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AFRICA PORTS & SHIPS MARITIME NEWS 25 DECEMBER 2024

25th December 2024 Terry Hutson Current & Older News, Uncategorized

BRINGING YOU SHIPPING, FREIGHT, TRADE AND TRANSPORT RELATED NEWS OF INTEREST FOR
AFRICA SINCE 2002









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


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL READERS

TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS

Newsweek commencing 18 December 2024.  Click on headline to go direct to story:
use the BACK key to return.  


FIRST VIEW:   AFRICA MERCY

 * APM Terminals Expands MedPort Tangier Capacity to 5.2 Million TEUs
 * SASTUNA Secures MSC Certification for Southern Africa Albacore Fishery
 * Antarctic iceberg A23a afloat again
 * South Africa receiving a growing number of visiting foreign naval vessels
 * Vale tests wind energy on one of world’s largest ore carriers
 * World Shipping Council Elects New Leadership
 * No Christmas MMIPV for the Navy
 * Dust, more dust: Saharan dust affects the Canary Islands, Spain
 * Bears starting to roar in the car carrier market
 * Managing Maritime Risks: Stowaways and Rescued People at Sea
 * South African Albacore Tuna Fishery secures global MSC certification for
   sustainability
 * Port Elizabeth tanker berth back in business
 * Transnet Port Terminals’ quayside performance shines through recommissioned
   conveyor belt
 * Mayotte disaster
 * Cyclone Chido downgraded after bringing devastation to Mayotte
 * Dumping of wastes at sea: Kenya advances efforts to curb
 * Red Sea tensions: 4 scholars explain what’s at stake for global trade
   and security
 * FFS Tank Terminals lines up to operate Port of Cape Town’s Liquid Bulk
   Terminal
 * WHARF TALK: luxury cruise ship – AZAMARA QUEST
 * MENA: Training on assessment, examination and certification of seafarers
 * SA Agulhas II prepares for annual South African National Antarctic Expedition
   (SANAE) relief voyage
 * Madagascar: Casualty investigation and reporting
 * South African government suspends mineral transport to Maputo port
 * Tropical cyclone warning for northern Madagascar and Mozambique Channel

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

Africa Ports & Ships


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MASTHEAD:  PORT OF CAPE TOWN

STAY WELL, STAY SAFE, STAY PATIENT, DON’T BECOME ONE

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Africa Ports & Ships


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FIRST VIEW:  AFRICA MERCY

AFRICA MERCY arriving in Durban on Wednesday 18 December 2024 ex Toamasina for
layover.  Pictures by Carol Malley AFRICA MERCY arriving in Durban on Wednesday
18 December 2024 ex Toamasina for layover.  Pictures by Carol Malley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Africa Ports & Ships


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News continues below

APM Terminals Expands MedPort Tangier Capacity to 5.2 Million TEUs

MedPort Tangier capacity expanded to 5.2 million TEUs. Picture: APM Terminals

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Added 23 December 2024


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News continues below

SASTUNA Secures MSC Certification for Southern Africa Albacore Fishery

Africa Ports & Ships

SASTUNA members with Andrew Gordon of MSC Picture: MSC

Durban, 23 December 2024: The Southern Africa Sustainable Tuna Association
(SASTUNA), representing the South African albacore tuna pole and line fishery,
has achieved the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable
fishing. This certification was granted after a rigorous six-month assessment by
SCS Global Services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Added 23 December 2024


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Antarctic iceberg A23a afloat again

Image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery ©

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

With a surface area of almost 3,500 square kilometres and a thickness of 400
metres, A23a is the largest iceberg in the world.

After calving from the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf in West Antarctica in 1986, the
iceberg was stuck on the floor of the Antarctic Ocean for over 30 years.
However, it has recently started to move again, drifting northward towards the
southern Atlantic Ocean.

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

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

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

Added 23 December 2024


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South Africa receiving a growing number of visiting foreign naval vessels

INS Trishul, the Indian Navy frigate on her visit to Durban, June 2023. Picture
by Trevor Jones

by Guy Martin
defenceWeb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Added 23 December 2024


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News continues below

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

Sohar Max with Anemoi rotor sails fitted for the ship’s voyage from China to
Brazil. Picture credit: Vale

Africa Ports & Ships

Durban, 23 December 2024 – The Valemax Sohar Max (IMO 9565065), one of the
world’s largest ore carriers equipped with a wind propulsion system, has
successfully completed its maiden voyage from China to the Port of Tubarão,
Brazil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Added 23 December 2024


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World Shipping Council Elects New Leadership



Africa Ports & Ships

Durban, 23 December 2024 – The World Shipping Council (WSC) Board of Directors
has appointed Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new
Chair, and Randy Chen, Vice Chairman of Wan Hai Lines, as Vice Chair. Their
two-year term starts immediately.

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

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


SHORT BIOS:

Soren Toft

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

Randy Chen

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

Added 23 December 2025


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No Christmas MMIPV for the Navy


SAS King Sekhukhune 1, the SA Navy’s first multi-mission inshore patrol vessel
(MMIPV) on Durban Bay, together with early morning rower Josh Meij. Picture
Celia Meij

defenceWeb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Added 22 December 2024


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

Picture: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery ©.

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

Added 22 December 2024


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Bears starting to roar in the car carrier market

An influx of large newbuilds, including the 9,100-car Hoegh Aurora delivered to
Norway’s Höegh Autoliners….., shown here making her recent maiden visit to the
port of Durban. Picture: Keith Betts

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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


MILLION CARS IN CONTAINERS

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

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

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

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

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


VOLATILITY

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

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

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

Added 20 December 2024


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Managing Maritime Risks: Stowaways and Rescued People at Sea

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the publication here

Added 20 December 2024


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South African Albacore Tuna Fishery secures global MSC certification for
sustainability

Pole tuna boats in South Africa’s Hout Bay harbour. Picture – Marine Stewardship
Council (MSC)

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Added 20 December 2024


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Port Elizabeth tanker berth back in business

Port Elizabeth tanker berth, repaired and back in service. Picture: TNPA

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

The cost of diesel and paraffin were also affected.

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

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Transnet Port Terminals’ quayside performance shines through recommissioned
conveyor belt

The rehabilitated conveyor belt linking Grindrod’s Navitrade terminal with the
quayside at Richards Bay. Picture: Navitrade/Grindrod

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

Added 19 December 2024


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Mayotte disaster

Picture credit: European Union, Copernicus Emergency Management Service Data ©

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

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

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

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

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

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

More information is available on the CEMS website here

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Cyclone Chido downgraded after bringing devastation to Mayotte

The Comores Group including Mayotte, & Mozambique Channel. Map courtesy Ian
Macky PAT copyright free maps: Comores

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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


MAYOTTE

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

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

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

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

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


COMOROS

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

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

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Dumping of wastes at sea: Kenya advances efforts to curb

Picture: IMO ©

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships

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

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


BROAD REPRESENTATION

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


A LEGAL FRAMEWORK

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

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


KMA HOST + UK GOVT SUPPORT + IMO’S ITCP

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


FOR MORE BACKGROUND

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

Added 16 December 2024


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


AFRICA PORTS & SHIPS


KAGURE GACHECHE, THE CONVERSATION

The Red Sea region is a geopolitical hotspot. It holds strategic maritime
importance as a global trade transit route and plays a crucial role in the
broader region’s security and economic stability.

Various actors are vying for influence in this important region. They include
Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, the US and Italy, which
have set up military bases. Insecurity in the Red Sea region has a ripple effect
on the cost of global trade. These military bases are intended to protect oil
and merchant shipping.

With the interests at play here, the Red Sea basin has become an arena for
complex global relations. This was especially evident following an early 2024
agreement between landlocked Ethiopia and the breakaway state of Somaliland to
grant Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea. The agreement, which Somalia saw as an
affront, has had huge implications that continue to play out. It sparked
agreements that led to new alliances – but also tested old ones.

As local and foreign interests collide, new dynamics are shaping the region’s
politics. The Conversation Africa has, over the years, worked with a range of
academics to help readers understand the effects of these shifting alliances.
Here are some of their insights.


ETHIOPIA-SOMALILAND AGREEMENT

On 1 January 2024, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland president
Muse Bihi Abdi announced a plan to give landlocked Ethiopia access to the
Somaliland coastline for 50 years. In exchange, Ethiopia would consider
supporting Somaliland’s quest for international recognition as a sovereign
state. Somalia, which lays claim to Somaliland, declared the agreement an act of
aggression. The deal – and the subsequent international opposition it drew –
illustrate the complex web of alliances and rivalries shaping the region’s
politics, as Aleksi Ylönen explains.

Somaliland’s borders




THE HOUTHI THREAT

Early January also highlighted the global impact of insecurity in the Red Sea
region. Houthi militia, who are Yemen-based rebels, became one of the Red Sea
basin’s most pressing security threats. The rebels claimed to be targeting
Israeli-linked vessels to protest against Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
However, Saudi ships were the biggest casualty of their attacks. These attacks
underscored the persistent insecurity in one of the world’s most strategic
waterways. Addressing this, security analyst Burak Şakir Şeker suggests,
requires a coordinated international response.


TURKEY IN SOMALI WATERS

In response to the Houthi threat and other security threats in the region,
Turkey has deepened its involvement in Somalia. Ankara announced a new defence
agreement with Mogadishu in February 2024. Under the terms of the deal, Turkey
would provide military aid and training to help Somalia protect its waters from
piracy and illegal fishing. But, as international relations professor Federico
Donelli explains, the agreement is just part of Turkey’s long-term strategic
investment in the region. The maritime defence engagement supports Ankara’s
broader foreign policy strategy to gain greater autonomy in global politics.

The Red Sea basin




BALANCING ACT

Turkey’s growing engagement in Somalia has strained its historical ties with
Ethiopia. Ethiopia, already navigating the fallout from its agreement with
Somaliland, views the maritime developments with Mogadishu as a potential
threat. Ethiopia and Turkey have had cordial ties since the early 20th century
and drew closer in recent years as both battled criticism from the west over
domestic policies. History scholar Michael Bishku explains that Turkey’s ties
with Ethiopia are largely economic, while those with Somalia are sentimental.
Navigating the different interests in the region calls for a delicate balancing
act.

Such local and global power plays underscore the Red Sea’s geopolitical
importance, with economic and political interests fuelling cooperation and
tension. Ultimately, the region’s stability – or lack thereof – has far-reaching
consequences for global trade, security and politics.

Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa, The Conversation

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

Added 16 December 2024


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

Port of Cape Town Liquid Bulk Terminal. Picture courtesy TNPA

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WHARF TALK: luxury cruise ship – AZAMARA QUEST

The luxury passenger cruise ship Azamara Quest has arrived on the South African
coast for a series of six coastal cruises. On 8 December she began this cruise
season from Cape Town. Picture is by ‘Dockrat’

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’ 
Story by Jay Gates

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

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

Azamara Quest. Cape Town, 8 December 2024. Picture by ‘Dockrat’

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

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

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

Added 13 December 2024


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MENA: Training on assessment, examination and certification of seafarers

Picture: IMO ©

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

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

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


IMO MODEL COURSES

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

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


ASPECTS CONSIDERED

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

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

* Selection of assessment methodologies.

* Organization of assessments.

* Issue and control of certificates.


BROAD REPRESENTATION

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


UPDATING OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES

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


IMO’S ITCP

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


UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION

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

Added 13 December 2024


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

SA Agulhas II, the South African research and Antarctic supply ship, Durban
2017.        Picture by Trevor Jones

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

Added 13 December 2024


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Madagascar: Casualty investigation and reporting

Picture: IMO ©

Edited by Paul Ridgway 
Africa Ports & Ships
London

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

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


ENHANCING SAFETY

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

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


BROAD RANGE OF TOPICS

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


THE ROLE OF MARINE CASUALTY INVESTIGATOR

* Obligations of the flag State.

* Mandatory standards.

* Identification of risks.

* Human element.

* Analysis and reporting.


MEMBER STATE’S AUDIT

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

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

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

Added 13 December 2024


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News continues below

South African government suspends mineral transport to Maputo port

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


ESWATINI SUGAR EXPORTS AFFECTED

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

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

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

Added 12 December 2024


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News continues below

Tropical cyclone warning for northern Madagascar and Mozambique Channel

Cyclone Chido. Warning map courtesy JTWC

Africa Ports & Ships

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

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

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

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

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

Added 03:30, 12 December 2024


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GENERAL NEWS REPORTS


UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY


IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – APO





FAMINE SPREADS IN SUDAN AS WARRING PARTIES WILLFULLY OBSTRUCT AID

Language: en | Date: 2024-12-24 18:53:00

Famine Review Committee Finds Famine ongoing in North Darfur, Nuba Mountains


FOOD AND NUTRITION CRISIS DEEPENS ACROSS SUDAN AS FAMINE IDENTIFIED IN
ADDITIONAL AREAS

Language: en | Date: 2024-12-24 14:22:14

WFP and UNICEF urge immediate humanitarian access and action to avert what could
become the worst hunger crisis in recent history


ERITREA: EFFORT TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN GASH BARKA REGION

Language: en | Date: 2024-12-24 12:24:34

Approximately 8,700 cubic meters of dry organic fertilizer and 50,000 liters of
liquid fertilizer were distributed, and about 1.1 million quintals of vegetables
and fruits have been supplied to markets


GERMANY SUPPORTS NUTRITION AND SELF-RELIANCE FOR REFUGEES IN UGANDA

Language: en | Date: 2024-12-24 12:20:28

The contribution will enable WFP to provide food assistance to new arrivals and
the most vulnerable refugees, while supporting self-reliance activities


GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY APPROVES $68 MILLION FOR AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS

Language: en | Date: 2024-12-24 11:55:21

With FAO’s support, 22 countries access financing to address biodiversity loss,
land degradation, climate change, and pollution

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Distributed by APO Group

More Shipping News at https://africaports.co.za/category/News/


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“MAY YOUR CHRISTMAS BE MERRY AND YOUR NEW YEAR A HAPPY TIME.”


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Port Louis – Indian Ocean gateway port

AFRICA PORTS & SHIPS PUBLISHES REGULARLY UPDATED SHIP MOVEMENT REPORTS INCLUDING
ETAS FOR PORTS EXTENDING FROM WEST AFRICA TO SOUTH AFRICA TO EAST AFRICA AND
INCLUDING PORT LOUIS IN MAURITIUS.

IN THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S CONTAINER PORTS OF DURBAN, NGQURA, PORTS ELIZABETH
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News continues below


CRUISE NEWS AND NAVAL ACTIVITIES


QM2 in Cape Town. Picture by Ian Shiffman

We publish news about the cruise industry here in the general news section.


NAVAL NEWS



Similarly you can read our regular Naval News reports and stories here in the
general news section.


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Don’t forget to send us your news and press releases for inclusion in the News
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TOTAL CARGO HANDLED BY TONNES DURING OCTOBER 2024, INCLUDING CONTAINERS BY
WEIGHT

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

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





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

Terry Hutson
Africa MercyAnemoiAntarctic iceberg A23aAPM TerminalsAzamara QuestCanary
IslandsCyclone ChidoFFS Tank TerminalsGrindrod Navitrae terminalHout BayLebombo
Brder crossingMadagascarManaging StowawaysMaputoMayotteMedPort
TangierMENAMozambique ChannelPort of Richards BayRed Sea tensionsSA Albacore
Tuna FisherySA GovtSahara DesertSAN MMIPVSASTUNASohar MaxSoren ToftTropical
Cyclone ChidoValeWorld Shipping Council


POST NAVIGATION

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