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TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

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FIRST VIEW:  Dr Fridtjof Nansen

The Norwegian Fisheries Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen (IMO 9762716), the third research vessel to carry this name, which arrived unexpectedly in Durban last week for a short replenishment visit.  No stranger to these waters of the Southern African east coast, the modern ship undertakes fisheries research on an almost all-year round schedule with visits to ports such as Port Louis, Durban, Maputo, Dar es Salaam, and Cape Town and various ports on the west coast.

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ICS, LROO and MARINA launch digital seafarer certification pilot project

In a landmark development, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LROO), and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at digitizing seafarer certification. 

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South Africa’s history uncovered: the 1,000-year gap they don’t teach in school

Were you told that gold mining in southern Africa started after 1852? Or that the export of iron, steel, copper and gold began in the late 19th century? Or that South Africa became integrated into a global trading system only after 1652? Or that the first powerful state in South Africa was the Zulu kingdom? If you learned that any of these things were true, you are like most South Africans, who have missed out on at least a thousand years of the country’s history.

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Azule Energy completes key Offshore Gas Platforms in Angola

Azule Energy, in collaboration with its partners Sonangol E&P, Chevron, and TotalEnergies, has announced in Ambriz, Bengo Province Angola, the successful completion of the Quiluma and Maboqueiro offshore platforms, a significant milestone for Angola’s New Gas Consortium (NGC) project. This marks a crucial step in the country’s first non-associated gas development, enhancing Angola’s growing role in the global energy market.

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New collaboration boosts capacity at Cape Town Container Terminal

A new collaboration between stakeholders in the Western Cape’s fruit export sector, the Western Cape Government, and Transnet Port Terminals promises to enhance operations at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). The partnership will see the installation of two additional 500kVA generators at the terminal, each with 60 reefer container plug points, aimed at increasing capacity during the peak deciduous fruit export season.

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Africa’s $3.4 trillion opportunity: Turning vulnerabilities into resilience

It was announced simultaneously in Abidjan and Geneva on 10 February that Africa has the potential to become a major driver of global trade and economic growth. The ‘2024 Economic Development in Africa Report’, launched that day by UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Trade, Industry and SME Promotion Souleymane Diarrassouba…. 

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WHARF TALK: short sea ferry – YABUSA

Ferries undertaking the long slog from the shipyards of the Far East, back to Europe, were something that the casual maritime observer never got to see in the days before Hamas bludgeoned their way into Israel. Then the blindingly obvious, and resultant foreseen, response from Israeli forces changed all that. That outcome was followed by events that were unforeseen.

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DP World advances first phase of $80 million Sokhna Logistic Park

DP World has reached a major milestone in the development of the Sokhna Logistics Park, with 65% of the first phase now complete. The USD 80 million, state-of-the-art logistics hub, strategically located in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), is set to enhance Egypt’s logistics infrastructure and position the country as a key regional trade hub.

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CMA CGM launches EGAL, linking Egypt, Malta and Algeria

Commencing Week 7, CMA CGM through its Short Sea Lines Division, is to launch its new Intramed service, linking Egypt, Greece, Malta and Algeria. This weekly service, starting in Alexandria on 12 February 2025, will be offering a direct connection from Egypt to Greece and Algeria and will allow worldwide connections from Egypt in Malta and Piraeus hubs. 

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CMA CGM new setup for ALGAD service linking Malta, Spain & Algeria

CMA CGM’s Short Sea Lines Division is introducing its new setup of the Intramed service ALGAD, as from this week (week 7). This weekly service, starting in Malta on 14 February 2025, will be dedicated to the Djen Djen market with worldwide connections via the Malta hub and Barcelona. 

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TRADE NEWS: Next Ocean secures investment to scale offshore safety technology

Predicting ship motions wave by wave for safer and more efficient operations. Next Ocean, a pioneer in Vessel Motion Radar technology, has secured Seed Investment from Arches Capital to drive its expansion and enhance maritime safety worldwide. This funding will accelerate Next Ocean’s growth, enabling the company to scale production, expand into new markets, and further develop its predictive radar technology.

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MSC revises route from Senegal & Mauritania to West Med

As the melon season is kicking off in Senegal and Mauritania, MSC has revamped its standalone Spain to/from Mauritania and Senegal service. The revised service offers new opportunities and enhanced connectivity. These include….

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Richards Bay set to become South Africa’s Liquid Fuel Industrial Hub

The Port of Richards Bay is on track to become South Africa’s leading center for liquid fuel, following the signing of two major agreements by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The agreements will establish the country’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal and a liquid bulk terminal in the South Dunes precinct of the port.

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TRIM tariff proposal for 2025/26 financial year now available online

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has officially published its Tariff Proposal for the 2025/26 financial year. The document is now accessible to the public on the Transnet website as of 7 February 2025.

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Chinese companies to build Tanzania-Burundi standard gauge railway

Two Chinese companies have won the contract to build a 282-kilometre standard gauge railway between Tanzania and landlocked Burundi. The railway will connect with the standard gauge railway now under construction for the state-owned Tanzania Railway Corporation, connecting the port at Dar es Salaam with Port Kigoma (Ujiji) on Lake Tanganyika and Port Mwanza on Lake Victoria.

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Compliance key as offshore bunkering operations resume in Algoa Bay, South Africa

AMSOL, a leading marine services provider, has marked a significant milestone with the resumption of offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, reinforcing its position as a major player in South Africa’s marine fuel logistics and transportation sector. In 2024, AMSOL made a multi-million-rand investment in the product tanker Uhambo (IMO 9613977), a move that signaled the company’s expansion in the region.

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AD Ports and CMA CGM form JV to develop and operate new Pointe Noire Multipurpose Terminal

AD Ports and CGM CGM Terminals, have agreed to jointly develop, manage and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville. In June 2023 AD Ports was awarded a 30-year extendable concession for the MPT terminal. According to the agreement signed between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group, the terminal will handle…. 

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Cyclone Vince heading west from deep ocean

The Indian Ocean is spawning yet another summer cyclone, this one named Cyclone Vince (13S). Cyclone Vince is currently well out in mid Indian Ocean but tracking westwards at 7 knots from a current (Sunday 06:00) position near 20.6S 70.0E. That’s approximately 715 nautical miles east of Port Louis, Mauritius and will take several days away before nearing the islands if it sticks to its existing course.

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Ports and Shipping Report 

UPDATE:  WEATHER WARNING – The port situation involving South African ports continues to improve but is not yet to the point where ships are able to clear their cargo in a matter of hours rather than days. Overall productivity particularly at DCT 1 and DCT 2 remains much lower than international standard.

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U.S. Aircraft Carrier Group leaves the Red Sea

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) together with its embarked air wing and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) have arrived at the US Naval Support base at Souda Bay on the northwest coast of Crete. Both vessels have been on a two-month deployment in the Red Sea.

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WHARF TALK: cable laying vessel – ÎLE DE BATZ

For those who are regular users of the internet, they will have noticed that access, bandwidth, and speed to the worldwide web has got better over the past few years. Fans who keep up with the modern developments of international communications will be very much aware that this is solely due to the fact that South Africa has had an increase in the number of…. 

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A critical moment for South Africa’s logistics future

Progress on SONA 2024 and SAAFF’s wishlist for SONA 2025.  After a year of hard work and numerous developments in trade, transport, and logistics, we arrive at a crucial junction—an opportunity to evaluate the progress made in the last 12 months and chart the course forward. With the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA)…. 

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IMO and marine plastic litter

The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response has agreed on the draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, with a view to its approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) when it meets on 7 to 11 April 2025. This milestone was achieved along with other key outcomes at the 12th session of the….

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MSC launches iReefer: Revolutionizing remote monitoring for temperature-controlled cargo

MSC has unveiled a cutting-edge container monitoring system, iReefer, designed to offer real-time tracking for temperature-sensitive shipments. The innovative solution, available now, promises to give exporters unprecedented control over their reefer cargo, allowing them to monitor shipments’ temperature, humidity, and location from anywhere in the world.

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

Africa Ports & Ships

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Masthead:  PORT OF CAPE TOWN

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FIRST VIEW:  Dr FRIDTJOF  NANSEN

The Norwegian Fisheries Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen (IMO 9762716), the third research vessel to carry this name, which arrived unexpectedly in Durban last week for a short replenishment visit.

No stranger to these waters of the Southern African east coast, the modern ship undertakes fisheries research on an almost all-year round schedule with visits to ports such as Port Louis, Durban, Maputo, Dar es Salaam, and Cape Town and various ports on the west coast.

Built in 2017 to a Norwegian design but at the Astilleros Gondan SA shipyards at Castropol in Spain, the ship is 74 metres in length and has a deadweight of 1,052 tons. Her sole purpose and intention is to carry out a wide variety of research voyages including Fisheries Resource Monitoring, Ecosystem Investigations, Oceanographic Surveys, Environmental Surveys, Bottom Habitat Mapping, Acoustic Surveys and Integrated Data Logging.

From the outset, ‘Dr. Fridtjof Nansen’ has operated almost exclusively in African waters in support a number of bilateral scientific programmes between the government of Norway and West and East African countries. The ship is named after the Norwegian Oceanographer and Polar Explorer, Doctor Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930).

Dr Fridtjof Nansen sailed from Durban on Sunday 9 February at 14:38 and is due back in the port again on 25 February 2025.

A detailed account of this vessel is available in our 24 August 2023 edition, available here

These pictures were taken by Jumaine Kruger

Africa Ports & Ships

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ICS, LROO and MARINA launch digital seafarer certification pilot project

Africa Ports & Ships

In a landmark development, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LROO), and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at digitizing seafarer certification.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed this week at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London, sets the stage for integrating seafarer certification systems and creating a new mobile application to streamline the process.

The initiative is designed to reduce the administrative challenges posed by paper-based systems for seafarer endorsement and verification. With multiple stakeholders in the maritime industry—such as flag administrations, port state control, and shipping companies—facing inefficiencies, this project promises to enhance operational efficiency, security, and ease of use.

As the maritime industry shifts toward digital solutions, the pilot project will explore how to digitize certification processes while addressing issues such as security, streamlined collaboration, and user accessibility.

Despite regular renewal requirements, paper certificates still dominate the industry, contributing to challenges like errors, vulnerabilities, and delays. The pilot aims to create a more secure, efficient system for seafarer certification worldwide.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of ICS, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that the initiative is a vital step toward supporting the maritime sector’s transition to digital.

“This pilot will not only minimize administrative burdens but will also maximize efficiency, ensuring a safer and more sustainable maritime industry,” he said. “The Philippines, being the world’s largest provider of seafarers, plays a key role in this collaboration.”

Lloyd’s Register OneOcean Co-CEO Nicholas Goubert highlighted the importance of applying digital solutions to streamline certification. “By working with ICS and MARINA, we aim to make certification more efficient, improving accessibility, security, and regulatory compliance across the sector,” Goubert said.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized that the Philippines is committed to embracing digital innovations in seafarer certification. “This collaboration marks a major step toward aligning with global maritime standards and moving the Philippine maritime industry toward a digital future,” she stated.

The pilot project will test the feasibility of securely consolidating and storing seafarer certificates for real-time access by key stakeholders. It will also allow seafarers to take ownership of their data, making travel and movement easier for industry professionals.

This collaboration aligns with the recent amendments to the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) code, which took effect on January 1, 2025, and supports the maritime industry’s transition to digital certification.

The three parties will develop an initial API (Application Programming Interface) integration concept, connecting MARINA’s Integrated Seafarers Management Online System (MISMO) to the pilot platform.

After validating the concept, MARINA will engage with the Filipino seafarer community—about 400,000 strong — to gather feedback on the digital certification process and explore potential adoption pathways.

Added 13 February 2025

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South Africa’s history uncovered: the 1,000-year gap they don’t teach in school

Peter Delius, University of the Witwatersrand; Linell Chewins, University of the Witwatersrand, and Tim Forssman, University of Mpumalanga

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This is republished here not only for its strong human interest but also for the few references to oversea trading taking place across the Indian Ocean at that time – much of which with the east Africa coast which is an area lacking much research. The late Professor Eric Axelson’s books on Portuguese exploration and occupation of the East Africa coastal region during the late 15th and early 16th centuries provide a hint of what went before and are recommended, in particular his references to existing trading patterns that existed between the Arab world (Oman) and possibly India and the African interior prior to the arrival of the Portuguese. This is not specific only to slave trafficking that unfortunately took place at that time and to which the Portuguese embraced. – Africa Ports & Ships

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Azule Energy completes key Offshore Gas Platforms in Angola

Africa Ports & Ships

Azule Energy, in collaboration with its partners Sonangol E&P, Chevron, and TotalEnergies, has announced in Ambriz, Bengo Province Angola, the successful completion of the Quiluma and Maboqueiro offshore platforms, a significant milestone for Angola’s New Gas Consortium (NGC) project.

This marks a crucial step in the country’s first non-associated gas development, enhancing Angola’s growing role in the global energy market.

To celebrate this achievement, a load-out and sail-away ceremony for the Quiluma platform was held on Tuesday, 11 February at the Ambriz Petromar Yard. The event was a demonstration of the project’s progress, with all involved parties reflecting on the scale and impact of the development.

In addition to the project’s technical success, the ceremony highlighted a remarkable safety achievement: the completion of 2.5 million man-hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI). This achievement underscores the project’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety throughout its development.

The NGC project, a joint venture between Azule Energy, Sonangol E&P, Chevron, and TotalEnergies, is the first initiative in Angola to focus on non-associated gas. It aims to provide a reliable supply of gas to the Soyo LNG plant, ensuring the country’s energy security and supporting its broader economic growth.

Alister Forder, Chief Operating Officer of Azule Energy, emphasised the significance of this milestone. “Today’s achievement reflects the technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication of all the partners involved in the NGC project,” he said.

“As we prepare for NGC First Gas, this project reaffirms our commitment to unlocking Angola’s energy potential and contributing to a sustainable energy future.”

The NGC project will see the exploration and production of gas from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro shallow water fields. It includes two offshore platforms and an onshore gas processing facility, all designed to harness Angola’s natural gas resources.

The project is expected to deliver both economic and environmental benefits, boosting the country’s energy infrastructure and providing vital resources for the growing energy market.

Azule Energy, with a daily production of over 200,000 barrels of oil, plays a pivotal role in supporting Angola’s energy sector. The company is dedicated to advancing the country’s energy transition, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and growth through investments in oil and gas alongside decarbonization technologies and renewable energy sources.

Added 13 February 2025

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New collaboration boosts capacity at Cape Town Container Terminal

Africa Ports & Ships

A new collaboration between stakeholders in the Western Cape’s fruit export sector, the Western Cape Government, and Transnet Port Terminals promises to enhance operations at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).

The partnership will see the installation of two additional 500kVA generators at the terminal, each with 60 reefer container plug points, aimed at increasing capacity during the peak deciduous fruit export season.

The project, funded by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Agbiz, Hortgro, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), and the KAL Group, is a significant step in improving CTCT’s ability to handle the increased volume of exports, especially during high-demand periods.

With an added reefer stack, the upgrade will allow containers to be loaded during high wind conditions, reducing the risk of delays for perishable goods.

Agbiz CEO, Theo Boshoff, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting the positive impact it will have on fresh produce exports from the Western Cape.

“This project benefits exporters directly and serves as a pilot for future collaborative initiatives. The agricultural sector in South Africa relies heavily on logistics, and we’ve built a strong relationship with Transnet Port Terminals to address these challenges,” he said.

Glen Steyn, Project Manager for logistics development at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the province’s Growth for Jobs strategy, which focuses on export promotion and improving logistics costs.

“This partnership will reduce the risk of delays in perishable cargo movements, particularly during disruptive events like high winds, ensuring smoother exports of deciduous fruit,” said Steyn.

Oscar Borchards, Western Cape Managing Executive at Transnet Port Terminals, also expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvements to assist exports from Cape Town.

“Our goal is to strengthen relations with stakeholders and ensure the timely delivery of fresh cargo to global markets. This project demonstrates our commitment to collaboration and we look forward to similar initiatives in the future,” he said.

The installation of the additional generators is expected to significantly enhance the terminal’s capacity, especially during peak weeks when export volumes rise, improving overall efficiency in the handling of fresh produce exports.

Added 12 February 2025

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Africa’s $3.4 trillion opportunity: Turning vulnerabilities into resilience

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

It was announced simultaneously in Abidjan and Geneva on 10 February that Africa has the potential to become a major driver of global trade and economic growth.

The ‘2024 Economic Development in Africa Report’, launched that day by UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Trade, Industry and SME Promotion Souleymane Diarrassouba, highlights how bold policy reforms and strategic investments can strengthen Africa’s resilience to global shocks and create new economic opportunities.

In the words of Rebeca Grynspan: “Africa faces serious challenges – from volatile global markets and high debt costs to infrastructure gaps.

“But these challenges are also a chance to reshape the continent’s economic future. With bold reforms, investment, and full implementation of the AfCFTA, Africa can emerge stronger, more resilient, and more competitive.”

Africa’s reliance on commodity exports, high trade costs, and weak infrastructure make it highly vulnerable to external shocks. The report identifies key areas for action:

Reducing dependence on volatile markets, lowering costs, strengthening SMEs
Close to half of African countries rely on oil, gas, or minerals for at least 60% of export earnings, exposing them to price fluctuations. Diversifying exports and boosting intra-African trade will create more stable revenue streams.

Infrastructure gaps in transport, energy, and ICT make trade 50% more expensive than the global average, limiting competitiveness – especially for landlocked nations. Investing in logistics and digital connectivity is critical to unlocking growth.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provide 80% of employment across Africa but struggle with weak infrastructure, currency volatility, and limited financial access. Expanding credit, risk-management tools, and regional supply chains will boost their resilience.

Unlocking the potential of regional trade
Intra-African trade remains one of the continent’s greatest opportunities, but it accounts for just 16% of total exports, with most trade still directed outside the continent.

The full implementation of the the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could create a $3.4 trillion market, but unlocking this potential requires investing in infrastructure by expanding transport, energy and ICT networks, streamlining trade policies and processes such as customs and supporting industrialization through, for example, incentive tax breaks and affordable interest loans can boost manufacturing and regional production.

Policy actions for a stronger future
UN Trade and Development’s ‘2024 Economic Development in Africa Report’ outlines key strategies to turn challenges into opportunities:

* Incentives for industrialization: Tax breaks, lower capital costs, affordable interest loans to firms investing in manufacturing and production for regional markets.

* Risk-management mechanisms: Establishing regional funds and early-warning systems for trade-related risks, pooling public and private resources for contingency planning and insurance.

* Crisis-response facilities: Creating trade finance mechanisms to support businesses affected by global shocks, helping them pivot to regional markets and maintain jobs.

With the right policies, Africa can strengthen economic resilience, reduce reliance on external markets, and drive inclusive growth. The path forward lies in turning vulnerabilities into lasting opportunities through bold reforms, regional collaboration, and strategic investment.

About UN Trade and Development:
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment. With a diverse membership, it empowers countries to harness trade for prosperity.

Added 10 February 2025

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WHARF TALK: short sea ferry – YABUSA

 

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’ 
Story by Jay Gates
Suggested by Jonathan Boonzaier

Ferries undertaking the long slog from the shipyards of the Far East, back to Europe, were something that the casual maritime observer never got to see in the days before Hamas bludgeoned their way into Israel. Then the blindingly obvious, and resultant foreseen, response from Israeli forces changed all that. That outcome was followed by events that were unforeseen.

It caused another lawless mob, relatively unknown up to that point, the Houthis, to decide that, in support of Hamas, that they would start attacking shipping as it made its way up, or down, the southern Red Sea. From then on, the types of vessel virtually never seen in South African ports starting appearing, as the Cape sea route became the only sensible option for vessels to make their way to and from Europe and the Far East. That act brought the Ferries to our shores.

Ferries are not normally vessels that are used on long oceanic passages, as passenger liners are. They are used on short sea routes, normally between two port pairs, often never leaving national waters. Alternatively, they cross maritime borders, and make passages between two international ports, with voyages that can last from less than one hour to as much as 48 hours.

As such, a ferry is not normally to be seen in South African waters, as there is no call for a ferry route from any South African port to anywhere. When they do arrive off either Durban or Cape Town, it is because they are on a positioning voyage from the Far East shipyard that built them, and they are mainly heading to their European home port to begin service on their assigned route.
Very rarely, a ferry that has been sold on by its original owner is on a delivery voyage to those ferry companies that rely on older second hand tonnage to undertake their routes.

On 6th February, at midday, the short sea ferry ‘Yabusa’ (IMO 9221243) arrived off Cape Town, from Port Louis in Mauritius. She entered Cape Town harbour, making her way into the Duncan Dock and went alongside the Landing Wall. The type of vessel she was identified her as yet another Cape sea route diversion, and her berth also identified her as calling in not only for the usual bunkers, stores and fresh provisions, but also for some shoreside engineering assistance.

Built in 2000 by Hakodate shipyard at Hakodate in Japan, ‘Yabusa’ is 102 metres in length and has a deadweight tonnage of 1,204 tons. She is powered by two NKK Pielstick 6PC2-6L six cylinder, four stroke, main engines producing 3,945 bhp (2,942 kW) each, and providing power to two controllable pitch propellers, linked to twin rudders, for a service speed of 18.7 knots. For added manoeuvrability ‘Yabusa’ is also fitted with a single bow transverse thruster.

Japan is a nation of many islands, and as with all nations that consist of numerous islands, they are linked with numerous ferry routes which, depending on the actual route pair, come in all shapes and sizes. At the end of their commercial lives in Japanese waters they are often sold on for further service, with many of them being snapped up by Greek ferry owners, and placed into service on the numerous routes connecting Greek islands, and the Greek mainland.

Originally launched as ‘Hayabusa No.3’, she was built to service the ferry route between the port of Aomori, on the island of Honshu, and the port of Hakodate, on the island of Hokkaido. She undertook the 61 nautical mile across the Tsugaru Strait that separates the two islands, on a twice daily schedule, with her passage between the two ports completed in a run of three hours and forty minutes.

She could carry up to 105 passengers, and up to 26 commercial trucks, and was operated by Seikan Ferry Co. Ltd., of Hakodate City. Her original owners were a consortium made up of two ferry companies, Kyoei Unyu and Kitanihon Kaiu, with ‘Yabusa’ originally being built to the order of Kyoei Unyu.

She operated on her service until early 2024, when she was replaced by the brand new ‘Hayabusa III’, which replaced her, and her last passage was completed on 18th January 2024. For the nomenclature aficionado, ‘Hayabusa’ translate from Japanese as the ‘Peregrine Falcon’, and her owner referred to her as the ‘Millennium Falcon’, which was a homage to the spaceship piloted by Han Solo and his Wookie co-pilot, Chewbacca, in the Star Wars movie series.

The word ‘Hayabusa’ holds much reverence in Japan, and has been used to name both spaceships which were sent to near-earth asteroids, in order to land on them, take surface samples, and return them to earth. The first ‘Hayabusa’ spacecraft headed for the asteroid ‘Itokawa’ in November 2005, and the second ‘Hayabusa’ spacecraft headed for the asteroid ‘Ryugu’ in November 2019. Both missions were successful.

The name ‘Hayabusa’ has also been given to a class, and the lead vessel, of a Japanese naval guided missile patrol boat, as well as by the Suzuki motorcycle company to a 1300cc machine. For the railway fans, it is also the name given to one of Japanese Railways famous high-speed ‘Shinkansen’ trains, with the ‘Hayabusa’ operating her service at an astonishing 300 kilometres per hour, or 200 miles per hour.

On her retirement from service ‘Hayabusa No.3’ was sold to a new nominal owner of Sunquest Oceanic Company, of Majuro in the Marshall Islands, and her name was shortened to simply ‘Yabusa’, with her flag and port changed to Panama. She was bound for Greece, where her true owners were to be Saronic Ferries, based in the port of Piraeus.

Saronic Ferries are a consortium of Nova Ferries and 2Way Ferries, who operate a small fleet of ro-pax ferries from Piraeus to five ports in the Saronic Gulf. The destinations from Piraeus are to the four islands of Aegina, Agistri, Methena, and Poros. The shortest route from Piraeus is to the port of Souvala on Aegina, which is a passage of just 55 minutes, with the passage to the port of Poros, on the island of the same name, taking a maximum of 2 hours 40 minutes.

She departed from Aomori on 3rd February 2024, bound for Shanghai in China, where ‘Yabusa’ arrived on 8th February, and went alongside the Cosco Shipyard in Shanghai, in order to begin a conversion program to make her suitable for her new role out of Piraeus, and which was designed to increase her capacity for her routes.

Her time alongside in Shanghai stretched to almost ten months, and was only completed in November 2024. The change showed that her accommodation decks, and aft deck had been increased, and that the owners would complete her conversion and outfitting when she arrived back in Greece. Her two-tone white and grey colours are not by design, but simply that her new upperworks have yet to receive their new owner’s corporate colours. With her conversion work in Shanghai complete, ‘Yabusa’ sailed on 29th December, bound for Singapore for her first bunker call on her homeward voyage.

In a play on words, her ferry voyage back to Greece was to be undertaken by the specialist vessel ferry delivery company TOS, of Rotterdam. She arrived in Singapore on 5th January 2025, and spent ten days at anchor there receiving her logistical requirements. On 15th January she departed from Singapore, now bound for her next bunker call, which was to be Port Louis in Mauritius, and where she arrived on 25th January. After a three day stopover in Port Louis, ‘Yabusa’ sailed on 28th January, bound for Cape Town.

After a short period alongside in Cape Town, which lasted for almost four days, ‘Yabusa’ had concluded her logistics call, which included having loaded her bunkers from the harbour bunker tanker ‘Southern Valour’, as well as taking on her required stores and fresh provisions, and receiving any necessary shoreside engineering and technical assistance. At 10:00 in the morning of 10th February, she sailed from Cape Town, with her AIS now displaying that her next bunker port call, and her last one, was to be Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.

After Las Palmas, it was highly likely that ‘Yabusa’ would enter the Mediterranean Sea, and head directly for Piraeus, where her conversion and outfitting would be completed, for her entry into service in the Saronic Gulf. It was also highly likely that on arrival back in Piraeus her flag of registry would be changed from Panama to that of Greece, and she would be renamed again, now receiving a Greek name that more suited her new life, and role, in home waters.

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DP World advances first phase of $80 million Sokhna Logistic Park

Africa Ports & Ships

* Park will offer a comprehensive range of trade enabling services
* Strategically located within the Suez Canal Economic Zone with direct access to the Port of Ain Sokhna

DP World has reached a major milestone in the development of the Sokhna Logistics Park, with 65% of the first phase now complete.

The USD 80 million, state-of-the-art logistics hub, strategically located in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), is set to enhance Egypt’s logistics infrastructure and position the country as a key regional trade hub.

Spanning 300,000 square metres, the facility is designed to provide cost-effective, integrated supply chain solutions, leveraging DP World’s extensive global network. Scheduled for completion in June 2025, the park will drive efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen connectivity between Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Situated just ten kilometres from Sokhna Port, the park offers direct access to Greater Cairo’s key markets and major industrial zones. Its strategic location will enable businesses to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency with streamlined cargo movements.

Built to the highest international standards, the park is designed to support a range of industries, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, retail, automotive and textiles.

It will feature bonded and non-bonded warehouses, office space and open cargo and container yards, with logistics activities including warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearing, and value-added services like labelling, coding, sorting, packing and inspection.

“We are pleased with the progress made so far and remain focused on completing the first phase within the next few months,” says Ranjit Ray, Senior Vice President, Economic Zones, MENA region, DP World.

He said the facility will support a wide range of cargo across imports, exports, and transit, and will be integrated with DP World’s operations at Sokhna Port, offering a full range of multi-modal supply chain services, including freight forwarding and logistics solutions.

“Coupled with access to DP World’s global trade infrastructure network, this will provide cost-effective supply chain solutions for both local and international businesses,” Ranjit Ray pointed out.

The new facility has already drawn interest from both local and international markets, including businesses already established in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai, who are looking to expand regionally.

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CMA CGM launches EGAL, linking Egypt, Malta and Algeria

Africa Ports & Ships

Commencing Week 7, CMA CGM through its Short Sea Lines Division, is to launch its new Intramed service, linking Egypt, Greece, Malta and Algeria.

This weekly service, starting in Alexandria on 12 February 2025, will be offering a direct connection from Egypt to Greece and Algeria and will allow worldwide connections from Egypt in Malta and Piraeus hubs.

EGAL will establish a sustainable maritime link between East Mediterranean region and Annaba, and fast connections between Egypt and Greece.

The weekly service will operate with four vessels each of 1,400-TEU nominal capacity.

The port rotation is as follows:

Alexandria – Piraeus – Thessaloniki – Malta – Annaba – Alexandria

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CMA CGM new setup for ALGAD service linking Malta, Spain & Algeria

Africa Ports & Ships

CMA CGM’s Short Sea Lines Division is introducing its new setup of the Intramed service ALGAD, as from this week (week 7).

This weekly service, starting in Malta on 14 February 2025, will be dedicated to the Djen Djen market with worldwide connections via the Malta hub and Barcelona.

The service will establish a sustainable maritime link to Djen Djen, utilising three vessels each with a 1,100-TEU nominal capacity and a weekly frequency.

The rotation is as follows:

Malta – Barcelona – Djen Djen – Malta

The first sailing is ETA Malta on 14/02

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TRADE NEWS: Next Ocean secures investment to scale offshore safety technology

Africa Ports & Ships

Predicting ship motions wave by wave for safer and more efficient operations

Delft, Netherlands: Next Ocean, a pioneer in Vessel Motion Radar technology, has secured Seed Investment from Arches Capital to drive its expansion and enhance maritime safety worldwide.

This funding will accelerate Next Ocean’s growth, enabling the company to scale production, expand into new markets, and further develop its predictive radar technology.

Over the past years, Next Ocean has successfully delivered….

Read the rest of this report in the TRADE NEWS section available by CLICKING HERE

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MSC revises route from Senegal & Mauritania to West Med

Africa Ports & Ships

As the melon season is kicking off in Senegal and Mauritania, MSC has revamped its standalone Spain to/from Mauritania and Senegal service.

The revised service offers new opportunities and enhanced connectivity.

These include:

* A new exclusive and direct call to Sète in France, serving the French and Italian markets
* A direct call to Valencia, servicing the Spanish market
* Weekly departure from Dakar and Nouakchott
* Competitive transit times from Senegal and Mauritania to the West Mediterranean.

The service will start from Dakar as from mid-February, with the following rotation:

Valencia – Sète – Las Palmas – Nouakchott – Dakar – Valencia

MSC is deploying its own modern advanced fleet to this service to meet the demand for reefers throughout the season.

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Richards Bay set to become South Africa’s Liquid Fuel Industrial Hub

Africa Ports & Ships

The Port of Richards Bay is on track to become South Africa’s leading center for liquid fuel, following the signing of two major agreements by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).

The agreements will establish the country’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal and a liquid bulk terminal in the South Dunes precinct of the port.

This development is part of Transnet’s strategy to partner with the private sector and improve the country’s logistics network, particularly in handling key commodities critical to South Africa’s economy. The move is expected to enhance the port’s capacity to manage liquid bulk cargo and solidify its position as a key entry point for LNG imports.

At the signing ceremony, Phyllis Difeto, Acting CEO of TNPA, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting it would transform South Africa’s logistics sector and help achieve national energy goals. She emphasized that the projects would boost the local economy, create jobs, and contribute to workforce development in the uMhlathuze region.

One of the agreements is with Zululand Energy Terminals, which will operate the LNG import terminal for the next 25 years. This terminal is a critical component of South Africa’s energy plans, including the government’s Just Transition program, which aims to add 6,000 MW of gas-to-power capacity to address the country’s energy crisis.

With an investment of over R7 billion, the LNG terminal is expected to handle at least two million tons of LNG annually, with potential to exceed five million tons by the end of the 25-year concession period.

Bunker fuel terminal

The second agreement, valued at more than R123 million, is with FFS Tank Terminals, which will build and run a new liquid bulk terminal.

Set to open in February 2025, this terminal will improve the port’s ability to provide bunkering services to a wide range of vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. The facility will ensure a steady fuel supply for maritime logistics over the next 25 years.

Both projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs. The LNG terminal alone is predicted to generate more than 1,000 job opportunities during its construction and ongoing operations. The liquid bulk terminal will also create around 50 jobs, benefiting the local community and surrounding areas.

These developments mark a significant step in transforming Richards Bay into a key player in South Africa’s energy and logistics sectors, with lasting economic benefits for the region.

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TRIM tariff proposal for 2025/26 financial year now available online

Africa Ports & Ships

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has officially published its Tariff Proposal for the 2025/26 financial year.

The document is now accessible to the public on the Transnet website as of 7 February 2025.

According to TRIM the Tariff Proposal has been developed using the most current information available.

However, stakeholders and interested parties should note that further refinements may be made as additional data and final approvals become available. These refinements will be communicated and updated in due course.

“TRIM remains committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout this process. We encourage all relevant parties to review the published document and provide any necessary feedback through the appropriate channels.”

Find out more from the TRIM Webpage here

and Transnet Network Statement Webpage

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Chinese companies to build Tanzania-Burundi standard gauge railway

Africa Ports & Ships

Two Chinese companies have won the contract to build a 282-kilometre standard gauge railway between Tanzania and landlocked Burundi.

The railway will connect with the standard gauge railway now under construction for the state-owned Tanzania Railway Corporation, connecting the port at Dar es Salaam with Port Kigoma (Ujiji) on Lake Tanganyika and Port Mwanza on Lake Victoria.

The standard gauge railway closely follows the route of the existing metre-gauge railway.

Construction of the railway into Burundi will be undertaken by China Railway Engineering Group Ltd and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group.

This was announced by Tanzania’s Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa during the signing ceremony, who also revealed that financing of the project will come from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

It is expected that the Burundi railway will carry three million tonnes of mineral each year, which will include nickel used in the battery industry.

The railway will also no doubt become part of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. China has financed and constructed a significant portion of Africa’s rail and road projects, including taking over the operation of certain strategic railways in the process.

In 2024 Chinese banks approved loans worth USD 4.61 billion for projects in Africa, just a part of the USD 51 billion funding for Africa pledged by President Xi Jinping the year previously.

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Compliance key as offshore bunkering operations resume in Algoa Bay, South Africa

Africa Ports & Ships

AMSOL, a leading marine services provider, has marked a significant milestone with the resumption of offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, reinforcing its position as a major player in South Africa’s marine fuel logistics and transportation sector.

In 2024, AMSOL made a multi-million-rand investment in the product tanker Uhambo (IMO 9613977), a move that signaled the company’s expansion in the region. Now flying the South African flag, the Uhambo is not only a key asset in AMSOL’s fleet but also serves as an important platform for the ongoing training and development of locally-based tanker-endorsed seafarers.

The vessel is currently engaged in delivering locally refined marine fuel in offshore bunkering operations on behalf of its oil industry clients.

AMSOL’s Chief Commercial Officer, Graham Dreyden, emphasized the importance of compliance in the company’s operations. “Our ability to comply with stringent operating regulations and legislation, as well as international maritime and marine standards, underpins AMSOL’s track record,” he said.

“This is particularly evident in our operations in Algoa Bay, where we have worked closely with authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure all legislative requirements for offshore bunkering operations are met.”

The company, which has established a strong reputation as a trusted service provider to the Energy, Mining, Maritime, and Ports sectors, continues to grow its capabilities with highly qualified marine specialists, fit-for-purpose vessels, and certified equipment.

AMSOL is committed to developing a pipeline of skilled South African seafarers, including those who require specialized endorsements for tanker operations.

CEO Dan Ngakane expressed optimism about the company’s growth and its broader impact on the South African maritime industry. “We have acquired five vessels in the last four years to meet the growing demand for reliable and professional marine solutions,” he explained.

“In leading the growth of the South African maritime sector, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards for environmental protection, safety, and compliance, while also investing in the development of talent to support the industry’s continued advancement.”

AMSOL’s portfolio includes a range of services, including in-port bunker delivery, offshore bunkering, ship-to-ship fuel transfer services, and offshore terminal management. The company is currently the only marine services business operating in the region with a proven track record in the effective management of risk-mitigated fuel transfers, making it an essential partner for energy and maritime companies in the region.

As offshore bunkering operations resume in Algoa Bay, AMSOL’s commitment to safety, compliance, and local skill development remains integral to its continued success and leadership in the South African maritime sector.

See also our earlier report AMSOL introduces MT Uhambo for STS bunkering in Algoa Bay

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AD Ports and CMA CGM form JV to develop and operate new Pointe Noire Multipurpose Terminal

Africa Ports & Ships

AD Ports and CGM CGM Terminals, have agreed to jointly develop, manage and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville.

In June 2023 AD Ports was awarded a 30 year extendable concession for the MPT terminal.

According to the agreement signed between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group, the terminal will handle containers, general cargo, breakbulk, and other types of cargo at what is Central West Africa’s biggest Atlantic port.

On being awarded the concession in 2023, AD Ports Group indicated an investment of around USD 220 million to build a 400-metre quay wall with a depth alongside of 16 metres, plus a 10-hectare logistics area, as part of Phase 1 of the project. A total of over USD 500 million is expected to be invested over the life of the concession.

The partnership with CMA CGM is expected to benefit from the French shipping line’s strong historic presence in West Africa. At Pointe Noire CMA CGM held an overall container volume market share of about 35% in 2024, while ranking first in exports and second in imports and transshipment.

It has been confirmed that the terminal will however operate as a ‘multi-user’ facility with AD Ports Group maintaining controlling majority ownership in management and operation of the terminal and as such the operations will still be fully consolidated.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, said the partnership will position the Republic of Congo at the centre of maritime trade, in line with projections for annual growth of 3% to 5% in container volumes forecast for the country over the medium term.

An order for three Super-Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore cranes have been ordered in addition to nine hybrid Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes (RTGs).

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Cyclone Vince heading west from deep ocean

Africa Ports & Ships

The Indian Ocean is spawning yet another summer cyclone, this one named Cyclone Vince (13S).

Cyclone Vince is currently well out in mid Indian Ocean but tracking westwards at 7 knots from a current (Sunday 06:00) position near 20.6S 70.0E.

That’s approximately 715 nautical miles east of Port Louis, Mauritius and will take several days away before nearing the islands or Madagascar on its existing course.

Minimum central pressure at 06:00 on Sunday was 954 MB. Maximum wave height was 45 feet (13.7 metres) and maximum sustained winds were reported at 105 knots, gusting to 130 knots, so this one is already significant.

Fact source: Joint Typhoon Warning Center

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Ports and Shipping Report 

Africa Ports & Ships

UPDATE: WEATHER WARNING – The SA Weather Services advises the likelihood of strong winds at the weekend over the Cape Peninsular. These may affect cargo working at the Cape Town port and container terminal in particular. (Updated 11 February 2025)

The port situation involving South African ports continues to improve but is not yet to the point where ships are able to clear their cargo in a matter of hours rather than days. Overall productivity particularly at DCT 1 and DCT 2 remains much lower than international standard.

South African Ports

As we move into the new year the situation at South Africa’s ports has improved from the ‘bad days’ experienced in parts of 2024.
Seasonal wind delays continue to be a challenge at Cape Town but generally the position at the container terminal is much improved, although a waiting time of between 2 and 4 days is reported.

The port’s multipurpose terminal mostly berths ships on arrival although some wind delays have interfered with this. Services at both terminals are reported to be on schedule.

There is concern that as volumes increase their pressure on port equipment and infrastructure, that delays may surface. The same concern applies to the other ports.

The Eastern Cape ports of Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and East London appear to be working smoothly with no delays reported. Terminal maintenance is planned for Port Elizabeth which may result in some disruption, similarly high swells are expected. High swells have already disrupted port working at Durban with notices of port closed to all incoming due to high swells at entrance.

Berthing delays at Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 is down to between 0-1 day and productivity is said to be close to target – whatever that is. Ships still take far too many days on their berth at DCT2 (5-7 days) which informs that productivity is nowhere near where it ought to be – at least 24 container moves per hour.

DCT Pier 1 is reported to have shown considerable improvement as the year opens up but delays concerning berthing ships remains anywhere between 0 and 5 days.

On Sunday night the Durban outer anchorage played host to just a single container ship – a marked improvement on the last few months of 2024. However, the anchorage did have 12 tankers from crude to oil and chemical tankers awaiting a berth, plus another 14 bulk carriers at anchor.

These bulkers and tankers seldom get the attention that container ships do when it comes to port delays.

Mozambique & Walvis Bay

In Mozambique the political troubles that disrupted much port cargo working in recent weeks is subsiding though not completely clear either. The border crossing at Lebombo/Ressano Garcia is open and traffic is moving and cargo for export is again reaching the port at Maputo.

The port at Beira continues with long berthing delays, with vessels outside having to wait between 10 and 11 delays on average. Compounding this, the port is planning some terminal maintenance.

On the west coast the container terminal at Walvis Bay, now operated by a MSC subsidiary company (TIL/TiN), has 0-1 day delays for berthing a container ship. Productivity is said to be good.

Rail

Rail services (containers) between Durban and City Deep and Denver) and return are reported to be fully operational.

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US Aircraft Carrier Group leaves the Red Sea

Africa Ports & Ships

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) together with its embarked air wing and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) have arrived at the US Naval Support base at Souda Bay on the northwest coast of Crete.

Both vessels have been on a two-month deployment in the Red Sea.

During the deployment the carrier and destroyer carried out multiple strikes against targets in the Houthi-backed area of Yemen, helping to degrade the ability of the Houthi movement from carrying out their attacks on commercial and naval shipping in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.

After entering the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility on 14 December, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) supported multiple self-defense strikes against targets across Iran-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the US Navy reported.

The strikes directly contributed to CENTCOM’s campaign to degrade the Houthis attempts to threaten regional partners and the free flow of commerce in the region.

Somalia

On 1 February, HSTCSG conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia in support of U.S. Africa Command and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The airstrikes on Yemen were part of CENTCOM’s campaign to limit the ability of the Houthi movement in attacking commercial and naval shipping passing along the narrow waterway. For more than a year more than 50% of commercial shipping has avoided using the Red Sea and Suez Canal route between the western Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.

Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), said he was incredibly proud of the dedication and service of his team and their tireless work around the clock.

“Their efforts keep our ship operating at peak performance and aircraft ready to support combat operations,” he said.

Souda Bay is a remote forward operating installation for the US Navy that enables power projection and warfighting capabilities from the Eastern Mediterranean.

“The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group remains the most adaptable and lethal presence in theater,” said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander, HSTCSG. “This port visit provides the opportunity to reset and focus on maintenance for maximum readiness ahead of future operations.”

The carrier strike group includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, with eight embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

The cruiser USS Gettysburg and destroyer USS Stout remain on station in the Red Sea.

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WHARF TALK: cable laying vessel – ÎLE DE BATZ

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’
Story by Jay Gates

For those who are regular users of the internet, they will have noticed that access, bandwidth, and speed to the worldwide web has got better over the past few years. Fans who keep up with the modern developments of international communications will be very much aware that this is solely due to the fact that South Africa has had an increase in the number of modern submarine communications cables that have landed around South African shores, with the two big ones in recent years being the Equiano cable and the 2Africa cable. With cables comes Cable Ships.

On 27th January, at midday, the cable laying vessel ‘Île de Batz’ (IMO 9247041) arrived off Cape Town, from Dunkerque in France. She proceeded into the Duncan dock and went alongside the outer berth of the Eastern Mole. Her promulgated programme registered her as yet another candidate for a Houthi forced diversion around the Cape sea route, and her call into the Mother City was for logistical purposes of bunkers, stores and fresh provisions.

Built in 2001 by Hyundai Mipo dockyard at Ulsan in South Korea, ‘Île de Batz’ is 141 metres in length and has a deadweight tonnage of 9,820 tons. She is a diesel electric vessel with both propulsion and domestic power being derived by four MaK 9M32 generators providing 4,320 kW each. Power for propulsion is transferred to two Alstom M26 HXD800-100/4 electric motors which provide 4,000 kW each to drive two nozzled Lipos fixed pitch propellers, with two independent rudders, for an intervention speed of 15.4 knots.

Her auxiliary machinery includes a single MaK 8M20 emergency generator providing 1,360 kW. For added manoeuvrability ‘Île de Batz’ has a forward Lips retractable azimuth thruster providing 1,500 kW, two bow Lips transverse thrusters providing 1,500 kW each, and two stern Lips transverse thrusters providing 1,500 kW each.

Her mix of propellers and thrusters gives ‘Île de Batz’ a dynamic positioning classification of DP2. Her dynamic positioning is provided through an Alstom ADP DPII system which utilises, amongst other things, three gyro compasses, three differential GPS systems, and an underwater hydro acoustic positioning system.

For her cable laying requirements, and her cable repair needs, ‘Île de Batz’ is fitted with two cable tanks of 1,500 m3, and with each tank capable of holding 3,000 tons of submarine cable. She is also fitted with two additional reserve cable tanks of 150 m3, and with each tank capable of holding 250 tons of submarine cable. To support her long distance cable laying capability she is fitted with storage for up to 200 cable repeaters.

Unlike some cable laying vessels who conduct their operations over the bow, ‘Île de Batz’ conducts all of her cable operations over the stern, and has four sheaves to allow for overside operations. One sheave is utilised for cable laying, with a second sheave for cable repairs, her third sheave is for umbilical cables, and her fourth sheave is for seabed ploughing cables.

For deployment of her seabed plough she is fitted with a stern A-Frame, which is capable of lifting 50 tons. The plough is able to dig a continuous trench up to 3 metres deep, and then cover it up. For her ploughing operations ‘Île de Batz’ has an 80 ton towing winch, and a bollard pull of 130 tons. To allow for movement of cables, and cable laying equipment, on her working deck, she is fitted with a knuckleboom crane with a lifting capacity of 5 tons.

With accommodation for up to 70 personnel, ‘Île de Batz’ is owned by ASN Marine, of Suresnes in France, and is operated by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) SASU, also of Suresnes. She is managed by the famous French shipping company of Louis Dreyfuss Armateurs SAS, who are also located at Suresnes, which is an inner suburb located in the southwest of the city of Paris.

She is one of three sisterships, with all of them having called at Cape Town in the last few years on cable laying duties. In September 2022 her sistership ‘Île de Sein’ called in after she had brought the Equiano submarine cable ashore at Melkbosstrand in the Western Cape. This was a Europe to South Africa cable that terminated at Melkbosstrand.

This call by one of her sisterships was followed two months later, in November 2022, when her other sistership ‘Île de Brehat’ called in when bringing the 2Africa cable ashore at Duynefontein in the Western Cape. This cable is a European cable that is circumnavigating Africa, bringing access to 33 countries, and serving 3 billion people, with a total of 46 landings, which included three in South Africa, with Pollock Beach in Port Elizabeth, and Amanzimtoti, just south of Durban, being the other two local cable landing locations.

When completed, the 2Africa cable will be the longest in the world, at 45,000 kilometres, and will provide data at a rate of 180 Terabits per second, via 16 fibre-optic cable pairs. It is Alcatel Submarine Networks, and their fleet of cable laying vessels, that are responsible for the manufacture, laying, and completion of the 2Africa cable.

The cable should have been completed in 2024, but the route along the Red Sea has been delayed by the Houthi menace. The dangers of this idiocy is further manifested when, in March 2024, four submarine cables were cut off to Yemen, with blame pointing to the Houthis. Another issue where a terror organisation has regressed the development of the rest of the world.

After an extended period alongside in Cape Town which lasted just under 72 hours, and with her bunkers, stores and fresh provisions loaded, plus any technical issues sorted out, ‘Île de Batz’ was ready to sail. At 08:00 on the morning of 30th January she sailed from Cape Town, with her AIS destination set as Salalah in Oman. This is a further development towards the final completion of the laying of the 2Africa cable.

She has been contracted by the telecommunication company, Ooreedo Oman, to land what is known as the ‘Pearls’ extension of the 2Africa cable, linking the main cable to the Gulf states. The two landings for Oman were selected at Salalah, to cover the south of the country, and Barka, near Muscat, to cover the north of the country.

A further contract for Alcatel Submarine Networks, which might mean ‘Île de Brehat’ remaining in the Persian Gulf area, is that the Qatar based Ooreedo Group have contracted ASN to manufacture the cable, and undertake the laying, of the Fibre In Gulf (FIG) cable. This will be an impressive 24 Fibre-Optic pairs, providing data of up to 720 Terabits per second, and linking the seven Gulf States of Qatar, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. It will provide a new, secure, cable route from the Gulf, via a link, to Europe.

One operation, that ‘Île de Batz’ was called to assist with, had nothing to do with cable laying, or cable repairing. On 3rd January 2004, a Boeing 737-300 airliner belonging to Flash Airlines, of Cairo, crashed into the Red Sea, less than 3 minutes after taking off from Sharm-El-Sheikh airport, in the Sinai Peninsula, and heading to Paris. Sadly, the crash, occurring less than 10 kilometres offshore killed all 7 crew members, and 141 passengers, all of whom were from the Paris region.

The aircraft lay in 1,000 metres of water, and ‘Île de Batz’ was called in to locate and recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). Using her onboard Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) she successfully completed the recovery of both black boxes, which allowed the Air Accident Investigating Teams to determine what caused the crash. It was not terror related.

For the nomenclature aficionado amongst the casual maritime observers, ‘Île de Batz’ is named after a small island which is situated at 48°44’ North 004°00’ West, and lies off the port of Roscoff, in Brittany, Northern France. The island lies just cover, both the black boxes aboard the airliner, which consisted of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), 3 kilometres offshore, and has an area of only 3.05 km2, with its highest point being just 33 metres above sea level, and with a total population of just 457 people.

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A critical moment for South Africa’s logistics future

Progress on SONA 2024 and SAAFF’s wishlist for SONA 2025

By Dr Jacob van Rensburg
SAAFF, Johannesburg
6 February 2025

After a year of hard work and numerous developments in trade, transport, and logistics, we arrive at a crucial junction—an opportunity to evaluate the progress made in the last 12 months and chart the course forward.

With the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) approaching*, the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) and the broader private sector have critically assessed whether the commitments made in SONA 2024 have translated into meaningful action.

The work of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) has been commendable, and there has been some movement in addressing inefficiencies, particularly in port congestion and rail logistics. However, the pace of reform remains desperately slow, and the structural issues that have crippled South Africa’s trade infrastructure continue to erode our global competitiveness.

In this statement, we will:

1. Examine exactly what the President said in SONA 2024,
2. Provide a progress update based on the collective interpretation of developments and
3. Outline urgent priorities for SONA 2025 to unlock South Africa’s full potential.

1. Freight Logistics Roadmap Implementation: A Plan Without

Speed
In his 2024 SONA speech, the President said, “We have set out a clear roadmap to stabilise the performance of Transnet and reform our logistics system.”

Progress:
• The Freight Logistics Roadmap has been developed, and the NLCC has created several task teams within the eight workstreams to tackle reform in five key trade corridors.

Challenges:
• Implementation remains far too slow—the roadmap lacks clear performance milestones and binding deadlines.
• Freight rail bottlenecks continue to force cargo onto already congested roads.

SAAFF Wishlist for SONA 2025:
• A public, transparent roadmap with quarterly progress reports to hold all stakeholders accountable.
• More decisive leadership to fast-track implementation—less talk, more action.

2. Port Efficiency: Improvement, But Still Far from Global Standards

In his 2024 SONA speech, the President said: “The number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – has reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January..”

Progress:
• Durban’s congestion has improved, and vessel turnaround times have improved, which has helped reduce backlogs.
• Some new port equipment has been procured, albeit at a slow pace.

Challenges:
• South Africa remains far behind global best practices in port efficiency, and crane hourly moves are still too low, leading to slow cargo handling (despite the unidimensional view of the World Bank and S&P’s “Container Port Performance Index”, this has been highlighted by their findings).
• Despite reduced congestion, the UNCTAD Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index for South Africa dropped to 99,27 in Q4 2024, underlining the urgency for productivity and efficiency gains.
• South Africa’s Durban port significantly reduced congestion; however, connectivity and capacity losses have remained challenging in recent years.
• Truck congestion remains a challenge, particularly in Cape Town and Durban.

SAAFF Wishlist for SONA 2025:
• Set global benchmark targets for vessel turnaround times and crane moves per hour.
• Implement port performance tracking with monthly published data for transparency.
• Accelerate automation and digitalisation in ports to streamline cargo flow (whilst taking Labour along the journey as up-skilling is key – not job shedding).

3. Private Sector Participation (PSP) in Ports and Rail: Structural Reform is Too Slow

In his 2024 SONA speech, the President said: “Transnet has appointed an international terminal operator to help expand and improve its largest terminal at the Port of Durban.”

Progress:
• The decision to award Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 to a Philippines private terminal operator (ICTSI) is a positive step towards private sector participation.
• Transnet proceeded with procurement despite the Maersk interdict, which signals a shift towards urgency.

Challenges:
• The ICTSI deal is still not finalised, and uncertainty remains over how it will be structured.
• A broader structural shift is needed to align to national imperatives for economic growth and development —all commercial ports, not just isolated PSP deals, need to adopt a port landlord model.
• Rail reforms are progressing too slowly, and private rail operators still face access issues.

SAAFF Wishlist for SONA 2025:
• Re-think and re-analyse the DCT Pier 2 deal as it is a 25-year concession – but roll out PSPs across all commercial terminals – with full transparency and accompanying accountabilities from bidding partners.
• Implement a full landlord model for South African ports, allowing private sector CAPEX, innovation, and efficiency.
• Create a structured PSP model for rail through the Department of Transport’s PSP Unit.
• We must look at successful models worldwide. Governments work alongside private players in Rotterdam, Singapore, and Morocco (major transhipment hubs, which we used to be, as our transhipments went from 23% of our total in 2016 to 13% in 2024) to create efficient, competitive logistics hubs.

4. Infrastructure & Equipment: Investment Remains Woefully Short

In his 2024 SONA speech, the President said: “To deal with severe inefficiencies in our freight logistics system, we are taking action to improve our ports and rail network and restore them to world-class standards.”

Progress:
• Transnet has procured some equipment, including cranes and straddle carriers (notably from some clients).

Challenges:
• Investment in infrastructure remains critically low, especially for rail and border posts.
• Equipment procurement is far too slow—30-year-old equipment still operates in key terminals.
• Funding models for infrastructure remain unclear, with private sector investment not being utilised effectively.

SAAFF Wishlist for SONA 2025:
• A clear CAPEX investment roadmap for ports, rail, and border posts. However, the type of investment must also be clear and transparent (number of cranes, etc). Moreover, the handling fees (for ports) and access fees (for rail) must be independently determined.
• Faster procurement cycles with transparent reporting on timelines and suppliers.
• More PSP involvement in infrastructure upgrades to reduce reliance on state funding.

5. AfCFTA: No Real Trade Gains Due to Logistics Failures

In his 2024 SONA speech, the President said: “We will use the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase our trade and expand our industries.”

Progress:
• South Africa has ratified AfCFTA agreements, and pilot shipments have begun.

Challenges:
• No tangible increase in intra-African trade, in large part due to logistics inefficiencies. Furthermore, the regional integration agenda (or lack thereof) has come to the fore with the Mozambique/N4 crisis.
• Border delays, non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and corruption remain significant obstacles.
• The majority of goods still move by road, increasing costs and risks.

SAAFF Wishlist for SONA 2025:
• A logistics roadmap for AfCFTA implementation to facilitate smoother trade flows.
• More intermodal investments (rail-road-border integration) to reduce border congestion.
• Clear measures to eliminate corruption at border posts – and a call to digitalise border operations and get the Other Government Agencies (OGAs) onto the Customs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) platforms. Furthermore, we must align the South African transport schedule – which will be filed under the AfCFTA – to strengthen regional integration across all modalities.

Final Call to Action: Logistics Reform Cannot Wait

While there have been pockets of progress, the core structural issues in logistics remain unaddressed. South Africa is at a tipping point—without decisive reform, we risk losing market share in global trade.

PSPs do not mean handing over our ports, railways, or trade corridors to foreign companies. It means bringing in capital, expertise, and innovation while the state remains involved as regulator and partner.

Furthermore, South Africa has a mature private sector with deep expertise and a vested interest in the country’s success.

The way in which our state assets are currently handled provides us, as South Africa, with a standalone opportunity to stand again on our own two feet.

SAAFF urges the President and key government departments involved in trade, transport and logistics to move beyond discussion and deliver action in 2025:

1. Faster execution of the Freight Logistics Roadmap
2. Expansion of PSP to all ports and rail corridors
3. Aggressive investment in infrastructure and equipment
4. Serious action to fix border inefficiencies for AfCFTA

The logistics sector is ready to partner with the government, but decisive leadership is needed. The time for delays is over.

* Written immediately prior to SONA 2025 delivered on Thursday 6 February 2025.

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IMO and marine plastic litter

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response has agreed on the draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, with a view to its approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) when it meets on 7 to 11 April 2025.

This milestone was achieved along with other key outcomes at the 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12), held at IMO HQ in London from 27 to 31 January. This meeting was chaired by Dr Anita Mäkinen of Finland.

The 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships was prepared following a revision of the initial Action Plan approved in 2018, taking into account actions that had been completed since then.

The actions included in the draft 2025 Action Plan are set for completion by 2030 and aim to achieve at the following main outcomes:

• Reduction of the contribution from fishing vessels to marine plastic litter.

• Reduction of shipping’s contribution to marine plastic litter.

•  Enhanced public awareness, education and seafarer training.

•  Improvement of the effectiveness of port reception facilities and treatment in reducing marine plastic litter.

• Improved understanding of the contribution of ships to marine plastic litter.

• Strengthened international cooperation.

The Sub-Committee updated the timeframes for the expected completion of the actions, grouping them according to short-, mid-, long-term and continuous actions.

Carriage of plastic pellets* by sea

The draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships includes a dedicated action for the development of mandatory measures to reduce the environmental risks of plastic pellets transported by sea in freight containers.

To inform future discussions on the legal framework for introducing such measures, the Sub-Committee developed a table outlining various considerations, including advantages, limitations and impacts relating to possible amendments to mandatory instruments linked to the carriage of plastic pellets by sea.

PPR 12 outcomes

Other important outcomes from the Sub-Committee meeting include:

•  Draft Guidance on in-water cleaning of ships’ biofouling agreed.

• Draft 2025 Guidelines on selective catalytic reduction systems approved.

• Draft Interim guidance on the carriage of blends of biofuels and MARPOL Annex I cargoes by conventional bunker ships agreed.

To read the full meeting summary for PPR 12 readers are invited to use the link here:
Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12), 27-31 January 2025

* Otherwise known as nurdles, the raw material used to make plastic products from water bottles, to carrier bags and polystyrene foam and much more.

An IMO info sheet on the material is available here

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MSC launches iReefer: Revolutionizing remote monitoring for temperature-controlled cargo

Africa Ports & Ships

MSC has unveiled a cutting-edge container monitoring system, iReefer, designed to offer real-time tracking for temperature-sensitive shipments. The innovative solution, available now, promises to give exporters unprecedented control over their reefer cargo, allowing them to monitor shipments’ temperature, humidity, and location from anywhere in the world.

The iReefer system is available 24/7 through MSC’s myMSC eBusiness platform or via API, making it easier than ever for businesses to access critical data about their temperature-controlled shipments. This system offers detailed insights that can help customers optimise decision-making processes and improve supply chain management.

Starting with the iReefer Essential package, which is available today, MSC is offering three different tiers to suit diverse customer needs. Beginning 1 March, exporters will be able to upgrade to iReefer Pro or iReefer Ultimate, which offers even deeper integration, including direct API connection to a customer’s existing systems.

The benefits of iReefer are significant. Real-time monitoring reduces risks related to spoilage and damage, increasing cargo security and helping businesses react swiftly to potential issues. Predictive analytics and data-driven insights improve overall supply chain efficiency, while ensuring optimal conditions for sensitive cargo.

Further highlighting MSC’s leadership in the reefer cargo sector, the company transports more than 1 million reefer containers each year and maintains one of the world’s most advanced reefer fleets. With more than 1,000 reefer experts across the globe, MSC has been at the forefront of temperature-controlled logistics, continuously enhancing its services to meet the growing demands of the global market.

As part of their ongoing commitment to innovation, MSC showcased the iReefer solution at last week’s Fruit Logistica in Berlin. Attendees were able to visit MSC’s booth for a live presentation on how iReefer can transform the way exporters manage their reefer shipments.

For more information on the iReefer packages, visit www.msc.com/ireefer

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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