MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
NEWS ROUND-UP JUNE 2019
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Celebrating innovation and excellence in the boat building sector SOUTH AFRICA: Industry stakeholders and representatives from local as well as national government celebrated innovation and excellence in the leisure boat building sector at an event hosted by the South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX). More than 200 guests converged at SABBEX’s Legends and Trailblazers event that aimed to honour those that have been instrumental in helping to elevate South Africa’s status in the leisure boat and yacht market, where Cape Town ranks as the second largest builder of catamarans in the world. Speaking at the event, Alderman James Voss, the City’s Executive Head of Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, reiterated the City of Cape Town’s intention to support further growth in the sector and consolidate the city’s reputation as the boat building destination
in the country. “We will be exploring more opportunities in the boat building sector to position ourselves as global leaders,” he told guests. Wesgro’s CEO, Tim Harris, was also enthusiastic about the potential of the sector for the region, highlighting that the export of catamarans in 2018 had delivered R32billion in export revenue. Acknowledging the award winners on the night, he however emphasised that the success of the sector importantly contributed to the stability of employment of those at the shipyards as well as the potential of new jobs for the region. But the event was about honouring those in the sector who have achieved excellence to help boost the country’s reputation on the world stage – and on whose legacy the sector can leverage further growth.
GREEN MARINE
Environmental group calls on West Africa to address fishmeal industry Fishmeal industry stealing regional food and livelihoods in West Africa DAKAR: Reacting to a report on the fishmeal industry last week, Environmental Group, Greenpeace is calling on West African governments to immediately phase out the fishmeal and fish oil industry which they believe is impacting on food security and livelihoods of local people in the region. The report, entitled ‘A waste of fish: Food security under threat from the fishmeal and fish oil industry in West Africa’, raises strong concerns about the expanding FMFO industry in Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia. All three species of fish used for FMFO are essential for food security, and already overexploited. “We’re losing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of edible fish to fishmeal and fish oil exports, potentially impacting 40 million
African consumers. West African governments must protect regional fish stocks and put the food security rights of their citizens first, by quickly decreasing the amount of fish going into fishmeal production,” said Dr Ibrahima Cisse, Oceans Campaign Manager for Greenpeace Africa. “Decades of overfishing and government inaction have degraded regional fish stocks. Now the fishmeal industry is aggravating the problem to a critical level; taking fish from people’s plates to feed fish farms, pigs or poultry in faraway markets. Catches that could be made by artisanal fishermen and the women who process them – which could feed low income families – is exported to be used as animal feed. It makes no sense.” Greenpeace has found 50 operational FMFO factories in the region, 40 of which were active in March 2019. The majority of West African FMFO is destined for overseas
According to SABBEX’s Vanessa Davidson, the industry body received a wealth of quality nominations for both the Legends and Trailblazer award categories and it was a challenge to narrow it down to only a handful of winners in each. On hand to present the awards, Dumisani Ntuli, acting DDG Maritime Transport within the Department of Transport, helped validate the importance of the sector to national markets, largely Asia and the EU. Exports of FMFO from Mauritania have doubled between 2014 and 2018, making this country now the largest exporter of fishmeal and fish oil in the region. In 2017, it was estimated that nearly 550,000 tonnes of pelagic fish were harvested to supply FMFO processing plants in Mauritania. The growing FMFO industry is not only threatening regional fish stocks but affecting livelihoods and food security. About 80 % of fish landings in Senegal come from the artisanal sector, and fish provides around 70% of the population’s animal protein needs, and over 50% of protein needs in The Gambia. [4][5] Greenpeace Africa calls on West African governments and companies to face their responsibilities in the much-needed protection of regional fish stocks, as well as prioritise basic human rights: food security and the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen and women processors. “We have to put fish back on people’s tables, before satisfying industrial farming,” said Dr Cisse.
government. Walking away as Legends on the night were: Jeff Stevens of Gemini Fuad Jacobs of Jacobs Bros Tich Mitchell of Sparcraft Masts Duncan Lethbridge of St Francis Catamarans John Robertson of Robertson and Caine Trailblazers in the industry were identified as: Alex Simonis of Simonis Voogd Yacht Designers Anton du Toit of Du Toit Yacht Designs Greg Walters of Gaw Marine Mark Delany of 2 Oceans Manufacturing Carl Martin of Draco Sailing Hardware And just as the applause was beginning to die down, Davidson announced a surprise addition to the list by calling on Bruce Tedder, the Chairman of the SABBEX board who was given deserved recognition for his dedicated work to promote South Africa’s reputation via the SABBEX platform. Adding flavour to the evening, internationally renowned sailor, Skip Novak provided the keynote address that highlighted his deep connections with the country and South Africans. He noted, however, that more investment in infrastructure to support the mooring and lay-up of yachts and superyachts in Cape Town would go a long way to attracting even more opportunities for the sector.
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PEOPLE & EVENTS
Spotlight on women at sea SOUTH AFRICA: June 25 marked the annual International Day of the Seafarer and this year’s theme centred on addressing gender equality on board. Maritime stakeholders around the globe were encouraged to commit to being on board with gender equality and maritime-related social media was alive with the hashtag #IamOnBoard. The reality is, however, that although some strides have been made in the last two or three decades with regard to addressing gender equality and the perception that the industry is more suited to men than to women – most maritime sectors continue to lack real inclusivity and equality. This is particularly true in the merchant shipping fleet where international companies are reticent to engage female crewmembers based on a number of perceptions that include increased risk as well as the notion that women are more likely to leave their seafaring positions earlier than men – and are consequently not worth the efforts and expense of training. Sessions hosted by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) around South Africa aimed to address these and other challenges facing women at sea. Sitting in on the Cape Town session was enlightening, but honestly not that surprising. South Africa’s cadet programme has been progressive in encouraging the youth of both genders to consider a career at sea. The SAMSA led initiative has sought to ensure that significant numbers of women have been included in the intake.
But these ladies still face many of the challenges that previous generations of women seafarers have been struggling to address. It’s a complex issue that draws on societal perceptions of women; accepted cultural gender roles as well as norms; the sexualisation of women and many other micro assumptions that impact on how women are treated when the ship lifts anchor and sets sail. And, although abuse and bullying are part of the problem at sea, there are many other conversations that are simply getting lost because they make the male-dominated industry uncomfortable. Speaking at the Cape Town sessions, Captain Thembela Thaboshe jumped right in declaring no subject sacred or taboo. Recounting the story of joining her first ship she highlighted that the simple matter of ensuring that women on board had a suitable system to dispose of sanitary pads had been overlooked. It’s probably not a conversation that her male counterparts were keen to engage in, but it is one that every woman embarking on a career at sea needs to think about.
During a recent engagement with Fisheries stakeholders in Cape Town, Minister Creecy indicated that she is seeking independent scientific advice on practical measures that can help prevent entanglement incidents in
It is clear that this scenario is viewed as justification of why it continues to be a perceived risk to deploy women at sea. Sadly however, it is not the women who are the problem but rather their fellow male crewmembers; but it is to the detriment of more pervasive inclusivity for women at sea.
Highlighting that it is only through the application of deliberate strategies that AMSOL has been able to address a better statistic of inclusivity amongst their seafaring staff, Gomes reminded delegates that nothing would change in the industry if the status quo was simply permitted to linger.
It should be noted that the response to attend this year’s sessions which dealt more specifically with gender issues as compared to that of last year was significantly lower. Last year’s Cape Town session was literally packed to capacity with latecomers facing standing room only. This year, the predominantly female audience, did not fill a sparsely furnished room. “This is not a conversation for a room full of women only,” noted Clare Gomes of African Marine Solutions (and chairperson of the Women in Shipping and Trading Association of South Africa). “These
Thaboshe was also clear on the impact of being viewed primarily as a woman and not as a colleague on board. “Women are sexualised,” she said. “I went on board as a cadet; to
ensure a solid statistical time series of catch and effort data.
Minister halts octopus fishing in False Bay
“Our decision is taken following widespread public concern regarding recent whale entanglements in the False Bay area which has resulted in the untimely and cruel death of these magnificent creatures”, said Minister Creecy.
are not conversations we need to be having at a break-away session, but belong in the plenary where everyone is present,” she added.
“I have to be concerned about what (male crewmembers) think of me. I should not be limited to what I want to wear to feel comfortable,” Thaboshe remarked echoing the sentiments of many women both ashore and at sea.
FISHING
SOUTH AFRICA: Concern over the increasing number of whales that have become entangled in octopus ropes in False Bay has prompted the Minister to announce a temporary ban on octopus fishing in False Bay.
work as a cadet and do a job not to protect my life,” she told delegates as she highlighted the tensions that can develop on board a vessel.
Since then, the Department has engaged with operators and agreed that the suspension will remain until such time as scientists can investigate the matter further and explore possible mitigation measures to reduce entanglements.
Once enough data has been collected, it will be analysed and subjected to proper scientific scrutiny and review, after which a recommendation will be made regarding the viability of establishing a new commercial fishery. Such a recommendation will also consider mitigating measures in the operations of octopus fishery.
In 2014, the Department established an octopus exploratory fishery that is operating in Saldanha, False Bay and Mossel Bay. This programme aims to gain scientific knowledge regarding octopus harvesting, with a view to enhancing job creation and economic development in coastal areas. Meaningful data has been collected between 2014 and 2018, and will continue until 2021 in order to
During the course of the exploratory fishery for octopus, the Department has been working with Permit Holders and other stakeholders to implement measures to minimize the entanglement of whales in fishing gear. Many practical suggestions made by various stakeholders have been implemented through the permit conditions for octopus fishery.
the future.
2 JUNE 2019
“Success is possible, but it is only possible with the deliberate interventions. We must not tolerate people putting up deliberate barriers and we must take deliberate steps to address imbalances. It is important to address this as an industry and mainstream the issues,” she said adding that engagement at the WISTA Africa conference earlier this year highlights that women in Ghana and Nigeria face similar challenges. The challenge now is to move beyond the 2019 theme of addressing gender issues to ensure that the conversation does not simply get removed from the maritime industry dialogue going forward – and that issues of stereotyping, pay discrepancies, bullying, micro-aggression and lack of career support are solved and not ignored.
After special sinking lines with extra weights were introduced in 2017, there were no recorded whale fatalities in 2018. Currently, discussions have been initiated to investigate the possible use of ‘acoustic release buoys’ or ‘time release buoys’ to minimise the need for vertical lines. These options still require testing, but offer hope of dramatically reducing or eliminating whale entanglements in octopus fishing gear. Further work still needs to be done to assess commercial viability of these solutions. Following today’s meeting, operators will commence removing the gear from False Bay, focusing initially on those areas identified as most sensitive and with the highest number of interactions.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA MARINE ENGINEERING
A first for South Africa as ballast water treatment system installed SOUTH AFRICA: With the clock ticking for existing vessels to comply with the IMO’s Ballast Water Convention, Cape Town-based AllSurvey Industrial (ASI) reports that they have completed the first ballast water treatment system installation in South Africa. “Although there have been system acquisitions locally, we believe that this is the first actual installation and commissioning of a ballast water treatment system (BWTS) undertaken in a South African port,” says Lars Thorsen, Managing
Director of ASI. ASI installed the Desmi RayClean BWTS on board an international vessel currently stationed within the port. “It has been a very interesting project for the company,” says Alex Desvoyes who project managed the installation and commissioning. Desmi RayCleanTM is IMO and DNV type approved and has earned the Alternate Management System (AMS) acceptance by the US Coast Guard (USCG). The AMS acceptance
covers all salinities ranging from freshwater to marine water. In addition RayCleanTM has been proven capable of dealing with extremely dirty and unclear water.
Society Bureau Veritas, Desvoyes emphasises that it was successfully completed without impacting on the ship’s existing equipment, escape routes or other installations.
Confirming that the installation was approved by the Classification
“A complete data pack was submitted to the shipowners ready for the Classification Society surveyor to review and approve,” he says. “ASI fitted solid foundations for all the components of the system with fully galvanised piping and welds checked by Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI). Importantly, the equipment is easy to access ensuring ease of maintenance,” adds Thorsen.
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In terms of ensuring a smooth handover to the client, ASI undertook full commissioning as well as training of the crew on the system, which allows for a fully automated operation. The system records sea water volumes during ballasting and de-ballasting operations, and a remote screen is fitted in the Engine Control Room for a convenient and user-friendly interface. Working around the vessel’s scheduled downtime in the Port of Cape Town, the ASI team officially completed the installation last month. The Ballast Water Management Convention requires all ships in international trade to manage their ballast water and sediments, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. All ships must carry a ballast water record book and an International Ballast Water Management Certificate. “We hope that the successful completion of this installation will open the door for additional retrofits on the global fleet that may find the Port of Cape Town a convenient stop-over,” says Thorsen.
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Durban-built craft boosts dredging fleet SOUTH AFRICA: A new Durban-built survey craft valued at R1,5m has been handed over to Transnet National Ports Authority’s Dredging Services as part of their ongoing fleet replacement programme. Carl Gabriel, Executive Manager for TNPA’s Dredging Services division, said the new vessel is replacing the existing Survey Craft, Swift, which is 32 years old and has reached the end of its operational life. The new craft has been named SS Sonar.
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SLOVAKIA
“Although the survey craft is one of the smaller vessels in our dredging fleet, it is a critical tool for keeping our ports at the correct depths for safe navigation. We use the survey craft to conduct single beam hydrographic surveys around the ports as well as measuring the physical environment underwater for any potential impact on marine activities,” he said. “Critical to the success of dredging is the need for world-class dredging vessels, especially as we continue to welcome an influx of container vessels larger than 10,000 TEUs which has resulted in the demand for berth dredging increasing threefold,” he added. Gabriel said it was inspiring to see new entrants into the boat building market.
COLOMBIA
The new vessel was designed, manufactured, assembled, commissioned and delivered to TNPA’s Dredging Services division by local company, Dams Maintenance and Industrial Supplies cc, on time and within budget. The Black owned family company based in Woodview, Durban, has a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBBEE) Level 1 status and scooped the contract through a competitive tender process in which the contractor satisfied all technical, B-BBEE and price evaluation criteria. Dams sub-contracted certain elements to Hansen Boatz and Toyz cc - t/a Durban Yamaha. Dams Operations Director, Danny Ramsaroop, said the company’s previous experience included building a Category E rescue craft for the KwaDukuza Municipality’s lifeguards division and a jet ski for the eThekwini Municipality’s lifeguards unit. “This was our first project for Transnet and it was sheer pleasure but also hard work coordinating the project from documentation to the manufacture and delivery according to specifications, with all statutory certification,” he said. The order was received from TNPA in November 2018 and the craft was completed five days ahead of schedule on 26 March 2019.
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SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is calling for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors. An advert in this Sunday’s newspapers indicate that the Authority is finally ready to fill positions that have been vacant for some time. The Board serves for a tenure of three years and is accountable to the Minister of Transport. In addition to the vacancies on the Board, SAMSA is also currently without a permanently appointed Chief Executive Officer. The position has remained empty since Tsietsi Mokhele left more than three years ago. Earlier this year, former Minister of Transport, Blade Nzimande indicated that a new CEO would be appointed by June, but Sobantu Tilayi currently still holds the position in an acting capacity. The closing date for nominations to the Board is 19 July 2019.
4 JUNE 2019
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA GREEN MARINE
African countries cooperate on ocean protection SOUTH AFRICA: A new milestone was achieved this month in Cape Town, South Africa. Step by step, African countries are progressing towards increased cooperation for ocean protection and sustainable resource use. A new global legal agreement is currently being negotiated at the United Nations looking at promoting the protection of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction – the high seas - outside of any single countries’ territory. At present, governments have responsibilities, under various international treaties, to protect biodiversity in their national jurisdiction, however, there is no central body that guides and manages the high seas. Delegates representing countries from around Africa, international and regional organisations, NGOs, academics and representatives from the Abidjan Convention and Nairobi Convention met to address the importance and strategy for engaging in this UN process. The discussion was around building a collective understanding of the role and implications of a new legal
instrument for this region and how the regional conventions can play a role in the global negotiations by working together to create a strong, collective voice for Africa during the debates. Thursday the 13th June also saw the launch of the Abidjan Convention Area Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) Working Group. The working group will be a collaborative effort of national experts from West, Central and Southern Africa to study conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Participants at the workshop shared the view that further research and consideration of the importance of the high seas is essential, and that a united vision and regional voice is needed to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. The meetings were organised jointly by the ABNJ Deep Seas and the STRONG High Seas projects in partnership with the Abidjan and Nairobi Convention Secretariats.
“We want to support our members and facilitate that Africa has an articulated position/contribution to the ABNJ/ocean debate” said Abou Bamba, Executive Secretary of the Abidjan Convention, who was present at the Cape Town workshop.
Dr. Carole Durussel, co-lead of the STRONG High Seas project, concluded “With over 80 participants actively engaging and discussing critical issues for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction for Africa, the workshop was a success for knowledge exchange within the region and marks a significant step in raising awareness to national and regional stakeholders about the health of the high seas”.
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BRIEFS
Island celebrates World Hydrography Day MAURITIUS: An open day, comprising an exhibition and a trip on-board CGS Barracuda and the Fast Interceptor Boat (FIB) of the National Coast Guard to showcase the importance of Hydrographic products for a vessel at sea, were organised by the Ministry of Housing and Lands, at the Quay B of the Port Louis Harbour, to mark World Hydrography Day 2019. In his address, Minister Jhugroo underpinned Government’s vision of transforming Mauritius into an ocean state which requires promoting the ocean economy as one of its main pillars of development. According to him, the expected expansion of activities in the ocean will play a critical role in the economic and social development of the country.
New container terminal poised to offer growth GHANA: The first vessel has successfully docked at Tema Port’s new MPS Terminal 3, Ghana. The container vessel will be used for training purposes over the coming weeks, to ensure that the terminal runs smoothly from day one, when operations begin later this month on June 28. Chartering the test vessel will cost around 250,000 Dollars. Over the coming weeks it will be used to run a full-scale test of the port and for final staff training. “When it comes to training, the benefits significantly outweigh the cost involved,” explained Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Port Services Ltd, Mohamed Samara.
Maritime safety on the agenda MAURITIUS: The Maritime Safety Week, organised by the Republic of Mauritius in partnership with the Indian Ocean Commission and the European Union, concluded last week with the adoption of the Declaration of the Ministerial Conference on Maritime Safety in the Western Indian Ocean as well as the Final Communiqué of the 22nd Plenary Session of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS). These two documents set the course for future actions to regional maritime security.
Fishmeal industry burdening West Africa WEST AFRICA: Greenpeace is calling on West African governments to immediately phase out the wasteful fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) industry, to stop the threat to regional fish stocks essential for
the food security and livelihoods of local people, outlined in a new Greenpeace International report released this month.
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(Switzerland v. Nigeria), Provisional Measures. The hearing will convene on 21 and 22 June in the main courtroom of the Tribunal.
The report, entitled ‘A waste of fish: Food security under threat from the fishmeal and fish oil industry in West Africa’, raises strong concerns about the expanding FMFO industry in Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia. All three species of fish used for FMFO are essential for food security, and already overexploited.
EU signs fishing agreement
On 21 May 2019, Switzerland submitted a request to the Tribunal for the prescription of provisional measures under article 290, paragraph 5, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in a dispute between Switzerland and Nigeria concerning the arrest and detention of the M/T “San Padre Pio”, its crew and cargo.
Merger recommended for approval SOUTH AFRICA: The Competition Commission has recommended that the proposed merger between DSV and Panalpina Weltransport Holding be approved by the Tribunal without conditions. In its assessment, the Commission found that the proposed transaction does not raise any competition or public interest concerns. It recommended that the Tribunal approve the transaction without conditions.
Secretariat for fishing organisation finds new home SEYCHELLES: The Fisheries Transparency Initiative International Secretariat was officially opened last week in Victoria. The ceremony was attended by the President of Seychelles, Danny Faure, Vice-President Meriton, members of the government and the diplomatic corps, as well national and international stakeholders within the fisheries sector. The FiTI International Secretariat is currently hosted by the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform, a non-profit organisation in Berlin, Germany. From this week on, the FiTI Headquarter will be officially based in the Seychelles. The relocation process is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.
Navy notes 25 years of democracy for South Africa SOUTH AFRICA: The first Admiralty House Garden Concert to be held in eight years was hosted by Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Bravo Mhlana this last weekend in Simon’s Town. This concert is the first in a series of Naval calendar events to celebrate 25 years of democracy in the South African Navy – under the umbrella of Project “Tshintsha” (a Xhosa expression which means change). Locals of all ages and races flocking to Admiralty House to enjoy the melodies of the South Navy Band. Band Director, Lieutenant Commander Lindela Madikizela led
GUINEA BISSAU: The European Union and Guinea Bissau have signed a new five -year protocol to the existing Sustainable Fishing Partnership Agreement (SFPA). This new protocol fully reflects the long-standing spirit of the EU partnership and the general principles of the EU Common Fisheries Policy such as sustainable management of resources, legal stability, transparency, science-based access and monitoring, and the sustainable development of the partner country fisheries sector.
Loan extended for investment in machinery SOUTH AFRICA: Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has extended a R5 million interest free loan to Africa Projects Consultants; a small, 100% black-owned business focused on the shipbuilding and ship repair sectors, to purchase a state-of-the-art pipe-bending machine. This investment will enhance Africa Projects Consultants’ capabilities and is part of DSCT’s commitment to accelerate the transformation of the South African shipbuilding sector. This advanced pipe-bending machine will not only increase the speed at which the pipe bending and fabrication can be done, it will also increase quality substantially
Seafarers return home after a year adrift TUNISIA: After being abandoned off the Tunisian coast without wages, food and fuel for over a year, 12 seafarers on board the Qaaswa have been sent home. The crew from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar flew home, each with thousands of dollars in unpaid wages, totalling USD$130,952 for the eight months that they were owed. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has continued to intervene over the past three years to assist, repatriate and recover wages for seafarers stranded on the Qaaswa, and provided the crew with provisions and drinking water.
Tribunal to hear dispute between Nigeria and Switzerland ITLOS: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has set a date for the hearing in The M/T “San Padre Pio” Case
6 JUNE 2019
Port Welfare Committee established SOUTH AFRICA: A new Port Welfare Committee has been established in Durban, South Africa to develop a more collaborative and holistic approach to providing assistance and support to visiting seafarers. The newly formed Durban Port Welfare Committee (DPWC) seeks to supplement and build on the excellent service already provided in the port by the voluntary organisations and will establish a forum where the work of all maritime organisations with a vested interest in seafarers’ welfare can be coordinated. The DPWC will bring together key representatives from the port, maritime community, local and provincial government and non-profit organisations to support and improve seafarers’ welfare facilities and services.
Redeveloping offshore field to increase production ANGOLA: -ExxonMobil and its partners announced last week that they will further invest in Block 15 offshore Angola to increase production as part of an agreement with Angola’s recently established National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels. As part of the agreement, Sonangol, Angola’s state oil company, will receive a 10 percent equity interest. ExxonMobil will complete a multi-year drilling program in the block and install new infrastructure technology to increase capacity. The project will generate about 1,000 local jobs, and will produce approximately 40,000 additional barrels of oil per day once online.
Fishing and marine activity ban lifted in port SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has provisionally lifted its suspension of fishing, commercial diving and other marine activities in the Port of Durban which had been applied after sewage was discovered flowing into the port from the eThekwini Municipality’s sewer reticulation system.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA SECURITY
ed stowaway incidents.
four of all reported cases globally.
Report highlights risk of piracy and stowaways in Africa
“In December 2018, British Special Forces boarded the Ro-ro cargo ship Grande Tema in the English Channel after a group of stowaways threatened the crew. The 71,000ton vessel, owned by Grimaldi Lines was en route from Lagos, Nigeria to the UK when its crew discovered four stowaways and locked them in a cabin. However, the four men escaped and demanded the vessel sail close to the coast so they could get ashore.”
“Many crews are kidnapped and taken into Nigeria where they are held for ransom, while Nigerian pirates have also demonstrated their capabilities further out at sea by hijacking a tanker around 100 nautical miles off Point Noire, Congo in October 2018.”
AFRICA: An increase in stowaways boarding commercial vessels in African ports as well as the impact of rising piracy in West Africa are cause for concern according to a report released by Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality. The report, Safety & Shipping Review 2019 analyses reported shipping losses over 100 gross tons and cites Lagos, Nigeria as the port with the highest number of report-
The report also notes the increase in migrants seeking to cross from Africa to Europe in unseaworthy vessels.
Also of concern is the apparent increase of piracy off the coast of West Africa and particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. According to the report, this makes Nigeria the top global hotspot for piracy, accounting for 48 incidents or almost one in
“Around 113,000 migrants entered Europe by sea in 2018 – the fifth year in a row this total has been in excess of 100,000, according to the International Organization for Migration.”
SHIPPING
Pushing cabotage compliance to boost ocean economy NIGERIA: The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has said that the Agency had already keyed into the vision of the President by creating over 7000 jobs in the last six months through the New Cabotage Compliance Strategy and is set to do more, as there are vast opportunities in the maritime sector. He said the Agency had come up with strategies that had ensured a steady rise in the number of jobs created through manning, crewing, stevedoring, and dockworkers engagement. This, he said, has positioned the maritime industry as one of the key sectors that will support the realisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s pronouncement during his Democracy Day broadcast of bringing 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, as maritime possesses a vast opportunity for our economic growth. According to the NIMASA DG, the implementation of a five-year plan for the cessation of waiver has encouraged the employment of more Nigerians by vessel owners. He said the effect of the new Cabotage regime was still yielding positive results, as more Nigerians are set to be engaged in various sub-sectors of the maritime industry due to the discouragement of the dominance of the sector by foreigners. “We have always known that the political will to deal with the issue of waivers in the Cabotage regime had been the challenge in the past. Our pronouncement and implementation of the New Cabotage Compliance Strategy has led to the engagement of over 7000 Nigerians in various sub-sectors within the industry. This has also resulted in 32% increase in vessels operating under the Cabotage regime in the first two quarters of 2019,” he said.
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7 JUNE 2019
GREEN MARINE
COMPANY NEWS
Employee share scheme creates value for staff AMSOL share scheme pays out SOUTH AFRICA: Around 370 African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) employees are reaping the benefits of a payout created through the company’s employee share ownership scheme (ESOP), with many owning shares for the very first time. The scheme, introduced in 2016 is a key element of the company’s employee value proposition, according to AMSOL Chief Executive Officer and company appointed Employee Trust representative, Paul Maclons.
New film on our oceans due for release in July SOUTH AFRICA: The première of Our Oceans, which documents a journey of discovery on board the research vessel, Angra Pequena, will be released next month at a private screening in Durban.
from remote cameras more than 100m below the surface, the viewer is treated to a rich variety of imagery that shows the magic of the ocean in a way very few will ever get to experience first-hand.
The film was produced by WILDOCEANS with Off the Fence, a production company, and documents ground-breaking expeditions on board the vessel. This unique access gives the viewer a window into the world of ocean exploration. The journey focuses on iconic species including the Humpback Whale, the Coelacanth and the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark.
“We must thank the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP), the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and Off the Fence for making this film possible,” said Producer of ‘Our Oceans’ Lauren van Nijkerk. “It would take an entire day to thank all the cast and crew involved – but a massive blanket thank you must go out to all of them for making a dream of sharing South Africa’s oceans with the world, come true.”
From breaching whales to footage
“From the outset, great care was invested to ensure that permanent employees at sea and ashore, who are the backbone of our business, share equally in its success, irrespective of position and background. This is the second dividend pay-out employees have received since AMSOL acquired the business of SMIT Amandla Marine in December 2016. Our employees place a high value on being able to improve their financial circumstances through the trust, which is managed by trustees elected by the employees,” he said. AMSOL’s shareholding includes employees and management who together own a significant minority shareholding, as well as Pan-African Capital Holdings, the Mineworkers Investment Company and RMB Ventures. The company is 100% South African owned and 59% owned by Black South Africans, with a BroadBased Black Economic Empowerment rating of Level 3. Maclons said the Trust’s formation and impact were about creating value for employees and shareholders who have gained a defensive
BLUE ECONOMY
Tourism given a boost with new ferry MOZAMBIQUE: A new ferry capable of carrying 156 passengers was launched this month in a bid to improve the tourism potential of Inyaka island in Maputo Bay. The new vessel will replace the current ferry which had a carrying capacity of only 70 and cut the transit time drastically to just 45 minutes from Maputo. Speaking at the launch of the vessel, President Filipe Nyusi said that the acquisition of the vessel aims to respond to calls from the islanders dating back to 2016 to upgrade the transport between the island and the mainland. Purchased in Greece at a cost of $2.7 million, the vessel will initially transit five days a week, but will look to increase the frequency should there be enough demand. The Government of Mozambique is aiming to exploit the natural potential of the island for tourism. Inyaka is characterised by beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity, with more than 12,000 species registered, of which 150 species of coral as well as 300 species of birds, and turtles.
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cash generative company into their portfolio. Championing Empowerment Maclons said AMSOL had gone to great lengths to champion the empowerment agenda and play a leading role in boosting South Africa’s economic growth and equity in the economy. “At the time we bought into the business, it was majority-owned by foreign owners, and the staff owned around 12%. We decided to retain the employee’s Trust at the same level of shareholding and we continued with the employees as a key component of our shareholder body,” he said. “Being 100% South African owned enables AMSOL to achieve its government and private sector clients’ imperatives in terms of preferential procurement and enterprise and supplier development – an important factor, considering that about 20% of our business is with government, as well as clients such as Shell, BP, De Beers and Sapref, amongst others,” he added. “Our transformation journey has also been about aligning ourselves to do business in Africa. We’ve been able to change the profile of our suppliers quite significantly and more than 60% of local procurement is with black owned businesses and 24% with black female owned suppliers in our supply chain, which is transformation in action,” says Maclons. Deliberate interventions over the last three years have also seen women in the AMSOL workforce increase from 8% to 14% – now comprising a third of the Senior Management team and 25% at Board level. These efforts had been recognised through various accolades such as scooping the 17th Oliver Top Empowerment Awards in the category of Skills Development in 2018.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA PEOPLE & EVENTS
Africa meets to plot vision for Blue Economy Africa Blue Economy Forum 2019 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 organisations from across the globe. 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. 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 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. A sustainable Blue Business plan will accelerate Africa’s transformation, create jobs, sustain livelihoods and empower communities, while offering impactful climate change measures. This was acknowledged at
SHIPPING
SA ships registry welcomes another vessel onto flag SOUTH AFRICA: The Vuka Marine cargo vessel, Windsor Adventure, was formally welcomed into the country’s ship registry at a ceremony held in the city of its registry and home, the port of Port Elizabeth this week. Vuka Marine is a joint venture between Via Maritime of South Africa and K-Line of Japan. The company is currently moving about 2.5-metric tons of ore per annum, mainly on the first two capesize bulk carriers that it flagged in South Africa in 2015. The latest addition is the third cargo ship operated by Vuka Marine to be registered under the South African flag and the fifth so far in the registry since the launch of the South African Maritime Safety Association’s (SAMSA) driven campaign to revitalise the commercial ship stock registered in South Africa about a decade or so ago. At the port of Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, both senior national and provincial government officials attending, including the Eastern Cape’s MEC for Transport, Ms Weziwe Tikana, expressed delight at the growth of ships now coming carrying the South Africa flag, however slow, and also acknowledged the need for speed in adding more into fold of the registry in far higher numbers if the country was to realise its ambitions of developing the country’s maritime economy transport sub-sector, develop skills and create employment. 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.
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.
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.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Promoting innovative solutions in the ocean economy SOUTH AFRICA: Hosting a delegation of Norwegian maritime companies in South Africa, Innovation Norway officially launched The Explorer to the market at a networking breakfast in Cape Town. The Explorer aims to match international needs and buyers with Norwegian green solutions and expertise. It already includes 78 solutions for the ocean industries. Companies that offer green solutions can register their solutions provided that they meet one or more of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals. The aim is to promote Norwegian pioneers within the green space across a variety of industries.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
African representation on International Maritime Rescue Federation board
Moroccan elected to IMRF Board of Trustees
The solutions in The Explorer already include Yara’s electric container ship, Equinor’s floating wind farm Hywind, and Scanship with its solutions to convert waste to fuel.
Mohammed Drissi of the Ocean Fisheries Department, Morocco, has been included on the newly elected Board of Trustees of the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). IMRF members elected their new Board of Trustees yesterday at their Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) in Vancouver. The meeting followed on from the 4th World Maritime Rescue Congress, which brought together maritime search and rescue specialists and equipment providers from around the globe The new Trustees, who will serve a four year term, then held an initial meeting to elect a new Board Chair. The newly elected Trustees are: Dean Lawrence (Chair) (Coastguard New Zealand); Jorge Diena (ADES Uruguay); Mohammed Drissi (Ocean Fisheries Department, Morocco); Cia Sjostedt (Swedish Sea Rescue Society); Nicolaus Stadeler (German Maritime Search and Rescue Service); James Vaughan (RNLI); Zhang Rongjun (China Rescue and Salvage) ABOVE: The new Board of Trustees was elected at the QGM in Vancouver on 18 June: (from left to right) Zhang Rongjun (CRS); James Vaughan (RNLI); Mohammed Drissi (Ocean Fisheries Department, Morocco); Cia Sjostedt (SSRS); Theresa Crossley(CEO, IMRF); Dean Lawrence, Chair ( Coastguard New Zealand); Jorge Diena (ADES); Nicolaus Stadeler (DGzRS).
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Innovation Norway’s breakfast also gave a number of local companies the opportunity to network with the Norwegian delegation. The visitors were also taken on a port tour and provided with additional information about the South African port environment by Transnet Port Terminals as well as Transnet National Ports Authority. In addition, Tim Harris, CEO of Wesgro was on hand with information about the city’s plans to foster the ocean economy and boat building in particular.
PORTS
Second terminal opened at MedPort Tangier MOROCCO: APM Terminals second terminal in Morocco, MedPort Tangier was inaugurated this week. Part of the Tanger Med Port complex, it has an annual capacity of 5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalents). With this new capacity, Morocco aims to establish itself as one of the most important transshipment locations in the world. Tanger Med Port is already ranked as the leading African port and is amongst the world’s top 50 container ports due to its prime location along key trade lanes and increasing cargo flows, to and from Africa. The construction of the state-of-theart APM Terminals MedPort Tangier facility took two years and a total investment of USD 800m. This new transshipment terminal is designed, constructed and operated by APM Terminals, and will join existing hub facilities servicing Maersk and its partners. Built utilizing the latest technology, the terminal is set to be one of the most efficient and safest
in the world.
our customers better and further facilitate global trade.”
Morten H. Engelstoft, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals commented: “APM Terminals has a long-term relationship with Morocco and we are proud to be operating the second container terminal in the Tanger Med Port complex. APM Terminals MedPort Tangier is a key junction in our global network allowing us to serve
The new facility will support Tanger Med Port to increase its annual throughput capacity to nine million TEUs, helping to improve Moroccan connectivity and further support global trade. Morocco has seen GDP growth of 4.1% and has a positive outlook for
containerised imports and exports with significant growth expected in the years to come. Approximately 200 cargo vessels pass through the Strait of Gibraltar daily, with major liner services linking Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. With a quay length of 1,200 meters and a draft of 16 to 18 metres, APM Terminals MedPort Tangier is able to facilitate the largest vessels.
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