MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
NEWS ROUND-UP JULY 2019
SHIPPING
Race to meet 2020 deadline SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at a twoday workshop this month, acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Sobantu Tilayi, admitted that the country faces a tough race to put the necessary legislation in place to effectively implement MARPOL Annex VI by 1 January 2020. “We need to fast-track the legislation,” he told industry stakeholders at the end of the workshop as he called on the Department of Transport (DoT) to take up the initiative and provide a definitive answer on a timeline that would meet the deadline. “This is the one issue that worries me,” he said adding that DoT, as the enforcing agent of IMO instruments, needs to take responsibility for ensuring that South Africa’s reputation as a member state and signatory of MARPOL is not tarnished. Notwithstanding the process of promulgating legislation, Tilayi, said he was confident that the deadline
could be met by simply adding a paragraph referencing MARPOL Annex VI to legislation that is currently moving through the system. “One sentence on the Annex is all that is required,” he said while noting that the parliamentary process may be the only obstacle. The process is designed to ensure that this is not in conflict with any other existing Acts or the Constitution. “I am still committing to the end of the year to have this ready,” he told industry stakeholders, explaining that there was nothing that was likely to be contentious. “We cannot arrest (non-compliant ships) if we do not have the power and this is determined by what is in our law. The consequence is that South Africa will fail to uphold the safety of shipping. It is a reputational issue,” he said adding that this would also go against the Authority’s ambitions to ensure the country’s status as an international maritime hub as well as the
GREEN MARINE
SAMSA still to decide on scrubber SOUTH AFRICA: Having issued a Marine Notice in March noting South Africa’s acceptance of both open and closed loop scrubbers in a post sulphur cap environment, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), has confirmed that a final decision on this matter is yet to be made. Speaking at a two-day workshop on the implications of MARPOL Annex VI for the country, acting CEO of SAMSA, Sobantu Tilayi, asked for input on whether South Africa should join the list of countries that have banned the use of scrubbers in their waters. Reaction from industry and governmental stakeholders was mixed. A number of stakeholders, however, suggested that the use of scrubbers would ultimately be seen to be on the wrong side of the debate. Effectively representing the total commercial ocean-going vessels on the South African Flag, Vuka Marine has already taken the decision not to install scrubbers on their ships. Presenting their case at the workshop, Andrew Millard of Vuka
Marine provided some input on the company’s decision. “We had a lengthy discussion and are not sure that the numbers add up. We believe that it is on the wrong side of the debate and favours the continued use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) which is contrary to IMO objectives,” he said adding that it ultimately requires either seafarers or ports to harvest and dispose of the scrubbed sulphur. Representing the voice of cargo owners, Andrew Lye of Anglo American, who charter Vuka Marine ships as well as other vessels, noted that their position favoured the use of compliant fuel rather than the use of scrubbers. Also speaking at the workshop, Robert Stuart of Petrologistics concurs that scrubbers do not represent the right path for the industry. “From day one when the IMO made their decision (to allow scrubbers), I was of the opinion that they had made a mistake. I believe that the oil industry is the one that needs to deal with this issue,” he said. While many called for the need
administration’s ambitions to be a world-class maritime authority. The two-day workshop, which comes ahead of next week’s International Bunker Industry Association’s conference on bunker matters in Africa, highlighted a number of other issues currently being grappled with on an international stage in the light of the looming 1 January 2020 deadline to implement a global 0.5 percent sulphur cap on bunker fuel as prescribed in MARPOL Annex VI. to undertake more conclusive scientific studies on the impact of “dumping” sulphur at sea to help in decision making, some intimated that in the absence of such a study, the Authority needed to err on the side of caution and eliminate any potential risk to the environment by simply banning scrubbers in South African waters. However, given the fact that SAMSA has already publicly announced via a Marine Notice that scrubbers would be permitted until further notice, many felt that an immediate ban may have a negative economic impact on the local bunker market. Committing to take up the matter, Tilayi said that it was not a straightforward decision and that further deliberation between SAMSA and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) would need to ensure that a final decision met the government’s strategy on climate change and SAMSA’s mandate to ensure that the maritime industry operated sustainably. Hinting that the likely result of discussions may result in the ban on the use of scrubbers, Tilayi committed to making the final decision by September this year.
Input at the workshop suggests that there will be sufficient supply of compliant fuel locally to the market, but that the promulgation of the necessary legislation remains the one major target that may still elude the country’s preparedness.
Bid to separate TNPA from Transnet gains momentum SOUTH AFRICA: Noting the requirement of the National Ports Act (NPA) to corporatise the National Ports Authority, the Minister of Transport said yesterday that the process was currently addressed. During Minister Fikile Mbalula’s announcement of Alex Moemi as Director General of the Department of Transport in Parliament, highlighted some of the work that the DoT would be pursuing within the maritime sector. He said that urgent attention would be given to the appointment of a permanent board for the National Ports Regulator and that the National Ports Authority would be placed under the authority of the Regulator. In his Budget Speech, however, the Minister also highlighted that the various regulators would be consolidated into one Transport Regulator. It will be interesting to see how the Ports Authority will be included within this structure. Mbalula said that his department would be liaising with the Minister of Public Enterprises in this regard. The Department of Public Enterprises has already issued a tender for proposals to conduct a study on the impact that separating the Ports Authority from the State Owned Enterprise would have on Transnet.
PUBLISHED BY: More Maximum Media PO BOX 3842 | Durbanville | 7550 | Cape Town | South Africa | Tel: +27 21 914 1157
GREEN MARINE
Oil spill during bunkering operation being investigated SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will investigate the circumstances around a 400 litre oil spill that appears to have occurred during a refuelling operation in Algoa Bay over the weekend. Between 200 and 400 litres of oil spilled in the Port of Ngqura 20km north east of Port Elizabeth at around 4.40am on Saturday morning while bunkering services company, SA Marine Fuels, was refuelling the Liberian flgagged MV Chrysanthi S. SA Marine Fuels immediately activated an oil spillage control exercise to contain the oil spread. SAMSA and other authorities will conduct a check of the beaches and islands off Port Elizabeth today to confirm that the oil will not reach land, says acting SAMSA CEO Sobantu Tilayi. “SAMSA will conduct a comprehensive investigation into this unfortunate incident. While responsibility for preventing pollution by ships at sea no longer resides with SAMSA but with the Department of Environmental Affairs, we take our role as the custodian of the country’s maritime affairs and for promoting South Africa’s maritime economy extremely seriously. “We know the impact that an oil spill can have, from the marine wildlife affected to the people who earn their living from the sea and the local economy, and we will do everything in our power not only to ensure that the impact of this spill are contained, but also to ensure that it never happens again,” Tilayi adds.
GOVERNANCE
Minister’s budget lacks maritime meat of a new SAMSA board as well as appointment of a permanent CEO. Despite having been promised by the previous Minister that the permanent CEO would be in place by June this year, the South African Maritime Safety Authority has not yet had a CEO approved.
SOUTH AFRICA: The newly appointed Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula seemed to lose steam at the end of his budget speech this afternoon just as he was due to move onto maritime topics. Accusing the house of not listening to him, he appears to abruptly have ended his submission after pointing out South Africa’s vast coastline.
“The process of appointing boards where their terms have expired or where there is an interim board is progressing with urgency. We are determined to ensure that corporate governance is strengthened in all our entities. This will be made possible by appointing to our boards men and women who are not only adequately skilled to allow decision making, but also those whose commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens in unflinching. Gone are the days when we recycle the same people and simply move them around different entities,” he promised.
“South Africa as a coastal state has the responsibility of managing a vast coastline,” he noted 25 minutes into his speech before snatching up his papers from the podium. “Your are not listening … let me conclude because you are not interested,” he said and left the podium. While his delivery concentrated on the woes in the rail and road sectors with equally little attention to the aviation sector, Mbalula did note that both the maritime and civil aviation industries needed to embrace transformation.
“We will deliberately seek out young educated and talented people, especially women, to infuse new energy and fresh thinking at board level. As we revise our approach to board appointments, we will similarly ensure that all boards go through a mandatory training programme on corporate governance and ethics. We will strengthen the annual appraisel of the perfor-
“The aviation and the maritime industry remain the preserve of the privileged few. While we are encouraged by individuals and corporate citizens who usher in transformation in their respective sectors, these interventions remain a drop in the ocean,” he said. One positive for the maritime sector could be the imminent finalisation
mance of our boards and infuse strong consequence management protocols,” he added. Plans to institute a single transport regulator will also go ahead and Mbalula noted that a bill to establish such an entity would be introduced within the next year. “We plan to introduce a bill to establish a single transport regulator to level playing fields in the road, aviation and maritime sectors,” he said. With the bulk of the delivery concentrated on the road and rail sectors, it is clear that the Department has had to remain more focused on pressing issues such as e-tolls, SANRAL, PRASA and taxi recapitalisation.
Four seismic vessels shipped from Ghana to Singapore On behalf of China National Petrolium Corporation, Bolloré Transport & Logistics Côte d’Ivoire carried out an unprecedented operation of loading four seismic research vessels on the ZHEN HUA 34, a semi-submersible vessel belonging to ZPMC in Côte d’Ivoire. This vessel half submerged in water and capable of diving at 21 m depth is intended to contain and transport heavy loads, especially for oil rigs. It belonged to the teams of Bolloré Transport & Logistics to position the semi-submersible vessel intended to receive the 4 ships and to operate on board dedicated tugboats. These four seismic search vessels operating in Ghana were towed and shipped from the Ivorian coast to Singapore port.
Over the weekend, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries issued a statement highlighting that weather conditions were hampering wildlife assessment, but that the situation was under control. The oil was not expected to reach the coast and currently moving in an offshore direction. Transnet National Ports Authority, South African National Parks (SANParks), the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and other environmental bodies have been notified and are monitoring the situation along with our department.
2 JULY 2019
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA FISHING
concern to Africa.
A call to support Africa’s small scale fisheries
Fish accounts for more than onefifth of the protein intake of African south of the Sahara and provides a livelihood to millions of people. Murdoch University Adjunct Professor, Dr. Jeremy Prince, who attended the symposium and is contributing to the work the Third Commission in this area, said the collective value of the small scale fisheries of Africa was too big to ignore. “It is critical that we stabilise and rebuild these fisheries to ensure both food security and the future of the blue economy,” Dr Prince said. “The time to act is now.” Discussions at the Tunis symposium provided useful insights and contributions to the fine-tuning of the focus and narrative of the Blue Economy chapter
International experts are calling for greater research and investment into the significant role that small scale fishing plays in Africa to promote food security. Industry, NGO, government and academic representatives attended Murdoch University’s second Blue Economy Symposium in Tunis at the end of June as part of the Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) 2019 and Murdoch University’s Third Commission, a research investigation focusing on issues of public
of the Third Commission’s report. A strong emphasis was placed on the need to highlight clear and innovative actions to effect lasting transformation of the blue economy in Africa. Participants in the symposium called on all nations and international institutions to recognise the value and economic impact of small-scale fisheries in Africa. Their recommendations included: Increasing investment to allow fishing communities to be more involved in the co-management of fisheries; and Directly engaging with fishing communities to collect and share relevant data regarding the state and economic value of small-scale coastal fisheries.
CompactClean
The Most Compact Ballast Water Management System on the Market! The Smallest Footprint in Industry Filter and UV unit in seawater resistant Nickel-Alu-Bronze IMO Type Approval USCG Type Approval Patent Pending Highly Efficient UV Unit Design Short Delivery Time Easy Maintenance No Salinity or Temperature Limitations Down to UV-Transmission of just 42% - Also in US Territory! 100% Chemical Free Treatment
H: 2384 mm
CompactClean 340 m3/h System
LX W
187 8x1
166
MARINE & OFFSHORE
mm
INDUSTRY
OIL SPILL RESPONSE
DEFENCE & FUEL
UTILITY
Contact our local representative in South Africa for more information: Tel: +27 21 527 7040 Fax: +27 21 527 7050 Mobile: +27 82 550 4887 Email: larst@allsurvey.co.za Web: www.allsurvey.co.za
3 JULY 2019
PROVEN TECHNOLOGY www.desmioceanguard.com
PEOPLE & EVENTS
WISTA-SA gains momentum WISTA-SA July networking meeting SOUTH AFRICA: Hosted by One Eighty, WISTA-SA’s July meeting, proves that industry associations still have their place in facilitating networking as well as playing an important role in establishing mandates for members as well as industry as a whole. Welcoming members to the meeting, Chairperson Clare Gomes commented on the recent developments within the local chapter and highlighted growing interest amongst new potential members from diverse backgrounds in the sector. “Our intention is to continue to attract more women to participate in this space and we are beginning to see interest from Port Elizabeth as well as Durban,” she said adding that the objective remained to introduce regional chapters with their own champions to drive further networking in South Africa. Apart from the opportunity to network, WISTA-SA’s meeting also provide the opportunity to showcase members and their companies. Last night’s meeting highlighted the career developments of Janet Cotton of OneEighty; Paula Giusti of Trade Ocean; Nolwandle Mboweni of Vela International and Ariella Kuper of Solution Strategies. Working within a male-dominated industry these speakers were candid about their experiences, but highlighted how it is possible to thrive and indeed dominate as women in the various sectors that they represented. The WISTA-SA Exco will be meeting shortly to discuss future developments as well as whether to take up the opportunity to host WISTA Africa during 2020.
FISHING
Services Joint initiative to empower subsistence fishers Maritime Training
Consulting
Risk Management & Compliance Audits
Crew Resource Management
Career Development
Maritime Community Development Fund
Transport & Accommodation
E Learning
We SERVE and SUPPORT individuals and companies so that they may THRIVE and GROW…
Email: Website: Tel: Tel:
sales@sstg.co.za www.sstg.co.za
SOUTH AFRICA: Entrepreneurship training is aiming to provide hope to subsistence fishing communities in marginalised coastal areas of the Eastern and Western Cape, equipping them with the business skills to better operate in the fishing sector as well as accessing alternative income opportunities beyond fishing. The Alternative Livelihoods Project by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Institute (FADI), funded by the SA International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), will also provide training in construction skills, enabling fishers not to be solely reliant on increasingly uncertain income from fishing, and easing pressure on South Africa’s declining fish stocks. Launched in June-July in Ocean View (Cape Town), Kenton-on-Sea (Eastern Cape) and Saldanha Bay, the project will benefit up to 90 fishers, 30 in each area, with a wider positive impact on food security and poverty alleviation for their families and communities, FADI project manager Sulaiman Appoles said. SAIMI research associate Akhona Baninzi said SAIMI had partnered with FADI on the project because it aligned with “our goal to support maritime skills and capacity-building towards a diversified and sustainable oceans economy”. The beneficiaries include traditional subsistence fishers, under- or unemployed fishing crew, existing and pending rights holders, seasonally-employed fish processing workers, and the youth of fishing families. “It is anticipated that the Fisheries Branch of the new Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries (DEFF) will commence allocation of rights to small-scale fisheries co-operatives during the Fishing Rights Allocation Policy Process (FRAPP 2020) process, so business skills and entrepreneurial skills will provide an added benefit to the beneficiaries,” says FADI chairperson Jeremy Marillier. Chair of the Ekuphumleni Co-op in Kentonon-Sea, Mzamo Marwanqana said the co-op’s members currently caught fish simply for survival but were looking forward to being in the business of fishing, and the skills provided by the FADI project were “what we have been looking for, they will take us far”. “The main thing is business skills – our co-op must run like a business and be able to market and sell our products. Previously, we have focused on looking for employment – this
+27 22 742 1297
4
+27 86 137 0206
JULY 2019
project is giving us the key to self-employment,” Marwanqana said. Appoles said that fishing, especially at smallscale level, is “an uncertain business – it is seasonal and fish stocks are declining due to climate change, over-fishing and illegal fishing, so the reality is that current resources are not sufficient for sustainable livelihoods”. The entrepreneurial and construction skills provided by the project would not only improve and diversify fishing communities’ income streams, but also over the longer-term reduce the pressure on marine resources and allow the rebuilding of fish stocks, he said. Marillier emphasised that the Alternative Livelihoods programme was intended to complement income from fishing, not to replace it. “The issues of equitable access, fair rights allocation and restorative justice for small-scale fishers and coastal communities remain the core concerns that should be resolved by the State,” he said. Small-scale fishing is a relatively new sub-sector of the commercial fishing industry, with government’s Small-Scale Fishing Policy (SSFP) aiming to include traditionally subsistence fishers in the value chain, with access to economic opportunities and markets, contributing to sustainable livelihoods, nutrition and food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable use of marine resources. Development of the small-scale fishing sector is intended to enable fishing communities to participate in the full value chain, generating income not only from fishing but also related activities such as fish processing and sales, net-making and repairs and maintenance of fishing vessels and engines. “We firmly believe that skills development and training must have a purpose, that it must lead to genuine opportunities for employment or for entrepreneurship, even to creating employment for others based on the skills that have been learned. We are confident that the Alternative Livelihoods Project will deliver on that vision,” Baninzi said. Entrepreneurship training had already started in the Ocean View community, Appoles said, and more than 90% of the participants said the skills already gained were “significant and had meaning for their ambitions”.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
AGENTS FOR SOUTH5AFRICA & NAMIBIA JULY 2019 www.mrad.co.za
TEL: 021 559 4003 Email: info@mrad.co.za
BRIEFS
Crew rescued after being attacked in Nigerian waters GHANA: The Ghana Navy rescued eight crewmen on board Turkish vessel, Paskoy-1, after they were attacked and abandoned at sea by pirates in Nigerian territorial waters last week. The vessel was en route Cote D’Ivoire from Cameroon when the pirates kidnapped 10 crewmen of the total 18, including the captain of the vessel. The rescued crew were taken to the Port of Tema in Ghana from where they will be repatriated.
French Navy vessel visits the Port of Luanda ANGOLA: The French naval vessel, the Commandant Bouandocked in Luanda this month with a crew of 103 that included nine officers, 47 sergeants and 47 sailors. Sylvain Itte, French Ambassador to Angola, explained that the visit falls under the Yaounde Protocol, an international agreement aimed at strengthening and defending the safety of the shores of the Gulf of Guinea region. During the ship’s stay in Luanda there were, among various activities, military exercises at sea.
Ladies lead fight against marine litter problem EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA: An inaugural female-led beach cleanup exercise in east and southern Africa has helped raise awareness of the problem that marine litter poses to the environment. The day was led by members from Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa region (WOMESA), together with industry and local communities. Organized in celebration of the African Day of Seas and Oceans, the clean-up also served to highlight the important role of African women in marine conservation.
Work begins on new small harbour
strong bonds of friendship between the two navies as well as maritime partnership between Nigeria and India. Admiral Singh also pledged to explore new avenues for closer ties between the two navies.
GHANA: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially marked the start of construction of a mini-harbour and landing site at Moree in the Central Region on Friday. The project, which involves the construction of a breakwater, a quay wall, dredging and ancillary facilities, would have similar facility constructed at Senya Beraku, Dixcove, Elmina, Moree, Mumford, Winneba, Gomoa Fetteh, Teshie and Keta. The project contractor, China Harbour and Engineering Company, is expected to complete the project in 18 months.
Stand-by tug responds to casualty SOUTH AFRICA: African Maritime Solutions’ (AMSOL) tug SA Amandla left port yesterday to provide support to the disabled Multipurpose Carrier Melbournewhich had become immobilised and was drifting in a position 260 nautical miles west of Cape Town in extremely heavy weather conditions. The tug had just been released from providing assistance to the tanker Ursu when she was mobilised to the Melbourne.
EU signs fishing agreement SENEGAL: On 19 July 2019 the EU and Senegal signed a new implementing protocol to the existing sustainable fisheries partnership agreement. The new five-year protocol implementing the 2015 agreement is replacing the current protocol due to expire in November 2019. This new protocol allows EU vessels - a maximum of 28 tuna seiners, 10 pole-and-liners, 5 long liners and 2 trawlers - to fish tuna-like species and hake in the waters of Senegal. In exchange for the fishing rights, the EU will offer Senegal a yearly financial contribution of €1,700,000.
Navies pledge to work more closely NIGERIA: The newly appointed Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Karambir Singh, has expressed his readiness to strengthen the existing levels of bilateral cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Nigerian Navy (NN). In a letter to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Admiral Singh acknowledged the work done by his predecessors which has helped to establish
AMSOL is contracted to the South African Department of Transport to provide an effective marine emergency response service in support of the country’s proactive Pollution Prevention efforts.
Coastal resilience charts a path forward SEYCHELLES: It is an ordinary Monday morning at Beau Vallon beach, Seychelles. A group of men and women prepare the beach for the soon-to-arrive tourists, cleaning up the plastics and algae washed ashore by the Indian Ocean that do not fit the image of the tropical paradise that the Seychelles projects to the world. Fishermen walk out of the water carrying a fish trap above their heads, delivering the daily catch of reef fish. On that same reef, researchers and graduate students working for a local NGO have established a coral nursery in collaboration with one of the hotels to restore the degraded ecosystem.
A step closer to managing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea NIGERIA: President Muhammadu Buhari has given his assent to the Suppression of Piracy and other
Maritime Short Courses: Professional maritime safety and skills enhancement courses MCA Accredited Yachting training in partnership with PYT Educational Programs: Marine Engineer at the Operational Level Training Solutions: Manage & administer 3rd party Cadet & Rating training programs “Your Quality Maritime Training Solutions Provider”
Custom Solutions: Company Specific Training Team & Leadership Development
Offshore Oil & Gas Training Port Engineering Studies
Maritime Offences Bill, 2019, in an unprecedented move billed to bring a dramatic improvement in security on the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. The Presidential assent dated June 24, 2019 followed the passage of the bill by the Senate and House of Representatives on April 9, 2019 and April 30, 2019, respectively. The bill passed by the Eighth National Assembly gives effect to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, and the International Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Navigation (SUA), 1988, and its Protocols.
Strike focuses attention on oil companies NIGERIA: The three-day strike action embarked upon by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) was been suspended on late last week. “We wish to thank you all for the solid support/solidarity given to the union for the past few days we have embarked on a strike action against the management of the international oil companies who have taken delight in breaking Nigerian laws with impunity and also denied dockworkers payment of salaries/wages for the past one year,” said a statement signed by the President General, Comrade (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju, and the Secretary General, Comrade Felix Akingboye.
Inspiring youth to adapt to sea life AT the end of June Lawhill Academy celebrated the end of yet another successful maritime mentoring experience when five of their students returned home after 11 days in Spain with the Marine Inspirations team. The June Marine Inspirations trip was a huge success thanks to the generosity of the many supporters based in Spain, including those who donated generously to the BBWP fundraising event in March.
To enquire about our Offshore Oil & Gas training solutions run in partnership with SOTS CC please contact us: +27 (21) 786 8400 or email admin@samtra.co.za
We are a SAMSA accredited training provider and our Quality Management System is certified by Bureau Veritas.
6 JULY 2019
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA There were many highlights during this trip, but one of the most memorable must surely be having Salmon Angombe, Grade 12, be part of the Superyacht Cup winning team. See picture above of Salmon in action and holding the trophy up high with the fellow Win-Win crew.
Drilling contract for West Africa WEST AFRICA: Seadrill Limited has secured a nine well contract with three options, each for two wells, for the West Gemini in West Africa. Total contract value for the firm portion of the contract is expected to be approximately $84 million with commencement expected in early Q4 2019.
Supporting Kenya’s coast guard
Well expands offshore resource potential
KENYA: Senior officials from the newly established Kenya Coast Guard Services are undergoing training on coast guard functions at a national workshop in Mombasa, Kenya (24-28 June).
MAURITANIA/SENEGAL: Kosmos Energy has announced that the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim-1 well (GTA-1), drilled on the eastern anticline within the unit development area of Greater Tortue, has encountered approximately 30 metres of net gas pay in high-quality Albian reservoir.
Fifteen participants are taking part in the training, which is using scenario development methodology and plenary discussions to highlight issues, identify insights and develop deeper understanding of effective ways to meet coastguard functions – with a view to enhancing maritime security in Kenya.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project is on track to deliver first gas in the first half of 2022, and the well will be used to further optimise the development drilling plans for the BP-operated project.
International arbitration orders release of vessel in Nigeria The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has ruled that Nigeria release the MT San Padre Pio, its cargo, the Master and the three officers on posting of a bond of US$ 14,000,000 by Switzerland. At the beginning of 2018, the Nigerian navy intercepted and arrested the MT San Padre Pio while it was engaged in shipto-ship transfers in Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone. The vessel was then ordered to proceed to Port Harcourt (Nigeria), where it is still detained and where the crew maintain that they are exposed to constant danger having endured endured an armed attack against the vessel in April this year. The 16 crew members were moved to a prison and charged with “conspiring to distribute and deal with petroleum product without lawful authority or appropriate license, and with having done so with respect to the petroleum product onboard”. The charges were later amended to apply only to the Master, three officers and the vessel allowing the other crew members to be released to the vessel. Following the payment of bail, the Master and three officers were also subsequently allowed to return to the vessel, but were not permitted to leave the country. On 6 May 2019, Switzerland instituted arbitral proceedings under Annex VII to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (The Convention) against Nigeria. The Tribunal held a hearing on 21 and 22 June 2019. In its final submissions Switzerland requested the Tribunal to prescribe a number of measures including the release of the crew and the vessel as well as to suspend all court and administrative proceedings.
African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) is a specialist solutions provider and partner to clients who operate in marine environments. As a market leader, AMSOL is the only marine solutions provider in the region that is employee and management owned, and is a catalyst for economic empowerment and shared value creation.
Nigeria submitted that The Tribunal reject all of Switzerland’s provisional measures. The Tribunal, however, ruled over the weekend that the Master and Crew be released pending the posting of a bond of US$14,000,000; but that Switzerland undertakes to ensure that they are present for criminal proceedings in Nigeria if the arrest is not found to be in violation of the Convention.
amsol.co.za
7 JULY 2019
Phase 2 of the Latimer’s Landing development will focus on escalating the project into a fully-fledged waterfront that contributes positively to the growth of the city’s tourism and leisure industry. This will involve efforts to revive the prime site as a bustling leisure and entertainment hub, complete with a number of different restaurants and family-friendly water-related leisure activities. The focus will be on the quayside, adjacent areas as well as upriver on both the East and West Bank sides of the Buffalo River. A more extensive proposal detailing the implementation and management of this exciting development is currently being developed and will be made public soon.
BLUE ECONOMY
attractions an exciting and extensive makeover.”
Tourism boost for Port of East London Heritage body gives green light for Latimer’s Landing redevelopment SOUTH AFRICA: The long-awaited revitalisation of the Port of East London’s Latimer’s Landing quayside leisure development has taken a leap forward, with approval granted to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to proceed with demolishing the existing historic structure and to replace it with a modern fit for purpose structure. Built in the early 1900’s using Karri wood, the jetty on the Buffalo River was closed in 2009 due to the negative impact sea water had had on its structural integrity. TNPA had to apply to the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resource Authority (ECPHRA) for a permit to demolish the structure because it is older than 60 years and protected under
Sijako acknowledged that Latimer’s Landing, as the only waterfront and leisure development of its kind in the region, should be a premier tourist attraction that operates for the benefit of the entire region.
the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999. This application has now been approved and paves the way for TNPA to proceed with phase 1 of the project which entails demolition and reconstruction.
In line with its vision of transforming its ports into ‘people’s ports’, TNPA envisages an array of exciting waterfront activities, water-based attractions, and quayside restaurants and coffee shops that will enliven and revitalise the area, drawing steady traffic into the precinct.
The site is world-renowned as the place where the prehistoric coelacanth fish was brought to shore, dispelling the accepted belief that it had become extinct. East London Port Manager, Sharon Sijako, said: “Latimer’s Landing is a unique and valuable asset to our city, but one that has not been optimally utilised in recent years. With the support of our strategic stakeholders and the East London community, we are committed to changing this by redeveloping the jetty and giving the city’s existing basket of tourism and leisure
TNPA has already commenced with updating the design of the jetty as per ECPHRA permit requirements. The final design and feasibility study are expected by October 2019. Thereafter the tender process will get underway. Once a contractor is appointed, the construction phase is expected to take 12 months.
MARINE ENGINEERING
Patrol fleet strengthened with delivery of two new vessels NIGERIA: Two new patrol vessels have been delivered to join an existing fleet of privately-owned security vessels that has been contracted to operate off Nigeria for the last five years.
The Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 3307 vessels built by Damen Shipyards Group have been configured as patrol vessels and, like their sisterships, each has a 75m² cargo deck aft rated at 2.5 tonnes / m². This allows them to provide an express service for the delivery of urgently needed equipment and spares. Additional equipment specified by HIOSL includes thermal imag-
Sijako added: “We are pleased to report that the proposed revitalisation of Latimer’s Landing enjoys the full and enthusiastic support of numerous stakeholders in the city with whom we will continue to work closely towards the overall development of the city. These include the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and its various agencies as well as the East London IDZ, both of whom we recently signed an MoU with.”
Acquisition given the go-ahead SOUTH AFRICA: The transaction for FFS Calpet to acquire Calulo Marine has been recommended for approval by the Competition Commission. FFS Calpet is involved in the procurement, processing and blending, refining, distribution and marketing of industrial heating fuels, wood preservatives, low sulphur oils, industrial heating fuels and marine fuel.
Strengthening Nigeria’s patrol capacity
Purchased by Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited (HIOSL), the vessels have no offensive capability apart from the security personnel on board and their equipment, however they are well defended. The bridges are bullet proof and armoured ‘citadels’ within will protect non-combatants in the event of fire being exchanged.
In order for leisure craft to continue operating in front of the main restaurant area, TNPA installed a cam-dock floating jetty as an interim measure. A private charter company currently offers boat rides and whale watching excursions from this jetty.
Of relevance to this merger filing is the FFS Calpet’s wholesale distribution of marine fuel, which is used to fuel ocean-going vessels.
ing sets, diesel powered SOLAS fast rescue craft and Fuel Trax fuel monitoring systems as well as redundant fuel oil separators to protect the engines and generators from contaminated fuel. Founded in 2006 to support operations in Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas fields, Homeland IOS Ltd is one of just a few indigenous Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC) in Nigeria with a valid memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Navy for the provision of security services.
8 JULY 2019
Calulo Marine is a wholesale distributor of marine fuels to customers operating in the South African maritime industries. The Commission found that the proposed transaction is unlikely to result in a substantial prevention or lessening of competition in any relevant markets. The Commission further found that the proposed transaction does not raise any employment or public interest concerns.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
ganisations from across the globe.
Africa meets to discuss Blue Economy goalposts
The need for direct action to deliver the environmental, economic and social benefits for Africa, and particularly its coastal nations was stressed during the two days of insight.
TUNISIA: Fishing, aquaculture, shipping, ports, energy and finance industries all came under the spotlight at ABEF2019, which drew in Government ministers, business leaders, international investors, academics and environmental or-
build a long-term plan and develop partnerships that are beyond shortterm projects. Engaging with new technologies and innovative financing mechanisms are also key to shaping a sustainable Blue Economy in Africa.
Speakers at ABEF2019 agreed on the urgent need for better cooperation between the ocean stakeholders, better governance and law enforcement. Regional, national and local strategies are required to
A sustainable Blue Business plan will accelerate Africa’s transformation, create jobs, sustain livelihoods and empower communities, while offering impactful climate change measures.
24 HOUR
+27 83 658 2540
OFFSHORE MARITIME SERVICES
CAPE TOWN | PORT ELIZABETH
OFF PORT LIMITS LAUNCH SERVICES
This was acknowledged at ABEF2019 across a range of panels with topics that explored how governments and private sectors can collaborate; tackling ocean pollution; innovative funding solutions; enhanced food security and sustainable growth for the fishing industry; sustainable ocean energy; how to engage more women to work in the maritime value chains and the opportunities to embrace the youth generation in the Blue Economy. Key outcomes from ABEF2019 saw the World Ocean Council, Tunisian Maritime Cluster and SETAP Tunisia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a platform to connect, share information, scientific research and technologies between the Mediterranean and the coastal African countries. In addition, WIMA Africa (Women in Maritime Association) launched the Tunisia Chapter with the objective of empowering women and reinforcing collaborations between Tunisian and African women in the maritime industry. The event attracted a significant number of high-level speakers, who can drive change and opinions, including government ministers HE Samir Taieb, Minister of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Fisheries, Republic of Tunisia; HE Mokhtar Hammami, Minister of Environment, Republic of Tunisia; HE Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Republic of Ghana and HE Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transport, Republic of Ghana.
Exceeding expectations | Exceeding industry standards Crane equipped launches offer 24-hour year-round exclusive bay, harbour and off-port limit services.
ADVERTISE IN OUR MONTHLY ROUND-UPS
DIGITAL
News Roundup
Offshore Maritime Services cc Tel: +27 21 425 3372 launch@marineservices.co.za
www.marineservices.co.za
No Deviations No Delays 10 JULY 2019
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
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA PEOPLE & EVENTS
Deputy Minister of Transport visits boat building sector in Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA: The South African BoatBuilding Export Council (SABBEX) and the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy hosted a delegation from the Department of Transport today to showcase the boat building sector and highlight the importance of sail training for the development of future seafarers. Despite expecting Minister of Transport, Fikile Mabula, hosts nevertheless graciously welcomed the Deputy Minister, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi to the Royal Cape Yacht Club today where she was provided with an overview of the boat building sector by the Chairman of SABBEX, Bruce Tedder. Tedder noted that the sector benefits from government support via the Department of Trade and Industry to showcase themselves on National Pavilions at international boat shows. “Now it is more important than ever to maintain, transform and grow the sector,” he told the delegation during his presentation. According to Tedder, the Department of Transport will be hosting an investors’ workshop for aspirant boat builders in September
this year. “There are opportunities in the sector and we can only get to the next level with new investors and players in the industry,” he added. An impassioned presentation by the head of the Sailing Academy, Lindani Mchunu, emphasised the importance of exposing youngsters to the sea as an introduction to the maritime industry. “We are opening up the maritime industry to them through sailing,” he said, explaining the Academy’s programme to draw people from disadavantaged communities and townhips. “If we want to develop a maritime nation of seafarers, we need to develop people with a passion for the sea,” he told delegates.
and the other a custom boutique manufacturing facility which recently launched the largest catamaran ever built in South Africa,” said Vanessa Davidson of SABBEX at the close of the day. “Recognition of the boat building sector by the National Department of Transport is a great step and starts to firmly locate the marine manufacturing sector as a central tenet of our economy. We look forward to continued support from, and engagement with, the Department,” she added.
“The South African Boatbuilding Export Council were delighted to be given an opportunity to showcase the boat building industry to the Deputy Minister of Transport today. The Minister and dignatories were given the opportunity to visit two boat building factories. One, a production facility employing 1800 people and producing over 200 luxury recreational boats a year,
Magadzi concluded her maritime encounter with a helicopter trip out over False Bay to see AMSOL’s tug, the SA Amandla which is currently
standing by the tanker, Ursu that became immobilised earlier this month off the South African coast and was towed into the bay to seek refuge. According to Dumisani Ntuli, acting DDG Maritime Transport within the Department of Transport, it is significant that the Department’s first engagement since the Minister’s budget speech is with the maritime industry. He reported that Minister Mabula would depart this weekend to attend a Council meeting of the International Maritime Organisation in London.
ABOVE: Lindani Mchunu, Deputy Minister Dikeledi Magadzi and Bruce Tedder.
THE REVOLUTION BEGINS Redefining diesel power The CXO300 diesel outboard is a world first. Combining the power and torque of a diesel engine with the advantages of an outboard, Cox redefines marine propulsion. The result is the most powerful commercial diesel engine ever developed, with levels of efficiency and reliability to match. Seascape Marine Services 124 Service Road Marine Drive, Paarden Eiland Cape Town 7405, South Africa
Built for purpose
––– CXO300 – the world’s first 300hp diesel outboard coxmarine.com
Tel: +27 (0)21 511 8201 jdejong@seascapemarine.co.za seascapemarine.co.za
11 JULY 2019