MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
NEWS ROUND-UP FEBRUARY 2020
INSIDE PORTS Cargo handling up 8% for Port of Maputo Proposed liquid bulk terminal fails to attract customer base New tug boats for Ghana New cruise terminal welcomes first ship MARINE ENGINEERING First in class launched in Cape Town Preserving maritime heritage to boost tourism TRAINING Generosity saves slipway Maritime high schools for maritime careers - a subject for debate SHIPPING Maritime acquisition given go-ahead PEOPLE & EVENTS SAMSA briefs stakeholders at annual function New general manager for Hytec 2020 VISION Odwa Mtati Dumisani Ntuli FISHING Corona virus upsets lobster market OIL & GAS Offshore drilling activity due to increase after acquisition BLUE ECONOMY Maritime fund on the cards Africa’s maritime authorities meet in Ghana
The first model of a new multipurpose vessel was launched this month at a naming ceremony by Nautic Africa, a subsidiary of Paramount Maritime Holdings and Paramount Group; the African-based global aerospace and technology company. - see page 2 for more details. PUBLISHED BY: More Maximum Media PO BOX 3842 | Durbanville | 7550 | Cape Town | South Africa | Tel: +27 21 914 1157
MARINE ENGINEERING
TRAINING
First in class launched in Cape Town
Generosity saves slipway SOUTH AFRICA: The 44-year old slipway at the TS Woltemade Sea Cadet base in Lakeside, Cape Town was recently refurbished thanks to a sizeable donation from the original builders of the facility, the Reiman family. Despite initiating repairs to the slipway over the years, the soil under the slipway had become eroded and the wheels of the dollies carrying the Saldanha dinghies, built at the unit and used for pulling and sail training, dropped off the lip. This resulted in the Sea Cadets struggling to retrieve their boats and an operation far beyond their capacity. Reaching out to Bart Reiman in Namibia, Adm (JG) (Ret) Koos Louw, Chairman of the Sea Cadet Board, described the state of the slipway and Reiman kindly made a sum available for the refurbishment. Contractors, GMC Diving & Marine Civil, also stepped up to ensure the success of the project by contributing to the costs associated with the upgrade of the facilities. The reconstruction included placing new concrete slabs for a reconstructed slipway and repairs to the jetty. This was undertaken by divers. Impressed by the Sea Cadets passion, commitment, discipline, seamanship training and skills, GMC donated the full cost of the work to the organisation.
SOUTH AFRICA: The first model of a new multi-purpose vessel was launched this month at a naming ceremony by Nautic Africa, a subsidiary of Paramount Maritime Holdings and Paramount Group; the African-based global aerospace and technology company. Working in the oil and gas sector, the MV Khajan will be operate out of Nigeria for Hadnuvo Marine. She is fully compliant to the naval and oil and gas (O&G) industries operating on the waters of the African continent and beyond, and offers a platform that has been optimised for peak coastal operation performance, mobility and security. The 2020 35m Sentinel offers offers a range of 1150 nm at 20 knots and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 28 knots thanks to three CAT C32 ACERT D-rated engines and propellers. The vessel offers STANAG Level 1 ballistic protection (Wheelhouse STANAG11, Deck-house STANAG 111), complete with its lifesaving ‘Super Shield’ composite wheel-
house structure as well as an internally clad main deck to a height of 2m; in order to provide significant ballistic support from AK-47 gunfire. With both the wheelhouse and main deck ballistic protected, the highest levels of safety are ensured for the full crew, security personnel and passengers on board.
Bart Reiman, who was a Sea Cadet at the time of the construction of the slipway in 1976, attended the opening of the refurbished slipway which coincided with the recent TS Woltemade Prizegiving Parade. Article submitted by Lt Cdr Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserves
Coupled with a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), A2 Compliant Communication and S-Band Radar, X-Band Radar navigation technologies, the 35m Sentinel 2020 model has been designed to tackle a diverse array of missions, including rapid response, crew transport, supply vessel, fire-fighting, patrol and deployable rapid interception operations.
SHIPPING
from South Africa and East Africa.
Maritime acquisition given the go-ahead
The Commission also found that as a direct result of the proposed transaction, the countervailing power of customers on the East Africa route will be reduced as two of the main players will be part of the same group after the merger.
SOUTH AFRICA: The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the proposed acquisition of Ignasio Messina & CS and RORO Italia Srl (IM) by Marinvest Srl without conditions.
“The 2020 35m Sentinel ushers in a new era of capability, excellence and performance, both for Nautic Africa and for Hadnuvo Marine Ltd, one of Nigeria’s leading vessel operators,” says Paramount Maritime Holdings CEO, James Fisher.
Marinvest is a holding company and as such does not have any activities. Marinvest operates through the MSC Group, a global maritime transport company. Of relevance to the proposed transaction is the cargo maritime transport (container-liner services) activities of MSC. In South Africa, IM’s activities are limited to container-liner services and Roll-On Roll-Off (RO-RO) shipping services.
“West Africa faces accumulative challenges in meeting maritime security demands, including facing threats of (illegal) oil bunkering and piracy across regionally-diverse threats. These crises are only increasing on our continent in tempo. It is therefore our privilege to work alongside Hadnuvo Marine in launching a solution we view as the culmination of our dedication to creating bespoke deterrents to those threats that would compromise the potential of our ‘Blue Economies’, from the Gulf of Guinea, to across West Africa and elsewhere. Only together, with a united response and a commitment to perpetual innovation, can we help address what are today asymmetrical, transnational threats.” Mr Fisher stated.
The Commission found that the proposed transaction is likely to result in unilateral effects as the merging parties have high market shares and are each other’s closest competitors in the market for the provision of container liner shipping services to/
Notwithstanding these findings, the Commission noted that failing the approval of the transaction, IM might stop operating. In light of the above, the Commission approved the transaction subject to certain behavioural conditions which are meant to remedy the unilateral effects likely to arise from the merger. The conditions include a structural separation between the MSC and IM businesses in South Africa, such that the two businesses will continue to be run separately with independent strategic and marketing decisions in relation to South Africa.
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News Roundup
2 FEBRUARY 2020
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EDUCATION
Maritime high schools for maritime careers – a subject for debate Are maritime high schools the best way to prepare South Africa’s young people for maritime careers and develop local skills for the oceans economy? The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) takes up the debate and considers lessons that can be learnt from the model of the 25-year-old Lawhill Maritime Centre at Simon’s Town School. By Odwa Mtati, CEO of South African International Maritime Institute CEO, with assistance of Brian Ingpen, Lawhill Maritime Academy.
this combination might be. What is clear to the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) though, from our involvement in supporting some of the new maritime high schools, is that providing quality education in this highly specialised area takes clarity of vision and purpose; a structured approach and thorough planning; willingness of all parties to learn, and a coordinated effort that involves the maritime industry as well as the education authorities working together towards a mutually beneficial goal.
constant pipeline of new talent, for sustainability and to feed potential growth.
to learn – at the uncompromisingly high standards required particularly by the shipping industry.
On the other hand, some argue that simply creating more maritime schools is not a solution in itself; that there aren’t enough properly trained and qualified, knowledgeable and experienced educators to teach these subjects effectively and lead successful implementation of maritime education at high school level. And further, that while there are individual success stories, the shipping sector’s employment opportunities aren’t wide enough to absorb the products of these schools.
A number of factors provide reasons: the subjects are in their infancy in the designated schools, there may be a lack of equipment and teaching materials, learners may be finding the maritime context too unfamiliar or lack practical exposure to the maritime environment while at school. But the key gap is seen as a lack of thorough teaching in the maritime subjects. In general, educators are being expected to make the shift to teaching maritime economics and nautical science with very little experience or exposure to the maritime world themselves.
The argument follows that attention should rather be placed on creating maritime awareness through practical initiatives – a mix of recreational, educational and community-focused activities – and media content targeted at the youth: engaging, shareable, informative, and highlighting the broad spectrum of the maritime world in all its interesting and diverse possibilities.
Offering learners the opportunity to take maritime subjects to matric was intended to raise awareness of The solution to growing the pool of the oceans economy, its diversity skilled people needed for a thriving and myriad career opportunities, oceans economy – be they seafaropening new study and career ers, engineers, artisans, lawyers, pathways for the youth. The logic fishers, educators or scientists being that growing and localising – may lie in some combination of the oceans economy requires a widmaritime awareness programmes er and deeper skills pool; and that and formal maritime school existing players in the South African education. There isn’t yet a perfect Ad 138x105 print C.pdf 1 2019/11/21 19:51 maritime economy need a reliably solution or correct answer to what
The new wave of maritime high schools In the wake of government’s Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy initiative aimed at kick-starting growth in this arena, several high schools around the country were designated as maritime focus schools and began offering the two existing maritime school subjects of Maritime Economics and Nautical Science. The new subject of Marine Sciences was piloted for Grade 10 in 2019, at three Western Cape schools, and is being implemented this year – a welcome addition that broadens maritime career options. Brand-new maritime high schools are also on the cards: The Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) issued a request for proposals in December 2019 for the planning and construction of a new maritime focus school in the Umlazi district of KwaZulu-Natal. Providing the specialist maritime programme over three years from grades 10 to 12 requires quality teaching and learning – led by enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experienced educators – so that learners have a fair chance of passing these subjects in the National Senior Certificate examinations and are able to apply with confidence for suitable vacancies within the shipping industry or for tertiary studies in any number of maritime-related fields. However, the new wave of maritime schools have yet to reach their stride. Many candidates do not perform well in the examinations, while others might pass but emerge lacking a grasp of the “softer skills” – positive attitude, work ethic, integrity, self-discipline, willingness
4 FEBRUARY 2020
The will is certainly there – the Department of Basic Education and the relevant provincial education departments support the roll-out of the maritime subjects and the establishment of maritime high schools. SAIMI, along with agencies such as the Transport Education & Training Authority (TETA), the National Sea Rescue institute (NSRI) and the General Botha Old Boys’ Bursary Fund, and companies such as AMSOL, are partnering with some maritime high schools and collaborating with education authorities to support the schools. Current initiatives include partnerships to publish and supply textbooks, supplying equipment and learning and teaching resources, funding maritime education courses and offering workshops for teachers, and extra lessons and holiday camps for learners. The question is – are these initiatives sufficient to boost the quality of maritime learning and teaching at these schools? And would efforts and resources not be better applied to bringing existing maritime high schools up to par, rather than continuing to designate more maritime schools? Maritime un-awareness To a large extent, educators and learners are in the same unfamiliar boat, due to South Africa’s decline as a maritime nation, lacking in a maritime culture, exposure to the maritime industry and awareness of the oceans environment. This is the result of many factors, including: Remoteness from the sea – in rural areas, both inland and at the coast, and even for those who live in a coastal or port city but have no easy transport to the sea or to the harbour. The decline of the once-thriving local shipping sector, especially after the sale of Safmarine to foreign owners in 1999 – resulting in less awareness of the maritime sector as a route to career and business opportu-
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA nities. The closure of commercial ports to the public following the introduction of the ISPS Code, with little thought given to allocating areas open to the public for recreation or viewing of shipping and cargo activity, which would contribute to stimulating interest in the maritime world. In that regard, the airline industry has stolen a march on the maritime industry. Every airport has public viewing areas from which aircraft take-offs and landings, and activities on the apron, can clearly be seen – no doubt developing an interest in many a young future airplane pilot. Similarly, as air travel has replaced sea travel, few young people get the opportunity to travel by sea or visit the harbour to meet or see off relatives and friends – an experience that can spark and shape future interests. And while the broad scope of the oceans and related industries have much to offer in terms of interests, recreation and careers, there is a lack of maritime-themed books, TV programmes, movies, superheroes and anti-heroes and other media content with youth appeal. Employment prospects – bad news, and good news Although a steady number of successful learners do decide to embark on maritime careers, others who have also done well instead change their career options away from the maritime environment. While the oceans economy offers a wide variety of career options, much focus falls on shipping and some grand designs for South Africa to offer a pool of skilled seafarers to the global industry. In reality, the targeted numbers of Operation Phakisa are not being achieved, and employment opportunities in the shipping industry have not lived up to expectations. Amongst other reasons, including general global economic considerations, there is a shortage of training berths for cadets and a shortage of positions for junior officers, particularly since Maersk Line’s announcement that it would no longer employ South African cadets or junior officers. Seeing their older classmates unable to get berths in ships despite even qualifying as deck or engineering officers, a number of bright young people change their career options away from seafaring. Maritime employment opportunities for young South Africans have also been negatively impacted by: The decline in the local ships’ register – especially after the sale of Safmarine and other shipowners leaving the South
African registry when government failed to enact legislation favourable to attracting shipowners to the local flag and facilitating local ship-owning. Attractive conditions for ship-owning can lead to more shipping activities in South Africa, opening up more career opportunities, but the decline in the ships’ register has closed this avenue. Safmarine and Unicorn once employed over 2,000 seafarers and hundreds of people ashore. A very different scenario is evident today. The swing towards the employment of Asian and East European officers and crews at the expense of South Africans, the traditional recruits of Safmarine and Unicorn. (This also applies to vessels recently flagged in South Africa, and even to some on charter to parastatal South African operations.)
through high school with no exposure to the maritime sector and stumbled upon their future careers almost by accident. If maritime high schools are to be the enablers of more young people finding their future careers in the maritime world by purpose rather than by accident, then they need to focus closely on – and be properly equipped for – what it takes to achieve success in maritime education. Learning from experience As South Africa’s first, and for a long time only, maritime high school, Lawhill has a story to tell that can provide useful pointers towards a model for maritime education at school level. The origin lies in a 1995 pilot project partnership of Simon’s Town School and Safmarine to foster maritime awareness and prepare learners for careers at sea and in the shipping industry ashore. Marking its 25th anniversary this year, Lawhill has since led scores of young South Africans into worthwhile maritime careers, many of them from rural areas, financially disadvantaged backgrounds and with little previous exposure to the sea or the maritime industry.
Employment opportunities for local seafarers are also reduced by the chartering of foreign-flagged vessels (with foreign crews) to carry coastal cargoes, such as the coastal movement of petroleum products and container shipments. A similar situation applies to major mineral exports (especially coal, iron ore and manganese) and to the import of crude oil.
The initial partnership with Safmarine set the stage for one of Lawhill’s key success factors – the ongoing practical and financial involvement of leading maritime industry players, from corporates to philanthropists such as the TK Foundation, authorities such as SAMSA and Transnet, and non-profit organisations such as the General Botha Old Boys’ Bursary Fund, SAMTRA and the Master Mariners Society.
All is not gloomy, though. New opportunities may open for maritime-related careers, such as the superyacht sector where an increasing number of South Africans are employed. In addition, the Southern African offshore sector is poised for growth via the Mozambique gas-field, as well as the various potential oil- and gas-fields now being examined. Among these is the Brulpadda gas-field south-west of Mossel Bay where, if its promise becomes reality, a new economic boom could be unleashed, With that will come the need for offshore services that include the initial installation of undersea pipelines, as well as the vessels needed to service the offshore facilities.
The first maritime subject syllabi were developed in 1996 by a committee drawn from the shipping industry and tertiary maritime training institutions, with a view to practical application and narrowing the gap from school to further education and training. (Similarly, the curriculum for the new Marine Sciences curriculum was developed in a partnership of the Two Oceans Aquarium education team and the Department of Basic Education.)
A formula for success? Despite the difficulties, there are good news stories. A young man who once herded livestock in rural Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape became the first Lawhill alumnus to obtain his Unlimited Master’s Certificate. Four more have followed in his wake to this highest global maritime qualification.
Today, a number of long-standing relationships add value to the school’s ability to offer a well-rounded maritime education, helping to provide facilities, equipment and experiences that are often beyond the means of most school budgets because of the high cost of sea-based activities and advanced technology used in the maritime industry.
Thanks to Operation Phakisa and gradually rising awareness of opportunities in the maritime sector, such stories of young people whose rise out of poverty has come via maritime education are becoming more commonplace. Some of them emanate from Lawhill, some went
The education programme includes regular exposure to the maritime industry through mentoring and practical experiences, guest lectures, site visits and tours, opportunities for learners to participate
5 FEBRUARY 2020
in training voyages, attend local and international exhibitions and conferences, as well as extra-mural activities such as sailing, rowing and water safety. Partner organisations also provide support such as bursaries, educational camps and workshops for learners, and funding for equipment and teaching and learning resources. Other factors that have played a role include the provision of boarding accommodation, enabling access for learners whose homes are far from Cape Town, and while Lawhill is a specialised centre it is still part of a public school rather than being a stand-alone institution. Lawhill has volumes of stories to tell about the achievements of its past pupils, and has been globally recognised for the success of its maritime education model – from the Lloyd’s List Salute to Youth and Training Award, received in 1999 in London, to the Seatrade Award for Maritime Education and Training for Asia, Middle East and Africa, awarded in Dubai in 2018. Careful planning and curriculum development with involvement of the maritime industry and tertiary maritime institutions; taking industry needs into account in the education programme and having ongoing and close industry involvement in the school; and securing the services of knowledgeable, energetic and hands-on experienced educators – these are the key elements of a formula that can be applied to achieve success in the new wave of maritime high schools.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON SPECIALISED MARITIME SCHOOLS? We will be continuing this debate in the first issue the printed version of Maritime Review Africa and welcome your input on this debate:
Should we be investing in specialised maritime schools or not? Send your thoughts to: editor@maritimesa.co.za
PORTS
MARINE ENGINEERING
Cargo handling up 8% for Port of Maputo
Preserving maritime heritage to boost tourism
happy with the work that has been done to restore the two vessels. She added that refurbishing the two grand old ladies of the sea was not a job to be rushed.
SOUTH AFRICA: Two grand old ladies of the Durban Maritime Museum will once again take up their rightful places at the popular tourist destination on the city’s esplanade after undergoing a much-needed refurbishment on Southern African Shipyards’ dry-docks in Durban.
MOZAMBIQUE: The volumes handled by the Port of Maputo reached 21 million tons in 2019, breaking the 2018 record of 19.5 million tons. This eight percent growth is mainly based on the chrome handling and a substantial growth in container handling and magnetite. Of the total volumes handled, chrome has been responsible for 30%, being that 6.4 million tons of this mineral cargo has been transported by road (82% of the total chrome transported to the port). Nevertheless, the joint effort of Mozambican rail company CFM, South-African rail company TFR and the Port of Maputo continues to pave the way for an improved rail handling efficiency and a more balanced ratio between road and rail. On the other hand, and as a consequence of the container terminal expansion and an aggressive market strategy, the container traffic has had a considerable growth of 53% with regards to 2018, handling 162.000 TEUs. In 2020, with the completion of the berth rehabilitation project (first phase to be delivered in May 2020 and second phase in July 2020), it is foreseen an additional growth and increased efficiency in cargo
The JR More, a 59-year-old tug and the SAS Durban a wooden minesweeper from the same era underwent extensive refurbishment that included blasting and repainting of the tug and repair of damaged woodwork on the minesweeper.
handling. The rehabilitation will not only create berths with a draft of up to -16 meters, but it will improve the occupancy rate of berths by creating a larger mooring area.
MARCH 2020
SAS Durban is one of the last surviving ‘Ton’ class minesweepers developed originally for the Royal Navy and later introduced in several navies, including the South African Navy.
The work was undertaken under the watchful eye of the company’s Ship Repair Manager, Natashia Ramdhanee and her skilled staff of tradesmen. Ramdhanee said their client, the Durban Maritime Museum, are very
The acquisition of new handling equipment such as the two new mobile harbour cranes, payloaders, tractors, rail excavators, etc. contributed to the 2019 bulk cargo handling results. Paired with this, the Port has made progress in introducing innovation by implementing automated systems and a complete training centre (with simulators), which are already contributing to improve operational efficiencies and safety.
“After spending more time than we initially anticipated with the repairs we have now given them both new leases on life and they can once again take pride of place at the museum,” she added. The JR More was handed over to the museum in 1982. Soon after that, it was joined by the SAS Durban which was officially handed over to the museum by then Chief of the Navy, Vice- Admiral Glen Syndercomber in May 1988.
In addition, both vessels required extensive underwater repairs that to stop the ingress of water on various plates on their hulls.
One important note on the berth rehabilitation project as well as on the maintenance channel dredging that was initiated in the last quarter of 2019, was the involvement of engineering interns, young students who had the opportunity to actively participate in all stages of the works.
“We took our time refurbishing the ladies because of the delicacy of the vessels. We had to treat them like old ladies and with the respect they deserved,” Ramdhanee said.
SAS Durban was the first naval ship to be built specifically for the South African Navy, unlike the previous acquisitions that were transferred
MARCH 2020
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MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA from the Royal Navy. An estimated 120 of this type of wooden-hulled minesweepers were built with over 30 of those going to commonwealth countries. South Africa received the largest number – ten of which the first eight were transferred from the Royal Navy. SAS Durban and SAS Windhoek were ordered and built specifically for the SA Navy. SAS Durban was built by Camper and Nicholson of Gosport. Preserving the past Zamakhize Mkhize, the Boat Supervisor at the Durban Maritime Museum notes that older vessels such as the JR More and SAS Durban should be drydocked every three years to preserve them for longer. She said that the two vessels required extensive repairs to keep them safe for public use. Mkhize said the JR More and SAS Durban are important artefacts in Durban›s maritime history and that the vessels give the thousands of tourists who pass through the museum every year a glimpse into the past. “It’s important to know about your past. What has happened in the past affects how we approach the future,” she said.
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
“The JR More and SAS Durban are exhibits that display the olden day seafarer life at sea. This provides an interesting experience for modern seafarers to see how seafarers lived before on vessels. This brings the experience to life as you walk and explore the vessels.
SAMSA briefs stakeholders at annual function SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at the South African Maritime Safety Authority’s annual stakeholder engagement last night in Cape Town, Acting CEO, Sobantu Tilayi confirmed the Authority’s intention to entrench its position as a leading maritime authority on the continent and to help assert the industry’s growth potential.
“There is also a pirate room which excites children greatly. It’s full of treasure. It displays the way pirates lived before as well as the kind of diet they ate. “The exhibits at the Maritime Museum are an important window into maritime history. And every single exhibit is important. The public should come to the museum to learn about maritime history and to experience the feeling that comes with all the artefacts displayed,” she said.
Having taken up the secretariat of the African Association of Maritime Administrations (AAMA) at the 4th Executive Council meeting held in Ghana last week, Sobantu says that he aims to see a cohesive standard for training of seafarers as well as harmonisation of ships registry across administrations on the continent.
Mkhize said that among the displays at the museum that enthrals visitors is the 100-year-old uLundi. “This vessel and all the other artefacts onsite have a rich history which the public could learn from. The public should come to visit the museum not only to view uLundi or the JR More and SAS Durban but also to view all the other artefacts that have a very interesting history associated with them, like the NCS Challenger which is a vessel in which Anthony Steward sailed with around the world.”
“We need to guide regulatory initiatives that seek to harmonise legislation,” he said adding that a number of strategies highlighted in the 2050 AIMS strategy (Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy) need to be implemented.
“He made an epic voyage navigating the globe in an open vessel. The Britannia room is designed to display the maritime history in an exciting manner.
Touching on recent concerns surrounding South Africa’s inclusion on the STCW White List as well as the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI, Tilayi assured guests that both SAMSA and the Department of Transport (DoT) had prioritised these issues. (See our previous article on these topics)
“The museum also displays a bit of World War 2, there’s a statue of the Lady in White in the museum. the museum also caters for ship model lovers, we have a good collection of ship models as part of our exhibition,” she said.
Due to host the International Maritime Organisation’s official parallel event for International Maritime Day in October, SAMSA and DoT are already in preparation to receive dignitaries from around the world and particularly West Africa.
7 FEBRUARY 2020
13. How should we be addressing these challenges during 2020? By opening more opportunities to mentor youth across colour and gender. 14. How is the NDoT embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies? By embracing and doing catch up because the world is already ahead into it. 15. What changes do you anticipate in the maritime industry over the next two decades? South Africa will achieve the status of being an international maritime centre in Africa.
2020 Vision | Dumisani Ntuli
16. How relevant and effective do you think strategies such as Operation Phakisa, AIMS 50 and the African Maritime Decade are to help progress the continent’s Blue Economies (explain your answer)?
Name and Surname: Dumisani Theophilus Ntuli Organisation:
National Department of Transport (South Africa) (NDoT)
Current Position:
Chief Director for Policy and Legislation
Twitter handle:
@Dumsasa15
1. What qualifications do you have and from which institutions?
I am driven by the desire to make meaningful change.
I have (1) Honours in International Relations and (2) Masters in International Law from the London Metropolitan University (3) Master in Christian Theology from University of London (Heythrop College) and an (4) LLM Shipping Law from the University of Cape Town
7. What skill (business or pleasure) would you still like to master?
2. How long have you been working in the maritime industry? 20 years
As long as these programs or projects remain exclusive to governments, the chances of their success will be reduced by the level of involvement of all sectors of the economy especially the private sector. The longer the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter remains not in force there will always be the common temptation of starting new initiatives instead of pushing for the ratification and then coming into force of the charter.
To run a profitable business 8. Have you spent any time at sea during your career? No
17. How can African countries collaborate to collectively benefit from the Blue Economy?
9. What is your outlook for the maritime sector in 2020?
3. Are you a member of any professional associations?
I foresee consolidation of the gains of the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy.
Maritime Law Association of South Africa
10. What is your outlook for your NDoT in 2020?
4. How many years are you from retirement?
Stressed
By getting their priorities right. A very good example is partly what Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa are doing. The adoption of the CMTP in 2017 by South Africa has made the country focused and 2020 for us is the beginning of the CMTP decade which will deliver us to be an International Maritime Centre by 2030.
Nine years
11. What geographical markets is NDoT currently active in?
5. How would you describe your leadership style?
Global
18. If you could have a superhero power, what would it be?
12. What are the current challenges facing the maritime industry?
Ratify the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter and implement it.
Championing 6. What motivates/drives you in your daily work life?
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19. What would you like your legacy in the maritime industry to be?
Lack of champions.
For having revitalised maritime policy and legislation that enabled the growth and development of the sector post the deapartheidisation of South Africa’s maritime economic space.
DIGITAL
20. Please nominate another maritime leader that you would like us to include in our 2020 Vision series.
News Roundup
I will recommend Ms Nancy Karigithu of Kenya Maritime Authority and Ms Ipeleng Selele of Women in Maritime Africa.
Distributed at the end of every month, the Digital News Roundup will also be available for download from our website. CONTACT: editor@maritimesa.co.za
8 FEBRUARY 2020
FISHING
Corona virus upsets lobster market SOUTH AFRICA: Reacting to the sharp decline in exports as well as the export price for rock lobster, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has announced an extension of the season to support fishers. Both small and larger fishers had asked the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries to take remedial measures to support the industry, workers and small-scale fishers, who have been adversely affected. Ninety percent of all Rock Lobster is exported to China. “Following consultation with the sector last week, we have decided to extend the nearshore fishery in the Western Cape until June, and the Offshore and Northern Cape fisheries until September,” the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, said. The department has decided to extend the season in the hope that those most affected by the current drop in sales, will have time to make up for their losses. “This decision takes into account that the season in all these areas would automatically end once the 10% berried female threshold is reached,” Creecy said. An additional undertaking by the department has been to allow the amendment of permit conditions so that fishers in both the Western Cape Rock Lobster Association (WCRLA) and linefish sectors are able to land their catch over weekends. In such instances, Fishery Control Officers will be on site to monitor and record landings if this situation arises. Creecy said the department cannot consider granting a roll-over of uncaught lobster to the next season, but will factor in the under-catches into the assessment procedures used to set the 2020/21 Total Allowable Catch (TAC). A consultative meeting was held with stakeholders on 14 February following a request by the WCRLA to temporarily close down the season because trade with China had halted as a result of the Coronavirus epidemic. “There was no consensus at the meeting, as small-scale fishers believed that such a decision would interfere with their ability to fish for the domestic market. The Port Nolloth Co-operative has voluntarily suspended fishing until the situation improves,” the department said.
MARITIME REVIEW VESSELS | CREWING | AFRICA TRAINING OIL & GAS
Offshore drilling activity due to increase after acquisition SOUTH AFRICA: With a commitment to drill one well, Panoro Energy ASA (Panoro) has signed a farm out agreement with a subsidiary of Africa Energy Corp (AEC), part of the Lundin Group of Companies, which entails a wholly-owned subsidiary of Panoro acquiring a 12.5% interest in Block 2B located in the Orange Basin, offshore the west coast of South Africa.
farm-out whereby Azinam Limited will take a 50% share and operatorship in Block 2B.
The Block 2B Exploration Right is in the second exploration period, and an application has been filed for entry into the third two-year period, which includes a proposed commitment to drill one well by the end of the year.
Block 2B contains the A-J graben, a typical rift basin, similar to others in which major oil accumulations have been discovered by Africa Energy’s technical team in Uganda and Kenya. The oil was generated in lacustrine source rocks that are present in the deepest parts of the basin.
The exploration block has an exciting rift basin oil play, with an existing oil discovery and near-term plans to drill the Gazania-1 well targeting best estimated gross prospective resources of 349 million barrels* (“MMbbls”). John Hamilton, CEO of Panoro, said: “This farm-in to Block 2B is in line with Panoro’s renewed strategy of acquiring minority high-impact exploration interests close to existing discoveries and with clear routes to commercialisation. We are particularly excited to work together with Africa Energy Corp, which has played an important role in opening up the offshore oil and gas potential in South Africa. Exploration activity across Southern Africa is gearing up for a very busy period, and we look forward to drilling the identified prospects on this acreage.” Under the terms of the FOA, Panoro will acquire a 12.5% interest and carry the AEC subsidiary for up to $2.5 million of the well cost. The well is expected to be spud as early as Q4 2020 depending on regulatory approvals and rig availability. Panoro’s total share of drilling costs including the AEC carry is estimated at approximately $5 million, which will be funded from existing financial resources. Separately, AEC has announced a
Completion of the FOA is subject to consent of the Minister of Minerals and Energy of South Africa and the Azinam farm-out becoming effective; the approval process is anticipated to take approximately six months.
The oil migrated and accumulated in fluvial and lacustrine sandstone reservoirs around the basin flanks. There is also significant potential in other rift grabens to the north and south of the A-J graben and potential for significant gas discoveries in the shallower sequences above the rift graben succession over the whole block. Oil was discovered and tested by Soekor in the A-J1 borehole drilled in 1988. Thick reservoir sandstones were intersected between 2,985 metres and 3,350 metres. The well was tested and flowed 191 barrels of oil per day of 36 degree API oil from a 10 metre sandstone interval at about 3,250 metres.
We not only supply Offshore Support Vessels, we also provide vessel crewing solutions to the Offshore Shipping Industry.
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Meeting your seafarer placement and training needs. We connect our seafarers to global opportunities.
SLOVAKIA
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A total of 37 million barrels of best estimate gross contingent resources have been attributed to the discovery by AEC. Using more recent 3D seismic data, significant upside potential has been identified in six prospect areas at depths of up to 800 metres shallower than the original well. The next proposed exploration well, Gazania-1, will be drilled into the Gazania and Namaqualand prospects identified on 3D seismic data with combined best estimate gross prospective resources of 349 MMbbls*.
FIND US: 8th Floor, No2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Our offices are in close proximity to top-class marine training institutions, the Cape Town harbour, an international airport, as well as road and train transport services.
EMAIL: 9 FEBRUARY 2020
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more than 2 400 beneficiaries of SAIMI projects and initiatives, including scholarships, learnerships, artisan training, skills programmes, seafarer development and youth development.
PORTS
Proposed Ngqura liquid bulk terminal fails to attract customer base SOUTH AFRICA: Almost exactly one year to the day after the sod-turning ceremony held to celebrate the start of construction on a future liquid bulk tank terminal in the Port of Ngqura, Oiltanking Grindrod Calulo (Pty) Ltd (OTGC) has officially announced that the development has been stalled due to lack of customer interest. To date, OTGC has not been able to secure sufficient customer commitment for the project and announced that it is unable to execute on the project and is liaising with Transnet National Ports Authority on the way forward. The development was supposed to establish the Port as a new petroleum trading hub for southern Africa and was expected to provide storage and marine infrastructure to support the overall petroleum demand projections for South Africa. OTGC’s design catered for a bulk storage capacity of up to 790.000 cbm. Phase 1 was due to cater for dedicated jetty pipelines, bulk storage for up to 200.000 cbm, road loading with a Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU), state-of-the-art firefighting facilities and site drainage facilities. Provision was also made for the receipt, storage and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). According to initial projections, the planned commissioning of the facility was scheduled for the end of 2020. OTGC is a joint venture between operating partner Oiltanking GmbH, a German multinational that is one of the largest independent operators of tank terminals for oils, gases and chemicals worldwide, and local partners Grindrod Limited, a JSE listed Freight and Financial Services company, Calulo Investments (Pty) Ltd, a diversified BBBEE investor in the petrochemical industry and Adopt-a-School Foundation, a non-profit organisation which supports education in disadvantaged schools.
So, we agree that the maritime sector faces challenges, but we remain optimistic about the potential of the sector. We don’t believe the challenges are insurmountable if expectations and targets are realistic and informed by actual market needs and demand. 10. What is your outlook for SAIMI in 2020?
2020 Vision | Odwa Mtati Name and Surname:
Odwa Mtati
Company/Organisation:
South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
Current position:
Chief Executive
for people to do what they do best.
1. What qualifications do you have and from which institutions?
6. What motivates/drives you in your daily work life?
BA (Vista University), BJuris (Vista University), MA Development Studies (Nelson Mandela University)
To leave the world in a better state than I found it.
2. How long have you been working in the maritime industry?
7. What skill (business or pleasure) would you still like to master?
Since early 2014, when I was appointed by SAMSA and Nelson Mandela University to lead the project of securing funding and establishing SAIMI from the ground-up.
Sailing 8. Have you spent any time at sea during your career?
However, my interest and involvement in connecting economic development with education and skills development has been a constant throughout my career, irrespective of the sector.
No. 9. What is your outlook for the maritime sector in 2020? The maritime sector faces challenges to growth, as do all sectors in the current constrained global economic environment. There are also factors specific to the South African maritime sector – enabling legislation, compliance with international regulations and standards, incentives for investment, employment constraints and skills supply – that need to be addressed to enable the sector to grow.
As CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, I led strategic initiatives to relocate the manganese ore berth and tank farm from the Port of Port Elizabeth to the Port of Ngqura in order to support the city’s environmental health and tourism potential. This was part of what sparked my interest in the maritime sector.
From SAIMI’s point of view, the socio-economic potential of the oceans economy is clear. Here we refer broadly not just to shipping but to the potential for entrepreneurship, new venture creation and business growth, job creation and food security across the spectrum encompassing marine manufacturing, fishing, aquaculture, oil and gas exploration, and in improved and integrated environmental protection and management. All of these sectors hold potential, and we are excited to see progress in the more than 40 skills development-related projects currently on our register.
3. Are you a member of any professional associations? Nautical Institute; IMAREst 4. How many years are you from retirement? Too few, and also too many. There is no such thing as retirement – I will always be working to make a difference. 5. How would you describe your leadership style? Leadership for me is about providing the compass and the resources, connecting the right people in the right places, and making it possible
For example, in 2019, there were
10 FEBRUARY 2020
We are optimistic. SAIMI is already delivering to some expectations, making a difference in building bridges between business, government, regulatory authorities and the education sector, and facilitating maritime education and training that is relevant to market demand and stakeholder needs. The start may have appeared to have been slow, but it was necessary to put the right people, systems, leadership and governance in place, and to build relationships and networks. We have deliberately put these foundations in place quietly, so as not to make promises that we can’t keep before we reach “critical mass”. We believe that SAIMI has now built up solid and mutually beneficial relationships; and is supporting and initiating worthwhile and relevant programmes that are bearing fruit. Leadership, governance and a strong implementation team are in place, as is a clear strategic plan to guide the institute towards maturity and sustainability. All of this is positive for taking SAIMI forward as a relevant and impactful institute that advances maritime skills development towards meaningful employment, job creation and socio-economic growth. 11. What geographical markets is SAIMI currently active in? South Africa is our main focus and area of operation, and we have working relationships with organisations working on the African continent, such as the International Ocean Institute (IOI-SA), and internationally, such as the World Maritime University. Our goal is to develop a network of strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with local, African and international partners, that will benefit the development of the South African oceans economy. 12. What are the current challenges facing the maritime industry? For SAIMI, one of the key challenges is the mis-match between the skills required by industry, now and in anticipation of future needs, and the skills produced in maritime
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA education and training. The Oceans Economy Skills Development Assessment for South Africa commissioned by SAIMI and presented at our “Forward Thinking for MET Excellence” conference in October last year, clearly showed that while post-school education institutions are producing maritime-related graduates in sufficient numbers, the types of skills being produced are not in alignment with market needs. There is an oversupply in some sectors, and an undersupply especially in technical skills and trade qualifications. This requires not just a shift in the types of qualifications being offered or the content of curricula, but also shifts at policy and regulatory level to ensure that institutions have the capacity in terms of people, facilities and equipment to deliver the needed skills. We envisage that shaping the skills pool in the maritime sector to match demand will also impact positively in the medium- to longterm on South Africa’s ability to respond to other challenges facing the maritime industry – eg adapting to new technologies, compliance with environmental management and risk mitigation measures. 13. How should we be addressing these challenges during 2020? The challenge of matching skills supply to industry demand is not one that can be solved overnight, but it does need to be addressed with speed and urgency. It requires not only action by businesses and by individual education and training institutions, but coordinated action at national level to unlock the funding and policy support to enable institutions to make the necessary changes in introducing new qualifications or adapting curricula, sourcing and hiring capable lecturers, and providing facilities and equipment to support the training needs. Participation by industry and related organisations is also critical so that decisions on training programmes, qualifications and curricula are made from an informed basis of the actual current and future needs in the marketplace. The Oceans Economy Skills Development Assessment report provides
credible data on the current and future skills needs of industry and breaks down the current output of skills from education and training institutions. The next steps include engaging with maritime sub-sectors and industries to specify the skills needs in more detail and engaging with education and training authorities and institutions on these needs, so that we can begin making concrete progress on connecting skills supply and demand more effectively. This work forms part of the outcomes and actions stemming from the October conference and is being facilitated by SAIMI.
the African Maritime Decade are to help progress the continent’s Blue Economies? These strategies are highly relevant to South Africa and Africa in terms of ensuring that the continent derives social and economic benefits, and opportunities for human development, from its maritime resources. We need to see a continental blue economy that is sustainable and that maximises opportunities for people to achieve food security, sustainable livelihoods and business growth, in harmony with the environment. Oceans know no borders, so Africa-wide strategies are important for securing collaboration and cooperation in working with a shared resource.
At the same time, SAIMI and the Operation Phakisa Skills Working Groups that we coordinate – consisting of role players in industry, education and training and government – continue implementing the Operation Phakisa action plans and supporting and supplying the research and data (eg skills audits conducted in each of the focus area) for informed decision-making.
However, strategies are only as effective as their implementation and we believe that more work can be done to highlight these initiatives, share information and secure active involvement of stakeholders and communities. It is particularly important, and largely neglected, for these to move beyond being government-focused and to facilitate the understanding and participation of industry.
14. How is SAIMI embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies? SAIMI’s focus is on understanding the impact of these rapidly advancing technologies, and the skills that will be required by new employees in the maritime sector – as well as what is required to upskill existing maritime workers and professionals – so that we can advise education and training authorities and institutions on ensuring that these skills are incorporated into training programmes.
17. How can African countries collaborate to collectively benefit from the Blue Economy? There is a need to secure the more active involvement of industries across countries, particularly businesses that operate in multiple countries. Also to use the existing structures such as the African Union and ensure that the blue economy is not merely an agenda item, but that concrete actions are in place and implemented.
15. What changes do you anticipate in the maritime industry over the next two decades?
18. If you could have a superhero power, what would it be?
The two key issues we anticipate relate to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, automation, new technology, and how these will impact on the delivery of maritime services and products, and on the skills needed to operate in this digital era. The second is balancing possibly conflicting interests in the exploitation of oceans resources, and managing these ecosystems for sustainability and sufficiency.
Time travel. 19. What would you like your legacy in the maritime industry to be? To have grown SAIMI into the maritime industry’s “go-to” partner for skills development, research and innovation support. A SAIMI that is self-sustaining, well resourced, respected and the maritime sector’s central hub for knowledge, information and influencing capacity in a maritime education and training system that is effective and provides opportunities for people and business to grow.
16. How relevant and effective do you think strategies such as Operation Phakisa, AIMS 50 and
PEOPLE
New General Manager of Hytec Engineering
20. Please nominate another maritime leader (from the African continent) that you would like us to include in our 2020 Vision series.
Andre Lindeque has been appointed as the new General Manager of Hytec Engineering, effective 1st February 2020. Hytec Engineering, part of Bosch Rexroth South Africa, is a hydraulic cylinder specialist for mobile and industrial applications. One of Africa’s largest cylinder manufacturers, Hytec Engineering’s products are used across Africa’s mining, materials handling, steel, oil and gas, marine and other industries.
Jean Chiazor Anishere – President of Women in Maritime Africa
11 FEBRUARY 2020
BLUE ECONOMY
Maritime fund on the cards to assist the sector SOUTH AFRICA: Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Thembi Siweya, has reiterated a need to investigate the establishment of a maritime fund to help support businesses in the sector. Visiting the Eastern Cape with Public Enterprises Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle, to assess the success of the Operation Phakisa initiatives, Siweya also confirmed a commitment to revive an inter-ministerial committee focused on South Africa’s maritime economic sector They were joined by senior officials of the Eastern Cape government, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), Nelson Mandela Bay local government officials, leaders of business, and others. The Deputy Ministers also met with leaders of business in the maritime economic sector where concerns were addressed that included the environmental risks associated with offshore bunkering as well as fears from small businesses of being overlooked for new opportunities. Ms Siweya said the country’s maritime economic was among sectors identified under the National Development Plan (2030) as key to economic development and expansion and deliberate focus on it was necessary. To this end, an inter-ministerial committee established in 2015 and which had since become dysfunctional would be revived, In addition, she said, it had become clear that there was a need for financial support of businesses in the sector in the form of a maritime fund. In this regard, she said: “In 2018, the President spoke about a stimulus package, and there were departments that received stimulus packages. We are going to follow up on that to establish how far they are… what has been done with the funding.” Speaking at the imbizo with business leaders in Port Elizabeth, South African Maritime Safety Authority acting CEO, Sobantu Tilayi plans to establish a dedicated fund in the Nelson Mandela Bay to both fund expenses towards environmental preservation (in the case of an oil spill from bunkering services) as well as support small and medium businesses operating in the sector.
PORTS
BLUE ECONOMY
New tugboats for Ghana ports
Africa’s maritime authorities meet in Ghana
GHANA: The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has commissioned three new tugboats as part of its strategies to attract larger vessels and enhance the turnaround time of vessels at the Port of Tema. The state of the art ASD tugboats, which are the first of its kind in Central and West Africa are of 80 tonnes bollard pull capacity and capable of performing firefighting and rescue functions. The boats were named after Commander K.T Dovlo, Ben Owusu-Mensah and Josephine Asante both served as Director Generals of GPHA from 1994 to 1998 and from 2001 for 2008 respectively. The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Michael Luguje, during the ceremony said the boats were commissioned to enhance GPHA’s capacity to be able to receive modern container vessels and bulk carriers.
Piracy
The participants discussed among other things the role the AAMA is playing in the implementation of Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) 2050.
The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Thomas Alonsi, said reports from the International Maritime Bureau showed that even though there was a decline in overall worldwide incidents of piracy in 2019, there was an alarming increase in crew kidnapping across the Gulf of Guinea.
Curbing exploitation in fishing sector
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of GPHA, Peter Mac-Manu, said Ghana Ports account for 80% of Ghana’s trade and as part of its capacity development strategies, the Tema and Takoradi ports have embarked on major expansions project to continue to serve the cross-section of the Ghanaian market and beyond.
He said the exploitation of Africa’s fishery sector by foreign fishing companies was depriving African governments a valuable source of revenue critical to their economic growth.
“These tugboats are expected to enhance the revenue position of the Authority. They are also expected to assist in the daily safe operations of the Authority as well as enhancing the turnaround time of vessels calling at the port,” he stated.
The minister, who went on to explain what exploitation was, said: “The phenomenon of exploitation can be blamed on weak monitoring and inadequate regulation of the fishery sector in Africa.
The distinguished individuals who were honoured and their representatives commended the management and staff of GPHA for appreciating and immortalizing their efforts.
While expressing worry over the lack of a maritime wing for the African Union (AU) that would see to harmonise, develop and regulate maritime issues and resources within Africa, he urged the AAMA to engage with the AU to have maritime issues placed high on the union’s agenda
Members of the AAMA who attended the two-day event represented Ghana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, the Comoros, Mozambique, South Africa, Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Nigeria.
Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, urged the Executive Council of the Association of African Maritime Administration (AAMA) to develop measures that will curb the exploitation of Africa’s fishery sector by foreign fishing companies.
“It is instructive to note that in line with the MARPOL Convention the vessels have the capacity to arrest pollution before it spreads to other areas of concern. Stakeholders will indeed find these facilities very useful,” he revealed.
“If these issues are overcome, it will enable Africa to position itself appropriately on the global scene and also take advantage of the full benefits of the blue economy to create jobs and wealth for our people,” he said.
GHANA: The fourth session of the executive council meeting of the Association of African Maritime Administrators (AAMA) was held in Accra during February to discuss issues confronting the maritime industry, including wealth creation through the protection and sustainable exploitation of the African Maritime Domain.
“Over the years we’ve had different capacities of marine craft. The biggest we ever had was 60 tonnes but these ones are 80 tonnes bollard pull capacity crafts and with those ones we can handle up to even 20,000 TEUs container vessels,” he said.
He also touted some significant functions the tugboats the tugboats will be performing.
authorities, to be at the forefront in developing policies to deal with the critical issues confronting Africa, such as the lack of investment in shipping and Africa’s low tonnage in the carriage of seaborne trade.
He said the number of crews kidnapped increased by more than 50 percent from 78 in 2018 to 121 in 2019. “This essentially calls for greater collaboration to have institutions and capabilities established to enforce security and the rule of law as means to addressing illicit maritime activities and organised transnational crimes in our waters,” he said. Commitment
Asiamah made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of the fourth AAMA Executive Council meeting.
The Chairman of the AAMA, Dr Dakuku A. Peterside, urged member countries to show commitment to efforts to achieve the goals for which the association was set up. “We will not relent in our efforts to build a competitive and vibrant maritime and shipping sector capable of giving Africa a voice among the comity of maritime nations,” he said
Investment He also urged the AAMA, as the coordinating body of maritime
BRIEFS
R37 billion forecast for African oilfield expenditure AFRICA: Based on current projections, oilfield equipment expenditure is expected to continue to increase into the 2020s, with oilfield equipment expenditure reaching a forecast peak of $133bn in 2023 and a total projected expenditure of $617 bn from 2019 to 2023. According to Westwood’s World Oilfield Equipment Market forecast, six percent, or $37 bn, of this expenditure is likely to be allocated to projects in Africa. With the offshore portion of spend predicted to account for about half of the total expenditure, Westwood’s report notes that offshore expenditure will be dominated by fixed and floating production platforms.
Namport clarifies position on fishing vessels NAMIBIA: Responding to reports that three fishing vessels linked to the Icelandic fishing scandal had been able to leave the port of Walvis Bay under suspicious circumstances, Namport issued a statement to clarify the situation. While the FV Heinesta has been moved, she is still alongside in the port in a designated area and is being monitored as per a court order. Two other vessels, the FV Saga and the FV Geysir, however, were given clearance to leave. According to Namport’s statement, all the necessary due diligence was carried out in order to comply with the Port Regulations and the Namibian Merchant Shipping Act, and they requested for all the clearance certificates from the agents before releasing the fishing vessels.
Missing fishermen found after three days SOUTH AFRICA: Five fishermen who went missing off the Cape Coast were found by another fishing vessel, the Silver Dolphin in the early hours of this morning. Efforts to
PORTS
vessel destination.
New cruise terminal welcomes first ship
The new facility includes duty free shops, restaurants, conference facilities and offices for key stakeholders in the industry.
KENYA: According to reports on Business Daily Africa, Mombasa’s new cruise terminal was commissioned with the arrival of its first ship, the Marco Polo, this month. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) confirmed arrival of the first cruise ship during peak season after vigorous efforts geared towards marketing of Mombasa as a cruise
12 FEBRUARY 2020
Kenya is lobbying to join cruise vessel circuits which include Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar and South Africa through a partnership arrangement. The cruise terminal is expected to directly create 300 jobs, and boost local industries such as the transport sector, hotels, food providers and curio sellers.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA locate the missing fishermen were thwarted by dense fog conditions, but a constant MAYDAY broadcast ensured that vessels in the vicinity were aware of the need to find the crew. Finally, in the early hours of this morning, the Silver Dolphin reported that they had located the missing boat and crew. The fishing vessel was bound for St Helena Bay but was requested change course and head towards Cape Town and to rendezvous with the NSRI Table Bay Station 3 vessel, with medical team, which was activated by MRCC to render assistance and bring the crew back to Cape Town. The vessel is reported to have run out of fuel late Sunday night and with very limited capability they were at the mercy of the elements.
Sea Cadets get scholarship for Lawhill Academy SOUTH AFRICA: Two Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade were awarded SATS. General Botha Old Boys Association bursaries to further their maritime studies at Simon’s Town High School, Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simon’s Town from 2020. The Sea Cadets are AB Gracia Pillay and AB Juvandre Williams. In addition, four Sea Cadets from TS Attakwa and TS Woltemade were also awarded maritime bursaries, from undisclosed sources, to Lawhill. They are - AB Cloe Griewelaar (TS Attakwa),Sea Meche Mini (TS Woltemade), AB Sylvino October (TS Attakwa) and Sea Jamie van Rooyen(TS Woltemade).
Cooperating to counter maritime crime AFRICA: Representatives from a number of African countries attended a workshop in Saudi Arabia this month to share best practices and to learn skills to deal with maritime crimes at sea – including piracy/ robbery, drug trafficking, marine terrorism, weapons smuggling, human trafficking and more. It is the second time that countries across three regions have been invited to participate in such an event, which is primarily intended for countries implementing the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) and its Jeddah Amendment. The training was extended to participants from countries involved in the West and Central Africa Code of Conduct and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). Female participants from Kenya, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Seychelles, took part in the training at the Academy for the first time.
This followed commitments made by Saudi Arabia to support last year’s World Maritime Day 2019 theme “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community” which raised awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and to highlight the important of the yet under-utilized contribution of women.
Fraudsters promise port positions SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has warned the public against scams promising employment with the company in exchange for payment.
Job seekers are still paying money to fraudsters in the belief that they will be employed by Transnet. They are being scammed by unknown persons, using information from legitimate Transnet vacancy ads and requesting payment to secure the advertised positions.
Ngqura Port Manager, Tandi Lebakeng, said “We empathise with the latest victims and have encouraged them to report these matters urgently to SAPS. We will also lodge a case with the police because the safety and security of one of our own recruiters has now been threatened. However, we state categorically that it is external fraudsters taking money from victims and this had nothing to do with Transnet,” she said.
Fishing Boat Medium sized boat Seismic survey Cruise Tourism Strategy Geotechnical studies x 2 Mooring bouys Roll bars for vessel Skills audit for marine manufacturing Patrol and dive vessel Mobile Crane hire Vessel Fire Fighting Equipment Pressure vessel testing on board Radio Equipment Life saving equipment Semi rigid boat SOLAS lifejackets Harbour crane training x 2 Hull mounted sonar Radar Passenger boat/ferry database Hawser Ropes Pump maintenance and repairs Plasma rope Skills audit for the Oceans Economy in the Northern Cape Marine Manufacturing Skills Programme Shark Diving operator
this additional business in the future,” says Sheriff. “It will increase productivity and improve reliability of cargo delivery, whilst reducing port stays and vessel idle time. Together this will lead to greater customer satisfaction.”
Port upgrade due to commence NIGERIA: Investment in the Phase 2 upgrade of the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), due to commence within the next 18 months, will help meet volumes, which have grown consistently over the past three years.
Female port managers hone their skills
“The Phase 2 upgrade includes the acquisition of three additional Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) bringing the total in operation to five; 20 Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs); three Reach Stackers; 13 terminal trucks and trailers and an empty container handler,” explained WACT’s Commercial Manager, Noah Sheriff.
AFRICA: The International Maritime Organisation supported a training course aimed at female officials from maritime and port authorities in 10 francophone countries in Africa at the beginning of February. Twenty-two women took part in the two-week “Women in Port Management” course, hosted in Le Havre, France. The course covered lectures on port management, port security, marine environment, facilitation of maritime traffic, marketing, port logistics and other topics. Participants learnt about the necessary skills required to improve the management and operational efficiency of their ports.
“The upgrade will also include the installation of reefer racks with a 600-plug capacity, as well as a 13-hectare expansion and of our current yard, paving, a new workshop and a new terminal gate complex.” The terminal is forecasting additional volume growth, as a growing number of shipping lines, importers and exporters develop confidence in WACT’s ability to handle their cargo. “Investment in Phase 2 will ensure that we are well prepared to handle
Visits were organized to the Port of Le Havre and the Port of Rouen, giving participants the chance to experience for themselves the dayto-day operations of a port, with a view to applying this knowledge
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Marine and geotechnical investigations Legal Panel Legal Services Fishing Gear Bunkering Services Stevedoring Services Boat Ambulance Police boat Life buoy rings Hook and Line Equipment Seismic survey FEED Engineering studies Offshore Technical drafts Centrifugal Pumps Rehabilitation of Fishing Pier - São Nicolau Rehabilitation of Fishing Pier Santo Antão Harbour keel clearing study Reach Stackers Bunker Services Dock Fenders and Accessories
back in their respective countries. To date, 355 women have received training under this activity through 16 training courses held at IPER.
Showcasing oil spill preparedness AFRICA: Improving west, central and southern African countries’ ability to prepare and respond to oil spills is key to protecting the marine and shoreline environment in the region. This is where the GI WACAF* project comes in – a cooperation between IMO and IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for advancing environmental and social performance. Support for these countries includes helping to designate authorities in charge; ratifying relevant international conventions; and developing a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. GI WACAF also runs training courses and exercises, and supports the structuring of regional agreements. To-date more than 5,000 people have been trained under the project in over 100 activities across the 22 countries.