth

International routes experienced exceptional traffic levels for the seventeenth consecutive month with a 7% year-on-year increase in December. Airlines are benefiting from rising e-commerce demand in the US and Europe amid ongoing capacity limits in ocean shipping.

Comment

To quote Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General: “Air cargo was the standout performer in 2024 with airlines moving more air cargo than ever before. Importantly, it was a year of profitable growth.

“Demand, up 11.3% year-on-year, was boosted by particularly strong e-commerce and various ocean shipping restrictions. This combined with airspace restrictions which limited capacity on some key long-haul routes to Asia helped to keep yields at exceptionally high levels. While average yields continued to soften from peaks in 2021-2022 they averaged 39% higher than 2019.”

2025 Forecast

Looking to 2025, IATA estimates growth to moderate to 5.8%, aligned with historical performance. Commented Walsh: “Economic fundamentals point to another good year for air cargo—with oil prices on a downward trajectory and trade continuing to grow.

“There is no doubt, however, that the air cargo industry will be challenged to adapt to unfolding geopolitical shifts. The first week of the Trump administration demonstrated its strong interest in using tariffs as a policy tool that could bring a double whammy for air cargo—boosting inflation and deflating trade.”

It is noted that global trade in goods grew by 3.6% annually in 2024.

Of demand in the regions within our purview

Middle Eastern carriers saw 13% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024. Capacity increased by 5.5% year-on-year. December year-on-year demand increased 3.3% and capacity increased 0.2%.

African airlines saw 8.5% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024. Capacity increased by 13.6% year-on-year. December year-on-year demand decreased by -0.9%, the lowest of all regions and capacity increased 1.8%.

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AD Ports Group commences port and logistics operations in Luanda, Angola

Africa Ports & Ships

AD Ports Group, a prominent facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has begun its long-term management and development of a multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business in Luanda, Angola. This initiative represents a significant expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, undertaken in partnership with local entities Unicargas and Multiparques.

Operating as Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, the port handles approximately 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo volumes. It also serves as a vital maritime access point for neighbouring landlocked countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. AD Ports Group holds an 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal venture and a 90% stake in the logistics venture.

AD Ports Group’s engagement is backed by a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority, signed in April 2024, committing an investment of approximately USD 250 million by 2026. The investment is directed towards modernizing the terminal and developing Noatum Unicargas Logistics, which will provide integrated logistics, transport, and freight forwarding services to a broad client base.

The terminal began operations on Friday (31 January) under this new management. Noatum Unicargas Logistics, making significant investments in new trucks and systems, is now fully integrated with the Noatum Logistics global network, enhancing Angola’s access to international markets and promoting investment-led growth in the Angolan economy.

AD Ports Group’s investment might increase to USD 380 million, depending on market demand, over the life of the concession, which may extend by another 10 years. Agreements with the Angolan government, signed in late 2024, confer significant tax and financial benefits to the operating subsidiaries of the Group.

These investments are projected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs locally, along with opportunities for training and upskilling. They will also include equipment and technology solutions designed for environmentally sustainable operations, aiming for lower carbon emissions.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, stated, “With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal and the establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our Group’s global network and reach, AD Ports Group is positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, forecasted to rise by 3.3% annually over the next decade. This significant investment will strengthen ties with the UAE and bring economic prosperity to Angola.”

Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas D¢Abreu, Minister of Transport, Angola, emphasized the strategic importance of the Port of Luanda: “Through this partnership with AD Ports Group, we will transform the Port of Luanda into a modern, multifaceted facility that will enhance our logistical capabilities and drive economic growth across the central and western regions of Africa.”

Fridays asset transfer and commencement of operations proceeded without interruptions, with AD Ports Group committed to improving terminal efficiency and safety. A best-in-class Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programme is already being implemented to manage workplace hazards, environmental risks, and employee well-being.

The Luanda port terminal, under AD Ports Group’s leadership, will be significantly upgraded to handle general cargo, containers, and roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) shipments. It will be the only terminal in Luanda with a depth of 16 metres, capable of accommodating Super Post Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs. The terminal area of 192,000 square metres will be re-engineered for high-density, efficient container handling, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and modern IT systems.

AD Ports Group has committed over USD 800 million in planned investments across Africa in recent years, including projects in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Angola. Their decision to enter the Angolan market was bolstered by a 2023 framework agreement with the Angolan government.

New container handling equipment, expected by the third quarter of 2026, will significantly increase the terminal’s capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles. Contracts have been awarded to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (“ZPMC”) for the supply of three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and eight hybrid RTG cranes, known for their efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

In the logistics venture, Noatum Unicargas Logistics will also invest in new machinery, reefer and flat-bed trucks, and IT system upgrades to ensure seamless integration across Noatum Logistics’ digital ecosystem, offering enhanced operational efficiency and full end-to-end supply chain visibility.

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WHARF TALK: German cruise ship – AIDASol

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

It is not very often that two passenger vessel sisterships, still operating from the same cruise company fleet, visit South African shores in the same season. In this instance, at the start of the season, one was conducting a passenger carrying positioning voyage to the Persian Gulf, avoiding the Red Sea and the Houthi menace, and the next arrival was three quarters of the way through a round the world cruise, and on the homeward leg back to Europe.

On 26th January, at 05:00 in the morning, the passenger cruise vessel AIDAsol (IMO 9490040) arrived off Cape Town, from Port Elizabeth. She entered Cape Town harbour, making her way into the Duncan Dock, and as expected of such a vessel, she went alongside the Passenger Cruise Terminal, located at E berth, for what was expected to be an eighteen hour stopover.

Ordered in 2007, and launched in February 2010, ‘AIDAsol’ was delivered in March 2011. She was built by Meyer Werft GmbH at Papenburg in Germany, and she is the fifth of a class of seven sisterships, collectively known as the ‘Sphinx’ series, and of which the last three built were of an upgraded design, and known as the ‘Modified Sphinx, or the ‘Icarus Class’. She was built at a cost of US$420 million (ZAR7.84 billion).

With a length of 253 metres, and a gross registered tonnage of 71,304 tons, ‘AIDAsol’ is a diesel-electric vessel. She is powered by four MaK 9M43C generators providing 9,600 kW each. Power is transferred to two Siemens DTMSZ 33S2-16YS electric motors, which provide 12,500 kW each, to drive two fixed pitch propellers for a service speed of 22 knots. She also has a single Caterpillar 3508B emergency generator providing 820 kW. She was the first AIDA cruise vessel capable of operating solely on shore power when alongside in port.

She has two Saacke-TPK Nova KLN oil fired boilers, and two Saacke-TPK Nova KIP exhaust gas boilers. For added manoeuvrability ‘AIDAsol’ is fitted with two Brunvoll FU-100-LTC-2750 bow transverse thrusters providing 2,300 kW each, and two Brunvoll FU-80-LTC-2250 stern transverse thrusters providing 1,500 kW each. Her manoeuvrability is also enhanced by being fitted with twin, asymmetric, twisted rudders. For passenger comfort she has fin stabilisers.

She is nominally owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC, of Miami in the US State of Florida, with actual ownership falling under Carnival subsidiary company Costa Crociere SpA, of Genoa in Italy, and with her operator being another Carnival subsidiary company, AIDA Kreuzfahrten GmbH, of Rostock in Germany, and management being provided by Carnival Maritime GmbH, of Hamburg in Germany.

She has a total of fourteen decks, of which twelve of them are for passenger use, with seven of the passenger decks set aside for cabins, of which there are a total of 1,097. The cabins include 487 of them having balconies, 212 of them being outside cabins, and 375 being inside cabins. She normally carries a total of 2,174 passengers on double occupancy, but is able to carry a maximum passenger complement of 2,686, all of whom are looked after by a crew of 609.

Her passenger facilities include seven restaurants, twelve bars, three lounges, theatre, library, TV studio, art gallery, wine tasting shop, boutiques, casino, conference room, cinema, florist, nightclub, teens club, kids club, outdoor movie screen, and a sports deck which includes a volleyball court, basketball court, jogging track, golf driving cage, putting green, and golf simulator. She carries onboard her own fleet of electric bicycles, and segways, for passenger use when alongside in port. AIDA cruises are aimed almost exclusively at the German passenger market and, as such, ‘AIDAsol’ is equipped with an onboard traditional German beer brewery.

Her spa and fitness centre is the largest at sea, and includes a gymnasium, beauty salon, wellness suite, treatment rooms, sauna, steam rooms, and with the fitness centre being directly connected to 34 of the balcony cabins. She has a large swimming pool, and a number of Jacuzzi whirlpools, and as befits a German run vessel, operated mainly for German passengers, she has a large private, nudist sun deck.

Her arrival in Cape Town was part of a 117 day round the world cruise, which started from Hamburg back on 23rd October 2024. The route itinerary for the cruise was Hamburg- La Coruña (Spain)- Mindelo (Cape Verde Islands)- Salvador- Rio de Janeiro (both Brazil)- Montevideo (Uruguay)- Buenos Aires- Puerto Madryn- Ushuaia (all Argentina)- Punta Arenas- Puerto Montt- San Antonio (all Chile)- Hanga Roa (Easter Island)- Papeete- Raiatea (both French Polynesia)- Rarotonga (Cook Islands)- Auckland- Tauranga- Napier- Wellington- Picton- Lyttleton (all New Zealand)- Sydney- Melbourne- Adelaide- Fremantle (all Australia)- Port Louis (Mauritius)- St. Denis (Reunion)- Durban (21st January 07:00-20:00)- Port Elizabeth (23rd January 08:00-19:00)- Cape Town (26th January 08:00-23:00)- Walvis Bay (29th January 08:00-20:00)- Praia (Cape Verde Islands)- Tenerife (Canary Islands)- Funchal (Madeira)- Lisbon- Porto (both Portugal)- Portland (United Kingdom)- Hamburg, where the cruise is scheduled to terminate on 17th February.

After a day alongside in Cape Town, with her passengers enjoying the delights that only Cape Town can offer to visiting tourists, ‘AIDAsol’ was ready to sail as scheduled at 23:00 on the evening of 26th January. However, the famous ‘Cape Doctor’ had other plans, and with the Southeaster being recorded at blowing in excess of 30 knots, the decision was taken to delay the sailing of ‘AIDAsol’ until such time that the wind had abated sufficiently to allow for a safe departure from E berth.

The Southeast gale continued to blow for a further full day, and rather than having 18 hours alongside in Cape Town, after an extended period of 44 hours alongside, the wind had abated sufficiently for the harbour authorities to give permission for ‘AIDAsol’ to sail. At 01:00 in the early morning of 28th January, she finally sailed from Cape Town, now bound for Walvis Bay, in Namibia, to continue her world cruise.

Being the second ‘Modified Sphinx’ series, or ‘Icarus’ class, passenger cruise vessel to call this season, ‘AIDAsol’ followed the seventh, and last, ‘Icarus’ class which called along the South African coast, which had called into Cape Town on 7th November 2024. This was the ‘AIDAstella’, whose call was covered in the 13th November 2024 edition of Africa Ports & Ships.

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Namport and APS sign MoU to strengthen logistics and energy cooperation

Africa Ports & Ships

The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve, SA (APS) have formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in the development of sustainable, green, and digital logistic corridors.

The agreement taps into the historical and economic ties between Namibia and Portugal, aiming to boost connectivity, trade, and investment. It aligns with the European Commission’s Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to mobilize €300 billion in investments for smart, clean, and secure connections in the energy, transport, and digital sectors.

Given its natural attributes and strategic location, the Port of Sines is highlighted as a key European logistics hub within this initiative. Meanwhile, Namibia’s abundant renewable energy resources and critical raw materials position it as a potential global leader in green hydrogen production.

The Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are pivotal in supporting this vision by facilitating exports and boosting regional trade flows.

This partnership holds special significance for the development of an Atlantic Hub and logistics corridor focused on handling critical raw materials, synthetic fuels, Green Hydrogen, and related carriers.

The MoU, which is valid for five years, will see both parties exploring potential synergies within the identified areas of collaboration in port development.

This collaboration represents a significant step towards enhancing trade and logistics between Namibia and Portugal, reinforcing their positions as strategic hubs for sustainable energy and global trade.

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Indian Ocean cyclone update

Africa Ports & Ships

UPDATE ON CYCLONE 11S

Since the last report, Cyclone 11S has crossed westwards towards Madagascar and at 03h00 on Sunday 2 February was situated near 18.6S 58.3E, approximately 128 nautical miles northeast of Port Louis in Mauritius.

The cyclone has tracked west

Minimum central pressure at midnight was 997 MB. Maximum wave height at that time 12 feet (3.65m). Maximum sustained winds are 35 knots, gusting to 45 knots and predicted to reach 50 knots by 14h00 on Monday 3 February.

On its present course the cyclone appears likely to cross over Madagascar within the next few days and could then cross into the Mozambique Channel to intensify in the warmer waters.

If that event takes place then the coast of Mozambique could be under further cyclone threat.

Cyclone 14S

A new cyclone numbered 14S (named Taliah) has formed in the Indian Ocean and is tracking westwards in the direction of Madagascar and the African east coast.

Current position at 06h00 on Sunday 2 February is near 14.5S 116.1E tracking 280 degrees at 6 knots, with maximum sustained winds of 45 knots, gusting to 55 knots. Significant wave height at 06h00 was 24 feet (7.30 metres) and minimum central pressure was 984 MB.

Acknowledgements to JTWS and Cyclocane

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Further boost for Onne Multipurpose Terminal

Africa Ports & Ships

The Eastern Nigerian multipurpose terminal at the port of Onne has benefited with the addition of two mobile cranes and a container freight station.

The USD 25 million investment by the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) will enable the port at Onne to meet the rising demand for dependable port services in eastern Nigeria.

The development adds to the Nigerian federal government’s blue economy strategy.

Onne Multipurpose Terminal chef executive, Jacob Gulman, described the investments as further improving the terminal’s overall operations while being indicative of ICTSI’s commitment to boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

The largest container ship to call at the Onne Multipurpose Terminal has been the PIL vessel, the 6,606-TEU Kota Cempaka (IMO 9638965), which called in June 2024.

For additional upgrade news at Onne see US$115 million upgrade of Onne’s West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) is completed

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Indian Navy ship completes hydrographic survey of seas around Mauritius

Africa Ports & Ships

An Indian Navy hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sarvekshak recently completed a hydrographic survey covering an area of over 25,000 square miles around the coast of Mauritius.

Following completion of the survey, India’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Shri Anurag Srivastava, handed over newly prepared charts and survey equipment to Mauritius’ President Dharambeer Gokhool.

The creation of new nautical charts will enable Mauritius to better plan and develop its maritime infrastructure, while managing coastal resources.

The handing over was a further example of the growing relationship between the two Indian Ocean countries, particularly in respect of fostering maritime development and regional cooperation.

“This milestone reflects the strong bond between India and Mauritius in advancing maritime security, resource management, and regional cooperation,” a navy spokesman said.

On 25 January, while in port and in addition to its operational commitment, the Indian ship staged a joint India-Mauritius yoga session, involving the ship’s crew, personnel from the National Coast Guard, Mauritius and Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC).

In addition, Capt Tribhuvan Singh, Commanding Officer, INS Sarvekshak called on Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Mauritius’ Minister of Housing and Lands, to discuss the details of the survey operations undertaken by the Indian Navy.

The operation and visit in port of INS Sarvekshak reaffirmed the continued commitment and wide-ranging partnership between the two countries in line with the vision of India’s ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region), according to a statement issued by India’s Press Information Bureau.

INS Sarvekshak, which operates under the Southern Naval Command, is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic survey tools, including advanced sonar systems, four survey motor boats, and two small boats. The ship also features a helicopter and a Bofors 40 mm gun, enhancing its operational versatility.

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Expectations of a further fall in ocean freight rates

Africa Ports & Ships

The ceasefire in the Middle East together with the Lunar New Year will see ocean container freight rates fall further this month with carriers now taking action to slow the market decline.

That’s the forecast from Xeneta, acting on the latest data. The ocean and air freight intelligence platform shows average spot rates from the Far East stand at USD 3,795 per FEU (40ft container) into North Europe and USD 5,085 per FEU into the Mediterranean – down 22% and 13% respectively since 1 January.

Early data suggests spot rates will fall further from 1 February, down 5-10% on both trades.

From the Far East to US East Coast, average spot rates decreased 7% during January to stand at USD 6,417 per FEU. Into the US West Coast, spot rates are USD 5,021 per FEU, down 14% in the same period.

Spot rates on both US-bound trades flattened in the second half of January following a sharp early month decline. Heading into February, spot rates could fall further, particularly into the US West Coast, while the US East Coast holds a little firmer.

Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst, said the ceasefire in the Middle East does not suddenly mean there is now safe passage through the Red Sea for all container ships – “but it is enough to cause a change in market sentiment and this has a real impact on freight rates,” he observed.

“We must factor Lunar New Year celebrations in the Far East, which traditionally sees a slowdown in containerized exports at this time of year, but there is little doubt the evolving situation in the Red Sea is contributing to falling freight rates.”

Ocean container carriers are now taking action to slow the market decline through capacity management.

On the trade from the Far East to Mediterranean, blanked sailings will steadily increase to reach 38,900 TEU (20ft equivalent container) of shipping capacity in the week commencing 24 February. This is an increase of 318% from current levels.

From the Far East to North Europe, blanked sailings will reach 75,700 TEU of shipping capacity by 24 February – an increase of 449%.

“Carriers will not sit on their hands while freight rates collapse. They will do everything they can to keep rates elevated and have got much smarter at capacity management in recent years,” said Sands.

Phase 1 of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced on 19 January and is expected to last 42 days before entering Phase 2, which could see a permanent ceasefire agreed.

“February may be crucial in understanding how ocean container freight rates will develop in 2025. The ceasefire in Middle East is set to enter Phase 2 and we will see exports increase from the Far East in the first half of the month following Lunar New Year,” Sands said.

“Despite the decline in January, we must remember that average spot rates are still massively elevated on the Far East fronthauls to Europe and US compared to pre-Red Sea crisis, so they potentially have a long way to fall.

“Carriers are going to find it extremely difficult to keep rates elevated, especially given the record number of ships entering service, so we could see markets collapse if there is a large-scale return to the Red Sea.

“The situation is far from certain and we know how suddenly and dramatically the outlook can change in ocean container shipping. There is a still a long way to go before a lasting peace deal is agreed in the Middle East and other geo-political factors, such as Trump’s tariff proposals, could come into play and put upward pressure on freight rates.”

Far East-South Africa

A random quote for rates during January 2025, Shanghai to Durban was: USD 2,900/20’GP, USD 3,200/40’GP&HC

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WHARF TALK: multi-role offshore support vessel – ARMADA 78 08

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

I cannot think of anyone, casual maritime observer or otherwise, who is not aware of what is still one of the most enduring aviation mysteries of the modern era. That is the disappearance, almost ten years ago, of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, on a scheduled flight from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, to Beijing in China, back on 8th March 2014. The Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, with 12 crew and 227 passengers aboard, disappeared shortly after departure from Kuala Lumpur and, bizarrely, is thought to have gone down somewhere in the Southern Indian Ocean. But what has this got to do with Wharf Talk I hear you say? And well you might ask! Read on.

Most travelled folk have heard the old adage about London buses. That is, you will wait around for ever for a bus to turn up, and then two of them will turn up together. Every now and again, that happens in the maritime world, when the casual maritime observer gets to see two brand new sisterships turn up together, although the term ‘together’ is used quite loosely in this case. The first of the London Buses that turned up was ‘Armada 78 04’, as reported yesterday, in the 30th January 2025 edition of Africa Ports and Ships. She arrived off Cape Town on 8th January.

On 22nd January, at 08:00 in the morning, the multi-role offshore support vessel ‘Armada 78 08’ (IMO 9924314) arrived off Cape Town, from Port Louis in Mauritius. She entered Cape Town harbour and proceeded into the Duncan Dock, going alongside the inner Eastern Mole berth. As with her sistership, a fortnight previously, ‘Armada 78 08’ was initially calling for logistical reasons, to uplift bunkers, stores, and fresh provisions, prior to continuing her positioning voyage to Europe. At least that was the expectation as she arrived off the port.

Built in 2024, ‘Armada 78 08’ is the eighth, and last, of eight sisterships built by the Vard shipyard at Vung Tau in Vietnam. As with her sistership ‘Armada 78 04’, which passed through Cape Town on 8th January, and which was covered only the other day in the 30th January edition of Africa Ports and Ships, she is 78 metres in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 2,105 tons.

The full technical specifications of ‘Armada 78 08’ are unchanged from those of ‘Armada 78 04’ which was covered in the article of 30th January. One has to bear in mind the revolutionary design of this class of vessel, insofar as they operate with a minimum ‘lean crew’ of 12, and with only 4 technical staff aboard to look after the overside survey equipment. This is because they have been designed for the future, as autonomous unmanned vessels, although not yet.

Already her overside survey equipment is actually operated by a person located thousands of miles away, and sitting in a darkened room, located at the Ocean Infinity Remote Control Centre, located in Southampton in the United Kingdom. Such a scenario is not that much different to that currently of a USAF General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone, operating over Syria, and flown remotely from an air-conditioned cabin located back in the United States.

This was the maiden voyage of ‘Armada 78 08’, directly from the shipyard, and heading to Europe to begin her offshore support career, and so her call into Cape Town was purely for bunkers, stores, and fresh provisions. Her route to Cape Town followed exactly that of ‘Armada 78 04’ and followed a routing from Vung Tau, Singapore, Mauritius, and Cape Town.

Her departure was expected later that day, on a northward course, probably to the Cape Verde islands. Unlike her sistership ‘Armada 78 04’, the aft working deck was not replete with two Seaonics gantries for bottom sampling equipment, although she did have a heavy duty frame on her forward moonpool. Her aft working deck was effectively clear.

As would be expected of a quick logistics call, her stay alongside was short, just ten hours, and at 18:00 in the early evening of 22nd January, she sailed from Cape Town, but in a strange turn of events she turned south, and her AIS showed that she was now heading to Mossel Bay, a port that she had passed over two days prior.

Just over thirty six hours later ‘Armada 78 08’ arrived off Mossel Bay, and at 07:00 in the morning of 24th January she entered the port and went alongside. The question was why had she backtracked, and was she now in Mossel Bay. The answer actually lay back in Singapore. On 19th January, at 15:00 in the afternoon, a third sistership, ‘Armada 78 06’ sailed from Singapore, bound for Port Louis in Mauritius, with an ETA there set for 3rd February at Midday.

There have been many rumours, based on credible information, that the Malaysian Government was about to sign a contract with Ocean Infinity, the owners of the ‘Armada 78’ fleet of sisterships. The contract is expected to be for one of the ‘Armada 78’ vessels to return to the South Indian Ocean and make a further search for the remains of missing flight MH370. The only way to conduct a meaningful survey for the missing airliner would be by using underwater autonomous vehicles (UAV).

The presumed contract is to be based on a ‘No Find, No Fee’ basis, and was for an initial sum of US$70 million (ZAR1.3 billion) over 18 months. The search area was to initially lie between 33° South and 36° South, some 970 nautical miles to the southwest of Perth, in Australia, and will cover a specifically targeted area of 15,000 km2. The search area is known as the 7th Arc, which is where the Satellite Communications system board MH370 made the final ‘handshake’ with the Inmarsat receiving stations.

In the intervening years that MH370 disappeared, especially in 2015 and 2016, there had been dozens of parts of the missing aircraft that have washed up on the shores of the island of the western Indian Ocean, both Mauritius and Reunion, as well as on Madagascar, and on the coasts of East Africa. In March 2016 a cowling panel from a Rolls-Royce engine, believed to have come from one of the Rolls-Royce Trent engines on the Boeing 777-200ER, washed up on a beach close to Mossel Bay.

After her initial disappearance, and with evidence provided by Inmarsat that her likely track took the doomed airliner far down into the Southern Indian Ocean, the governments of Malaysia and Australia carried out the most expensive search in history. The search covered an area of 120,000 km2, and took almost three years, only being concluded in January 2017.

One year later, In January 2018, Ocean Infinity began a further search in the Indian Ocean, which covered a further 112,000 km2. This search, using just a single chartered vessel covered so much ground as they were using no less than 8 UAV systems to comb the seabed of the vast search area. It is also UAVs that will be central to this next search, and this is what appeared to link ‘Armada 78 08’ to her call into Mossel Bay.

Shortly after her arrival in Mossel Bay, a containerised UAV system arrived in the port and was loaded onto ‘Armada 78 08’. After a 24 hour period alongside in Mossel Bay, she sailed at 09:00 in the morning of 25th January. Her destination was now set on her AIS to be Port Louis in Mauritius, with an ETA of 5th February at 06:00 in the morning. Waiting for her will be ‘Armada 78 06’ which is said to already have two containerized UAV systems aboard.

The question asked is if both Armada 78 vessels are going to be utilised in the forthcoming search for MH370, or just one vessel. As ‘Armada 78 08’ was already heading north for Europe when she arrived in Cape Town, it is thought that she is still intended to be heading in that direction. On arrival in Port Louis it is likely that she will transfer her UAV system to ‘Armada 78 06’, which already has UAV systems aboard, and will likely be the sole search vessel for MH370.

As such, the casual maritime observer might expect ‘Armada 78 08’ to make a second logistical call into Cape Town, after making the UAV drop off in Port Louis. Time will tell, as the final details of the contract, and even if it has been signed, between Ocean Infinity and the Malaysian Government are yet to be made public. Excitedly, this is the quite likely the first time there is a South African connection to the search for MH370, and something not likely to happen again.

Ocean Infinity are already well known for conducting successful underwater searches for lost ships. South African Antarctic fans, and especially those with a historical affection for the greatest of the golden age Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, will know that is was the UAV systems of Ocean Infinity, operating off the ‘S.A. Agulhas II’ in 2022 that discovered, photographed, and surveyed, the final resting place of his own doomed vessel ‘Endurance’, which sank in November 1915, at a position of 68°39’ South 52°26’ West, in the Weddell Sea.

Added 31 January 2025

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Brics: growth of China-led bloc raises questions about a rapidly shifting world order

Gabriel Huland, University of Nottingham

Added 30 January 2025

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Two cyclones, one in Mozambique Channel, pose Indian Ocean threats

The Indian Ocean has two cyclones posing some threat to shipping and nearby land this week, one (cyclone 12S ‘Elvis’) in the southern Mozambique Channel tracking southeastwards and threatening the southern tip of Madagascar.

The second cyclone (11S) is out in mid ocean south of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, which is currently tracking west-southwestward on a path that may take it close to Mauritius and Rodrigues.

Here are some details courtesy the Joint Typhoon Reporting Center and others.

Cyclone 11S

Situated near 16.0S 72.7E at 03:00 on Thursday 30 January, which is approximately 534 nautical miles south of Diego Garcia and has tracked west-southwestwards 245 degrees at 18 knots over the past six hours. Maximum wave height was 18 feet (5.5 metres)

Maximum sustained winds were recorded as 35 knots gusting to 45 knots.

On the present course the cyclone may approach the islands of Rodrigues, Mauritius and Reunion.

Cyclone 12S (‘Elvis’)

At 21:00 on Wednesday 29 January Cyclone 12S, named ‘ Elvis’, was situated in the southern Mozambique Channel near 26.0S 43.3E, approximately 271 nautical miles southeast of Europa Island.

At 21h00 on Wednesday the cyclone was tracking south-southeastwards at 11 knots.*

Maximum wave height at 18:00 Wednesday was 24 ft (7.30 metres) and maximum sustained wind speeds were 45 knots, gusting to 55 knots.

On the present course it would appear the cyclone appears to be skirting the southern coast of Madagascar. Any small variation could bring heavy rains and possible flooding to Southern Madagacar.

Cyclone 12S Elvis formed in the southern Mozambique Channel, initially as a tropical depression before strengthening into a moderate tropical storm.

Caution

* At 09:00 on 29 January a report (JTWS) showed Cyclone 12S Elvis tracking west-northwestward at 10 knots whereas all other reports prior to and since indicate the cyclone to be moving towards the southeast.

Added 30 January 2025

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WHARF TALK: multi-role offshore support vessel – ARMADA 78 04

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

Back in early January an offshore vessel, of a class that hints strongly as to what the future might hold in the maritime world, arrived off Cape Town on yet another logistics call for bunkers. As with them all, she was in and out within a single day. Then in a loose fashion, as with the old adage about London Buses, another of her sisterships arrived not two weeks later for the same reason. So, what is so special about these vessels, and her other sisterships? For the answer to that question, we need to look at the first of the sistership callers.

On 8th January, at 11:00 in the morning, the multi-role offshore support vessel ‘Armada 78 04’ (IMO 9924273) arrived off Cape Town, from Port Louis in Mauritius. She entered Cape Town harbour and proceeded into the Duncan Dock, going alongside the inner Eastern Mole berth. She was on a positioning voyage from the shipyard, and heading back to Europe, with her Cape Town call being the latest in a string of logistical stops for bunkers, stores and fresh provisions.

Built in 2023 by the Vard shipyard at Vung Tau in Vietnam, ‘Armada 78 04’ is 78 metres in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 2,105 tons. She is a hybrid powered vessel with her primary power derived from two Cummins QSK60-M generators providing 1,540 kW each, and two Scania DI16M generators providing 736 kW each. Power is transferred to two Kongsberg US205 azimuth thrusters, producing 2,000 kW each, to give her a service speed of 10 knots. She has a single Scania DI09M emergency generator providing 294 kW.

For added manoeuvrability she is fitted with three Kongsberg TT1650 bow transverse thrusters providing 720 kW each. Her hybrid power system includes two Corvus Orca battery systems, together providing 1.13 MWh of additional power. She is also prepared for future fuels with two tank spaces within her hull, additional fuel cell rooms, and she is Ammonia ready.

Her fit of azimuth propulsion and multiple transverse thrusters gives ‘Armada 78 04’ a dynamic positioning classification of DP2. She is a Vard 960 design, and her DP2 requirement is based on her owner’s requirement for her to perform geophysical surveys, geotechnical sampling using seabed drilling and seabed cone penetrating systems (CPT), as well as offshore inspection, repair, and maintenance services.

For her survey work ‘Armada 78 04’ is fitted with multi-beam echo sounders, a Veripos LD900 system, Sonardyne Sprint 500 system, Nortek Signature VM100 acoustic doppler current profiling system, and has the optional fit of sidescan sonar, sub bottom profiler, magnetometer, and gradiometer. For overside work, if required, she can operate both Saab Seaeye remote operating vehicles (ROV), and Schilling HD work remote operating vehicles (WROV), plus stern launched Hugin 3000, and Hugin 6000, underwater autonomous vehicles (UAV).

For her multiple subsurface work activities ‘Armada 78 04’ is fitted with two moonpools, with dimensions of 9m x 4m, and with each moonpool fitted with a bespoke Seaonics modular launch and recovery system (LARS). The Seaonics moonpool LARS towers on ‘Armada 78 04’ included her forward tower having a CPT in situ, and the aft tower having a Vibracore in place. Both LARS, and their fitted systems, indicates that she is positioning to undertake a contract with a sub seabed surveying requirement. Her aft working deck has an area of 690 m2, and can carry 1,050 tons of cargo, and has a deck strength of 10 tons/m2.

She is the fourth of a series of eight sisterships, known as the ‘Armada’ Class, and for the nomenclature aficionado all similarly named in a rather unimaginative, and rather boring, pattern of the word Armada, followed by her class length of 78 metres, and a number to indicate which sistership entry into service she is. Hence, the first sister to enter service was named ‘Armada 78 01’, and the final sistership to enter service is named ‘Armada 78 08’.

Nominally owned by OI7804 Pte. Ltd., of Singapore, ‘Armada 78 04’ is operated by Ocean Infinity of Austen in the US state of Texas, and is managed by OSM Offshore AS, of Kristiansand in Norway. With an endurance of 35 days, she is designated to be a ‘Lean Crewed’ vessel, which is corporate speak for skeleton crew, and ‘Armada 78 04’ has accommodation for only 12 crew, and 4 onboard work systems technicians.

The reason for such a low crew count, when she is operating such complicated overside equipment is because Ocean Infinity designed her to operate with a minimal crew for the near future, but with the expectation that they will become autonomous in the future, and be operated almost entirely remotely from shore. Already, much of her systems are operated remotely, from a bespoke and hi-tech Remote Control Centre that Ocean Infinity has developed at Southampton in the United Kingdom.

Much the same as a USAF drone operator flies a Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drone, over the Black Sea, from an air conditioned office back in the USA, so the ROV and UAV submersibles, and other deck launched survey systems, can be operated by a single operator sitting comfortably in a dark booth in Southampton. All of the Armada 78 class are fitted with multiple communications systems, including 4G mobile, and with VSat terminals, to enable continuous remote operations of the onboard systems. Star Wars has come to town!!

With the idiocy of the Houthis still extent, the decision was taken to send all the newly built sisterships, which were bound for a European working area, via the Cape sea route. Their voyage routing has been identical up to now, with a departure from Vung Tau, followed by a bunker stop in Singapore, followed by a further bunker stop in Mauritius, and then on for a third bunker call in Cape Town, before heading for a final bunker call in the Cape Verde Islands, before arrival in their first designated European port.

As such, ‘Armada 78 04’ was alongside in Cape Town for just nine hours, and at 20:00 in the evening of 8th January she sailed from Table Bay, now bound for her next bunker call, which was to be at Mindelo in the Cape Verde Island. After almost two days in Porto Grande in the Cape Verde Islands, she sailed on 29th January, bound for Portland in the United Kingdom, where she is due to arrive on 10th February.

This was not the only ‘Armada 78’ vessel that called into Cape Town in the month of January, as the next caller, just 14 days apart, made a strange U-turn on her voyage, and ended up having her stay in South African ports end with a lot of questions, and connected with an enduring mystery that still raises greater questions to this day. That vessel, and her story, follows in the coming days!

Added 29 January 2025

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Sounion salvage effort emphasizes environmental protection effort

Africa Ports & Ships

The Sounion vessel disaster in the Red Sea highlighted the importance of prioritizing long-term environmental impacts during critical salvage operations, according to Ambipar Response, the emergency response division of Ambipar Group.

In August 2024, the 164,000-dwt tanker Sounion (IMO 9312145), carrying more than 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was struck by multiple missiles from Houthi rebels during a routine transit. The vessel was left stranded and ablaze for 22 days, raising concerns about a potential oil spill that could devastate the Red Sea’s ecosystem.

The international response effort, led by Ambipar Response and involving multiple salvage specialists and regional security forces such as Megatugs Salvage & Towage, EODEX, Ambrey, and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), focused on securing the vessel and extinguishing the onboard fires. Martin Barnes, Marine Response Lead at Ambipar Response, emphasized that protecting the regional environment was the top priority.

“From the first moment of the salvage operation, we needed to ensure the long-term safety of the regional environment whilst controlling the immediate threats,” said Barnes.

“Despite the complexity of the crisis, there was a clear understanding between the various salvage and firefighting parties involved to ensure that the environmental impact of the Sounion did not reach a worst-case scenario.”

The ongoing threat of attacks from Houthi rebels risked spilling more than a million barrels of oil into the Red Sea, potentially causing an environmental disaster four times the size of the infamous Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.

Such an incident could have shut down the key trade route, impacted desalination plants, and caused untold damage to the unique ecology of the Red Sea.

“Being able to extinguish the fire, secure the tanker, and safely tow it to a Port of Refuge without significant environmental impact was a scenario that many feared would be impossible,” added Barnes.

The operation tested the global salvage industry’s capabilities and preparedness. Barnes expressed pride in leading the crucial environmental effort and praised the international coordination that overcame diplomatic and security challenges to protect the Red Sea.

“The global marine response industry plays a vital role in global environmental safety, and nowhere was that more evident than in the Sounion incident last year,” said Barnes. “Ambipar Response’s contributions, including advanced oil containment systems, real-time environmental monitoring, and rapid deployment of specialized response units, ensured that the long-term environmental impact was kept minimal.”

Barnes also noted the importance of continuous investment in preparedness for complex maritime crises and called for greater awareness and education for insurance providers, port operators, and vessel owners.

Added 29 January 2025

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Global shipping impacted by Red Sea conflict despite Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Africa Ports & Ships

The recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire has provided a glimmer of hope for global shipping and supply chains. However, the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea continues to present significant safety risks and operational challenges for shipowners and seafarers.

David Ashmore, an employment lawyer at global law firm Reed Smith, points out that since December 2023, the southern Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait have been classified as a High-Risk Area by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).

“This classification triggers significant financial implications for shipowners, as IBF agreements entitle seafarers to double their basic pay and increased compensation for death or disability when operating in such zones.”

Ashmore highlighted that the challenges extend beyond financial considerations. According to the Maritime Labour Convention Minimum Requirements Regulations, shipowners are responsible for the repatriation of seafarers if their Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) expires due to extended voyage durations caused by rerouting around conflict zones.

Additionally, shipowners must repatriate seafarers when they are unable to continue their duties or when continuing would be unreasonable, such as heading into a war zone without the seafarer’s consent.

“Navigating these challenges requires a robust understanding of safety protocols, employment obligations, and contingency planning to address the elevated risks posed by this volatile situation,” he added.

Jeb Clulow, a partner in Reed Smith’s Transportation Industry Group, provided further insights into the impact of the conflict on global trade routes.

“Between October 2023 and December 2024, the Houthis executed 136 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, causing substantial disruption to global trade routes, particularly through the Suez Canal,” he said.

“This crucial artery, responsible for approximately 15% of the world’s maritime trade, experienced a dramatic decline in traffic due to the heightened threat of attacks.”

Clulow noted that in November 2023, 2,068 vessels navigated the Suez Canal, but by September 2024, that number had plummeted to just 868 — a 57% reduction in vessel traffic and a staggering 70% drop in deadweight tonnage.

He also highlighted the significant environmental consequences of rerouting. “Vessels taking the longer route around the Cape have emitted an estimated 41 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of 9 million cars or flying a Boeing 737, fully laden with 162 passengers, from London to Dubai 262,000 times.

“This situation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring maritime security and managing the environmental impact of alternative shipping routes,” Clulow said.

The shipping industry is having to continue grappling with these complex challenges as it navigates the uncertain circumstances in the Red Sea.

Added 29 January 2025

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SA Port Statistics for Calendar Year 2024

Africa Ports & Ships

Port statistics for the Calendar Year 2024, covering the eight commercial ports under the administration of Transnet National Ports Authority, are now available.

The statistics here reflect port cargo throughputs, ships berthed and auto and container volumes handled together with liquid and dry bulk volumes.

Motor vehicles are measured in vehicle units being the equal of 1 tonne per unit.

Containers are counted in TEUs, with each TEU representing 13.5 tonnes.

Figures for the respective ports during Calendar Year 2024 are:

Total cargo handled by tonnes during Calendar Year 2024, including containers by weight

PORT	Calendar Year 2024 million tonnes
Richards Bay	83.358
Durban	75.300
Saldanha Bay	63.950
Cape Town	15.328
Port Elizabeth	12.780
Ngqura	15.996
Mossel Bay	0.706
East London	1.911
Total all ports	269.329 million tonnes

CONTAINERS (measured by TEUs) during Calendar Year 2024
(TEUs include Deepsea, Coastal, Transship and empty containers all subject to being invoiced by NPA

PORT	Calendar Year 2024 TEUs
Durban	2,650,419
Cape Town	778,276
Port Elizabeth	178,068
Ngqura	678,913
East London	17,946
Richards Bay	60
Total all ports	4,303,758 TEU

MOTOR VEHICLES RO-RO TRAFFIC (measured by Units- CEUs) during Calendar Year 2024

PORT	Calendar Year 2024 CEUs
Durban	522,936
Cape Town	36
Port Elizabeth	178,321
East London	78,279
Richards Bay	29
Total all ports	779,601

SHIP CALLS for Calendar Year 2024

PORT	Calendar Year 2024 vessels	gross tons
Durban	2,887	103,074,363
Cape Town	2,339	46,848,264
Richards Bay	1,387	60,165,475
Port Elizabeth	874	24,939,598
Saldanha Bay	600	39,026,765
Ngqura	582	27,636,388
East London	275	9,346,904
Mossel Bay	257	2,468,912
Total ship calls	9,201	313,506,669

— source TNPA, with adjustments regarding container weights by Africa Ports & Ships

Added 28 January 2025

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MV Mpungu opens a new chapter in Lake Victoria shipping

Africa Ports & Ships

Maiden double crossing of the lake north-south-north

MV Mpungu (IMO 9983188), Lake Victoria’s newest freight vessel, has completed a successful return maiden voyage between Port Bell in Uganda and Port Mwanza South on the southern shore of Africa’s largest lake.

The 96-metre long, 18m wide roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry departed Port Bell on 10 January to arrive 19 hours later in Tanzania’s Port Mwanza South.

Had her ro-ro cargo of loaded trailers and trucks and other freight been carried by road transport the journey would have taken four days.

With a favouring tailwind the return journey to Port Bell took a mere 17 hours.

“We’re proud to provide a reliable, cost-effective shipping solution that promotes economic growth and supports sustainable transportation,” said a spokesperson for East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT), the owner of the vessel which is operated by Grindrod Limited.

“Let’s celebrate this new era of maritime trade and the opportunities it brings. Here’s to many successful voyages ahead!”

Speaking earlier at the launch of the vessel, Xolani Mbambo, CEO of Grindrod Limited, emphasised the importance of understanding customers’ requirements and finding innovative solutions for efficiently and cost-effectively moving their cargo to markets.

“The ferry operation aims to provide a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution for businesses in the region, thereby promoting trade, and contributing to economic growth.

“We are excited to be part of this project and confident in our operational teams’ ability to deliver excellent results in this endeavour,” he said.

MV Mpungu was built in Uganda at the Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd and classified by Bureau Veritas and is intended to operate a scheduled freight service between Port Bell, Kisumu in Kenya and Port Mwanza South in Tanzania.

The name Mpungu is a Luganda word for Eagle.

Added 24 January 2025

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GENERAL NEWS REPORTS

UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY

in partnership with – APO

Total cargo handled by tonnes during Calendar Year 2024, including containers by weight

• see full report for the latest month and year in the news section

PORT	2024 million tonnes
Richards Bay	83.358
Durban	75.300
Saldanha Bay	63.950
Cape Town	15.328
Port Elizabeth	12.780
Ngqura	15.996
Mossel Bay	0.766
East London	1.911
Total all ports during 2024	23.214 million tonnes

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Terry Hutson