Monthly Maritime News Roundup - March 2020

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA

NEWS ROUND-UP MARCH 2020

INSIDE PORTS Maintenance dredging at Mossel Bay a success 15-year leases available in the Port of Durban Mobile ship loaders delivered to boost multi-purpose handling Two vessels flagged for possible COVID-19 cases off Cape Town Negative testing sees ships cleared from port No port closures but crew changes prohibited in South Africa Collaborative action sees OPL services continued during lockdown Seychelles lifts restrictions on cruise vessels for medical evacuation Transnet confirms scaling of operations during lockdown

Port hosts Bayhead cleanup

HEALTH AND SAFETY Research vessel diverted for medical evacuation Measures to curb Coronavirus impact maritime sectors SHIPPING Merchant Shipping Bill under the spotlight African authorities react to threat of COVID-19 PEOPLE & EVENTS WISTA-SA celebrates International Women’s Day with youth Honouring contributions to maritime education and awareness 2020 VISION Debbie Owen Maryke Musson

Chairperson and members of WISTA South Africa (WISTASA) visited the learners at Lawhill Maritime Centre to commemorate International Women’s Day and promote discussions around equality in the workplace amongst the future generation of employees.

See story on page 3

FISHING Fisheries branch continues to face challenges Revenue growth continues for fishing company Exemptions add relief for fishing companies Chinese flagged vessels detained in Namibia COVID-19 disrupts fisheries certification GREEN MARINE Deep-sea mission t boost ocean action OIL & GAS Offshore company scales back operations Offshore production commences

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FISHING

Fisheries branch continues to face challenges SOUTH AFRICA: According to presentations at a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries currently faces a number of challenges including unfilled critical posts, cashflow issues within the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF), poaching and of course the allocation of fishing rights (FRAP).

Minister Barbara Creecy informed the Committee that the two branches that the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) inherited from the former Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) were a work in progress and a number of challenges within the Department.

Susan Middleton, the Acting Deputy Director General of the Fisheries Branch, informed the Committee received a disclaimed audit opinion for the year 2018/19 year due to the fact that biological assets were not included in the financial statement and no confiscated stock count took place.

Unfilled posts Amongst the unfilled posts that currently exist within the Fisheries Branch include the Deputy Director General (DDG), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as well as three Chief Director posts, the Director Supply Chain Management and Financial Manager.

Minister Creecy acknowledged that the DDG and CFO posts were critical for the management of the MLRF and FRAP. She said that there was funding available for these positions, but that the advertisement of the posts had been delayed by the transitional process.

According to presentations, these positions will be advertised during March.

Cashflow issues Discussing the cashflow issues currently being experienced by the MLRF, Minister Creecy noted that the existing R67 million budget was insufficient to run a fishing licencing

PORTS

operation that requires extensive resources.

Maintenance dredging at Mossel Bay a success

DEFF has plans to implement cost-cutting measures and to develop a revenue strategy that will include enhanced revenue collection as well as a review of fees and levies.

Current income is derived from: Confiscated assets and fish products Fines Grants Services Levies

SOUTH AFRICA: With the next dredging campaign scheduled for the second half of this year, the recent completion of maintenance dredging in the Port of Mossel Bay has successfully removed the sand trap and high spots within the port.

The 2019/20 campaign made use of two dredgers – trail dredger, Isandlwana, which focused its effort on the entrance channel and the sand trap while the Italeni grab dredger, focussed on clearing the port’s confined spaces along quays 4 and 5 and the Vintcent Jetty for the first time in 20 years.

Combatting poaching and illegal fishing Headlines last year highlighted how fisheries personnel were implicated in poaching activities and the Department has a lot of work to do to combat poaching as well as illegal fishing along the coast.

Despite minor weather delays and a technical breakdown experienced by the Isandlwana, Port Manager, Shadrack Tshikalange said the campaign went smoothly and ensured that the area was dredged to the promulgated depth for safe navigation of all vessels, especially platform supply vessels involved in

DEFF’s submission to the Portfolio Committee attempted to highlight some of the interventions that are planned going forward. These include: Development of an Integrated Compliance Strategy with other law enforcement agencies Appointment of Catch Data Monitors Rebuilding of depleted fish stocks Co-management initiatives Better use of technologies Employment of additional Fishery Control Offices and shift work for 24/7 coverage Conducting workshops for Prosecutors and Magistrates Development of Fishery Management Plans

News Roundup

“The port’s readiness to support the gas exploration project is a top priority for TNPA. Despite being the smallest of the commercial ports along the South African coast, our location and capabilities enables us to make a valuable contribution to this economically boosting project,” he said.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)’s Dredging Services division carries out dredging in all of South Africa’s commercial ports using a fleet of special craft built for this purpose.

TNPA’s fleet renewal programme has boosted the dredging division’s capacity to aid the removal of approximately four million cubic meters of excess material from the seabed every year at South Africa’s ports.

With the most modern equipment available in the specialised service industry, Dredging Services is able to not only meet the needs of the South African port system, but the needs of Southern Africa, helping other African countries grow their economies.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Research vessel diverted for medical evacuation SOUTH AFRICA: During the recent return leg of the SANAE 58 voyage, South Africa’s polar research vessel, the SA Agulhas II was rerouted to Marion Island for the urgent medical evacuation of a member of the Marion 76 over-wintering team.

The decision to evacuate the team member resulted from an independent medical report compiled by a medical specialist from the South African National Defence Force. Following long distance consultations with the team member concerned, and the team leader, the specialist recommended urgent evacuation of the team member, in the interest of the particular member and the team as a whole.

Allocation of fishing rights FRAP 2020 has effectively become FRAP 2021 and the Department will has its work cut out for it to allay fears around its ability to deliver a robust allocation process.

His conclusions were that the existing first aid services on the island could not diagnose and appropriately treat the member, who required urgent professional assistance. The member’s partner was also evacuated on compassionate grounds.

Interventions that are currently tabled include the appointment of service providers to oversee the FRAP administration as well as audits. A hotline is also due to be set up and DEFF aims to enhance legal capacity to deal with appeals as well as any resultant litigation.

Two other members were included in the repatriation with unrelated cases. The decision to include a third person followed the failure of remote disciplinary action to correct ongoing misconduct. His employer had requested that if an opportunity presented itself, they would want the individual to be repatriated.

A fourth person requested to leave the island to attend to a family emergency.

In looking for a suitable way to comply with the need for urgent medical evacuation, the Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) considered a range of options. The most cost-effective option was to divert the SA Agulhas II, which was returning from a voyage to Antarctica, via Marion Island.

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DEFF initially paid the full R2.8 million cost of the evacuation, but has made it clear that all relevant institutions will be held responsible for these costs which will be shared amongst the parties. The Department has to date partially recouped costs incurred from one of the institutions and is currently in discussions with others to recover the rest.

CONTACT: editor@maritimesa.co.za

2 MARCH 2020

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA PEOPLE & EVENTS

WISTA-SA celebrates International Women’s Day with youth SOUTH AFRICA: Chairperson and members of WISTA South Africa (WISTA-SA) visited the learners at Lawhill Maritime Centre to commemorate International Women’s Day and promote discussions around equality in the workplace amongst the future generation of employees.

“Visiting Lawhill is a highlight on the event calendar for Cape Town based WISTA South Africa members – and International Women’s Day is an opportunity to share honest information and perspectives about career pathing, and discuss what equality means in a more practical sense,” said Clare Gomes, Chairperson of WISTA-SA. “Engaging with young men and women on this important topic is always insightful – because we all walked away from the engagement having learnt a lot from the fresh perspectives of a younger generation. And we left them with a challenge – to work together to take steps towards greater equality in their own space; whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in the boarding house or in the home. Everyone has a role to play,” she adds.

“We echo WISTA International’s 2020 International Women’s Day Statement when we say that in the spirit of pursuing equality, it is crucial that our industry, whichever aspect of it one considers, continues to be an attractive one for young people to pursue a career. This is why we continue to raise the profile of women in shipping and create a platform for them to share their stories about studies, careers and career pathing. Promoting positive role models are important in changing perspectives – and we are not in short supply of women entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators in the maritime sector in South Africa who can inspire youth.”

Members of WISTA South Africa from Damen Shipyards Cape Town, SA Marine Fuels, Resolve Marine, Transnet National Ports Authority, South African Boat Builders Export Council, Maritime Review Africa, Maersk and AMSOL supported the initiative by visiting the school.

15 year leases available in the Port of Durban Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a call for interested parties to apply for 15-year leases for available properties in the Port of Durban that include the Maydon Wharf, Bayhead and Fynnland areas.

Almost 40,000 m2 of land is available in the Bayhead area over two separate sites that include a designated ship repair site: Lease L46096 on Ship Repair Site with improvements thereon - 30,316 m2 Lease of portions 20 and 21 of Erf 10013 with improvements thereon - 8,112 m2 Another 11,401 m2 is available in the Maydon Wharf precinct as well as two further lease opportunities totalling 31,963 m2 are available for industrial use in the Fynnland (Bluff) area.

The leases will be allocated on a tender basis that will close on 07 April.

FISHING

Revenue growth continues for fishing company SOUTH AFRICA: Sea Harvest Group Limited has announced that the company delivered headline earnings of R410 million for the year ended 31 December 2019, an increase of 48 percent compared to its previous financial year (2018: R278 million).

Revenue for the year grew 54 percent to R3.97 billion (2018: R2.58 billion) benefiting from the acquisition of Viking Fishing, Viking Aquaculture and Ladismith Cheese. Operating profit grew 54 percent to R600 million (2018: R389 million) maintaining an operating margin of 15 percent.

According to Sea Harvest Group CEO, Felix Ratheb, “The tough local trading environment was

offset by firm demand in our traditional markets of Southern Europe with 44 percent of the Group’s revenue generated in hard currency sales in developed markets. This strong performance has allowed the Group to declare a dividend of 50c per share, a 25 percent increase over 2018.”

With a 83 percent black ownership and a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor status, the Group has made good progress in delivering on its strategy of becoming one of the largest black-owned vertically integrated diversified food counters on the JSE with the Group’s operations now encompassing wild-caught fishing in South Africa and Australia complemented by aquaculture and value-added dairy in South Africa.

result of the market disruption events in Hong Kong and China. Sea Harvest Australia, whilst not yet at the required levels of profitability, has seen some recovery in prawn catch volumes,” explains Ratheb.

“The results of the Group’s four operating pillars showed the value of a balanced portfolio where the South African Fishing and Ladismith Cheese businesses delivered solid performances, whilst the Aquaculture business underperformed as a

The year under review, being the third year post the Group’s listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), saw a further expansion of the Group’s asset base to R5.52 billion, in line with its organic and acquisitive growth strategy.

3 MARCH 2020

SHIPPING LAW

To this end, the new Merchant Shipping Bill seeks to re-integrate the Ship Registration Act and makes for a number of new provisions in this regard including: The CEO of SAMSA will become the Ships’ Registrar The introduction of a tonnage based ship registration fee system Mortgage as a security for a loan Mortgagee will not be deemed the owner of the ship Mortgagee has absolute power to dispose of the ship or share subject to a limitation where there must be concurrence with other mortgagees.

New Merchant Shipping Bill under spotlight SOUTH AFRICA: The National Department of Transport (DoT) hosted a series of roadshows to engage with maritime stakeholders on the new Merchant Shipping Bill that now awaits public comment before undergoing the process of promulgation.

The meaty draft Merchant Shipping Bill aims to effectively repeal the Merchant Shipping Act of 1951, the Marine Traffic Act of 1981 as well as the Ship Registration Act of 1998.

It is therefore anticipated that the more than 400-page document is likely to draw significant comment from a wide spectrum of industry sectors ahead of the promulgation process.

While attendance at the Johannesburg and Cape Town sessions has been low, some stakeholders say that the document deserves significant scrutiny and question whether it will pass in its current form.

the new Bill, Dumisani Ntuli, Chief Director for Policy and Legislation at the DoT, said that it lays the foundation for the future of the maritime industry and is informed by the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP).

“It is our current duty to consult on the document with industry,” he told stakeholders in Cape Town yesterday, adding that the Department’s intention was to create a product that was owned by the entire sector.

Coastal shipping

Noting that the country’s future economic growth would be underpinned by an inclusive maritime sector, Ntuli said that legislation should not be drafted at the expense of the nation and with narrow interests in mind.

The inclusion of a regulated coastal shipping regime in the document should not come as much of a surprise. The Bill states; “No ship, other than a South African owned ship, is permitted to engage in coastwise traffic for the conveyance of goods between ports in the Republic.”

“South Africa needs to play a role in shipping transport in terms of its exports and imports,” he said alluding to the need for additional tonnage on the South African ships’ Ad 138x105 print C.pdfabout 1 2019/11/21 19:51 Speaking philosophically registry.

It further states that ships engaged in coastal shipping need to apply for a licence to do so and that this licence will be issued for a period of ten years.

If and when this comes into effect, foreign vessels will need to choose one port of call in South Africa to offload all cargo destined for South Africa irrespective of its ultimate destination within the country. Ntuli says that this will help stimulate opportunities for local shipowning along the country’s coast – and ultimately within the SADC region.

It is also viable, however, that cargo may not be transhipped via a coastal shipping network and may end up being diverted to trucks and rail for onward moving. Ntuli conceded that more studies relating to the implications for ports and logistics will need to be undertaken to ensure adequate planning in this regard – and highlights that a cabotage regime could only be fully implemented over a number of years.

Seafarer employment Another section of the document that will probably receive significant scrutiny is the chapter relating to seafarers. Given the global nature of the shipping sector, provision for seafarers to access the CCMA and the Labour court as well as the legal right to strike will draw some comment from industry.

Some discussion from the floor at yesterday’s session in Cape Town highlighted a few grey areas that will necessarily need to be addressed in terms of wording specifically relating to discipline and offences.

Towards promulgation Stakeholders will now have the opportunity to submit official comments on the draft legislation for 60 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette. These comments will be reviewed over the period of one month after the submission deadline and the revised Bill, along with the comments, is likely to be sent to State advisors by the end of June.

The advisors will have at least 40 days to consider the revisions and the comments before the document is passed on to the Director General Cluster and finally to cabinet.

According to Ntuli, the Bill will reach cabinet by October or November this year and will only be tendered to parliament in early 2021.

Considering the broad scope of the Bill that aims to repeal three previous Acts in full – industry will have to muster effectively to ensure that the final product meets the needs of current and the future potential landscape envisioned for the maritime industry.

After hosting the Johannesburg and Cape Town forums, the DoT took the decision to cancel further engagement due to the risks associated with the spread of the Coronavirus.

STAKEHOLDERS HAVE UNTIL 6 MAY TO MAKE THEIR SUBMISSIONS ON THE DRAFT.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON SPECIALISED MARITIME SCHOOLS? We will be continuing this debate in the first issue the printed version of Maritime Review Africa and welcome your input on this debate:

Should we be investing in specialised maritime schools or not?

Send your thoughts to: editor@maritimesa.co.za

4 MARCH 2020

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA

Deep-sea mission to boost ocean action MALDIVES/SEYCHELLES: A deep-sea scientific mission due to set sail mid-March will gather valuable data at uncharted depths in the Maldives and Seychelles to support the Commonwealth Blue Charter on ocean action and train local scientists.

The multidisciplinary research mission, known as ‘First Descent: Midnight Zone’, was officially launched at the Commonwealth headquarters at Marlborough House. Led by the UK research institute Nekton, the goal is to boost the sustainable governance of Seychelles and Maldivian waters, including the protection of 629,000 km2 of ocean.

It supports the Commonwealth Blue Charter - a shared commitment by member countries to protect the ocean from the effects of climate change, pollution and overfishing.

Minister for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture of the Maldives, Zaha Waheed, said: “It is vital to comprehensively understand what lies beneath our waters in order for us to be informed enough to take necessary actions towards a healthy and prosperous ocean.

“This mission will, for the first time, show a glimpse of what the deep sea features and the biodiversity it holds.

It will also contribute to the wider goal of marine spatial planning and ocean governance.”

A 50-person crew will set sail on 16 March, using the world’s most advanced deep diving submersible, equipped with a suite of research tools including sensor and mapping technology.

The data they collect will help countries define conservation and management priorities and map out marine protected areas. It will also help measure the impact of climate change and human activity in the area.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “We cannot protect what we don’t know and we cannot govern what we don’t understand. With 95 per cent of the ocean still unexplored by humans, we are only just beginning to grasp its profound influence on life, including its effect on global climate and ecosystems.

“It is pleasing to see the commitments of our Commonwealth Blue Charter leading to such far-reaching and innovative science-backed ocean action in, with and for our member

mamond said: “Seamounts form some of the most fascinating and richest locations in our waters and beyond in the wider Indian Ocean.

We are therefore looking forward to exploring even deeper depths of our ocean to have a better understanding of natural characteristics and richness of these locations.”

countries.”

The expedition will focus on undersea mountains or ‘seamounts’ in the Midnight Zone - depths from 1,000 to 4,000 metres, where biodiversity peaks. This zone holds critical indicators to measure the impact of the climate crisis, fisheries management, heat absorption, acidification, ocean carbon cycle, and plastic, agricultural and industrial pollution.

The mission’s principal scientist Lucy Woodall from the University of Oxford added: “We find the greatest biomass in the upper few hundred metres of the ocean, but the peak of biodiversity is in the greater depths, in the Midnight Zone, from 1,000 to 4,000 metres. That said, less than 300 of 170,000 known major seamounts found in this zone have been researched to date, and they remain one of the least

The damage or overexploitation of seamounts can have widespread consequences on ocean health, food security, and other benefits the ocean provides, such as the discovery of new medicines.

Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Seychelles, Alain Decor-

5 MARCH 2020

researched parts of the ocean.”

Nekton is also working with Commonwealth countries to develop the tools, skills, knowledge and networks to sustainably manage the ocean. Seychellois and Maldivian scientists will join the expedition to conduct pioneering research into their national waters. This is supported by training programmes, research grants and fellowships with the University of Oxford.

Seychelles champions the Commonwealth Blue Charter action group on marine protected areas. To date, 13 countries have stepped forward to lead on 10 topics they identified as priorities.

HEALTH & SAFETY PEOPLE & EVENTS

Measures to curb Corona virus impact maritime sectors

Honouring contributions to maritime education and awareness

SOUTH AFRICA: As news surfaced that two vessels were being held off port limits after a crew member onboard one of the vessels began to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, it has become clear that it is business unusual for many of the maritime sectors.

SOUTH AFRICA: Five maritime organisations jointly honoured the contribution of Brian Ingpen to maritime education and awareness at a luncheon this past Saturday.

The General Botha Old Boys Association, the General Botha Bursary Fund, the Cape Town Sailors’ Home, the Society of Master Mariners of South Africa and the Lawhill Educational Trust hosted a lunch to acknowledge the immense contributions of Brian Ingpen, who has officially retired from Lawhill Maritime Centre (Lawhill).

Despite some media outlets reporting on the shut-down of commercial ports, this is not the case and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) again denied that the two ports closed to passenger vessels and crew changes were identified as Mossel Bay and Saldanha yesterday.

After 46 years in education that includes a significant contribution as part of the team that founded Lawhill 25 years ago, Ingpen has stepped out of the role of formal educator, but will continue to raise awareness of maritime issues via his weekly shipping column in a local newspaper as well as through his maritime memories column in Maritime Review Africa.

Recent focus on the maritime sector and interest around establishing maritime curricula in high schools owes a great debt to Ingpen, who spearheaded maritime education in the country at this level. He has developed course work and helped train teachers across the country as well as inspired countless youth to follow a career in the sector and at sea.

“Transnet National Ports Authority will communicate the latest developments as soon as possible, but must reiterate that no sea-ports in South Africa are being closed,” they said yesterday.

“Brian has a passion for shipping that has inspired young minds,” said Captain Simon Pearson during the celebration on Saturday.

“In line with Standard Operating Procedures from the Department of Health, all foreign vessels regardless of vessel type must still receive free pratique (i.e. a clean bill of health) from the Port Health Department and details of the last 10 ports of call are to be recorded prior to arrival. Only once free pratique is confirmed by Port Health will vessels be allowed to berth and be serviced by terminal operators for loading or discharging cargo and commodities,” they added.

It is this enduring passion that was fostered during his childhood access to the harbour that has helped shape Ingpen’s life over the full spectrum of his career as a maritime historian, author, journalist and above all educationalist.

Humbled by the acknowledgement, Ingpen noted that the success of Lawhill hinged on the efforts of the entire team. He also acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of his own family (pictured below) who accepted the long hours and weekend obligations that arose from his work.

“I have spent half of my educational career at Lawhill and we have had many success stories,” he said highlighting a number of past pupils who had gone on to excel in the maritime space.

He also emphasised the contributions of the benefactors and sponsors that have helped change the lives of many disadvantaged learners that have entered the maritime programme from across the country.

In a statement on Monday, Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula said that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) would institute an operational plan for all ships calling at the port guided by the International Maritime Organisation and World Health Organisation’s Handbook for Management of Public Health Events on Board Ships.

A multi-award winning educator and maritime stalwart, Ingpen’s name will forever be linked to maritime education in South Africa and his legacy will live on in the success stories of the learners that had the privilege to acquire more than just a maritime education from him – but also the life skills to truly make a mark within their chosen profession.

The situation is, however, developing and further announcements should be expected.

Local companies respond African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) has introduced risk mitigation measures at regional, national and local operations that include some shore based personnel working remotely, suspension of group training as well as involvement in industry forums.

In addition, the company plans to minimise crew changes for the next four to six weeks and has cancelled all shore leave for those seafarers signed on to Articles.

“In rapidly changing circumstances, our Executive Management Team has convened a daily situation meeting and our Emergency Response Plan has been updated to consider various scenarios within our owned, managed and operated fleets,” they said in a statement yesterday.

6 MARCH 2020

MSC Cruises has taken the decision to cancel all of its remaining South African cruise departures for the season that ends in April. Given the high risk of infection on board cruise liners and that the current cases in the port of Cape Town possibly emanate from a cruise trip – this is a wise decision.

Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, said: “This is not a decision we took lightly but under the current circumstances, the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities ashore – including our employees and their families – must come first. As a family company with over 300 years of maritime tradition, we felt that this was the right decision to make.”

The Two Oceans Aquarium has also taken measures and will remain closed to the public from today until mid-April. SANCCOB Centres in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town have confirmed that they will no longer offer tours or allow visitor pop-ins until further notice.

Training takes a back seat Scheduled training for mandatory maritime courses may have to take a back seat at this time. A number of South African training providers have made public announcements about how they plan to deal with requests to reschedule. While some are closing for a period, others remain open at this time.

Project Maritime & Survival Offshore Training South Africa has warned clients to confirm the start of all booked training courses 24 hours in advance and have revised their cancellation policy to accommodate the current special circumstances.

Maritime Safety Training and Development plans to continue lectures with additional health measures being put in place, but have offered to reschedule planned training for those that would prefer to do so.

The Survival Centre, Granger Bay has already confirmed their closure until 6 April with all courses due to run during this time being postponed. Similarly SA Maritime School & Transport College yesterday suspended classes with immediate effect until 14 April.

Conferences and consultations cancelled With a call for social distancing and a prohibition on gatherings of 100 or more people, most conference organisers and event hosts have already cancelled or postponed maritime events that were scheduled to occur in the coming months.

The National Department of Transport was quick to cancel all

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA remaining Merchant Shipping Bill consultations after hosting the forums in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The industry is encouraged to submit responses by 6 May. The South African Oil and Gas Alliance has also issued a notice of all of their events that will no longer take place. Their networking breakfast that was due to take place this morning was cancelled as was their first Annual Golf Day that was scheduled for 27 March. The Mozambique Mission due to take place 22/23 March is also no longer going ahead. More significant, however, is the removal of travel plans to OTC in Houston at the beginning of May. OTC announced earlier this month that one of the biggest events in the

offshore oil and gas sector was to be postponed until later in the year.

but have confirmed that they are “currently reviewing options and will revert ASAP on plans and next steps”. Their first event takes place in Mozambique in May.

U-Personnel Management, organiser of the MOZVEST events have also announced the postponement of their 28 May event in Johannesburg to around March next year. At this point the MOZVEST Oil and Gas Conference on 27 August 2020 in Cape Town remains on the calendar.

Speaking during a live-streaming event President Cyril Ramaphosa recognised that the impact of the virus would not be limited to the health of citizens, but would also impact on the health of the economy and businesses.

“All delegates and sponsors who have confirmed their attendance for the May conference, will be able to attend the August conference at no charge,” they announced.

“Companies in distress will be assisted,” he announced as he explained that proposals were currently being sought and that this aspect of the disaster was being discussed at government level with buy-in from all of the political parties.

DMG Events, who hosts the Ports Evolution events across the continent have not yet announced any postponements or cancellations

Mobile ship loaders delivered to boost multipurpose handling

Currently, the terminal handles dry bulk and break-bulk commodities for both import and export. Cargo is loaded through a skip operation across four berths, through the use of front-end loaders, haulers and trailers. According to Terminal Manager Ettiene Albertus, “The acquisition of these two mobile ship loaders will change the

Offshore company scales back operations GABON/TUNISIA: Panoro Energy announced that it would scale back operations in order to respond to government directives in Gabon and Tunisia to help restrict the spread of the Coronavirus while still aiming to maintain production and complete well operations where possible.

In Gabon, a scale back of activities is underway and will result in a 40 percent reduction in capital expenditure for 2020 as well as a modest adjustment in guided production.

In an attempt to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), international travel restrictions currently in place are limiting the ability to move essential personnel, subcontractors and equipment to and from Gabon. This is likely to affect the planned timing of the DTM-7H well and the subsequent firm exploration well.

PORTS

SOUTH AFRICA: The commissioning of two new and independent mobile ship loaders at the Saldanha Multipurpose (MPT) Terminal is about to be completed following their assembly by local engineering firm Westarcor. The equipment forms part of Transnet Port Terminals’ R2 billion infrastructure investment programme, which is intended to improve the efficiencies across all terminals in the current calendar year.

OIL & GAS

As a precaution, the Dussafu JV has for the same reason also taken the decision not to exercise the options for additional exploration wells.

existing operational model and significantly boost our terminal’s handling capability, specifically for bulk commodities, which comprise more than 80 per cent of total MPT volumes”.

and sales numbers published by Statistics South Africa in June 2019, mining accounted for over 45 per cent of South Africa’s foreign exchange earnings with iron ore ranking as the third-highest earner at 13.80 per cent or R 6,172,800,000. Manganese was ranked fifth, earning South Africa 10.67 per cent or R4,771,700,000.

The six main iron ore and manganese importing countries are China (54 per cent), India (10 per cent), Japan (5 per cent), South Korea (4,8 per cent), Norway (4,2 per cent) and Malasia (3,5 per cent).

The handling of manganese at the terminal has contributed to an increase in volume as well as employment opportunities. The mobile ship loaders’ ability to load manganese at higher throughput rates will further improve customer service levels.

According to mining production

Based on current assumptions, Dussafu gross production for 2020 is projected to be 16,000–18,500 barrels of oil per day assuming the DTM-7H well is postponed until a later date. This represents a reduction of approximately only 10% in the production range previously guided.

In Tunisia, however, plans remain unchanged, but may experience some timing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The TPS assets are currently producing in excess of 4,000 bopd gross, with the previously announced work over activities in the final stages of completion.

Based on Panoro’s current assessment, the expected production growth to 5,000 bopd gross remains on track, albeit with some potential for delays due to these increasing restrictions. Panoro remains committed to its further Tunisian activities and will monitor the effects of the global pandemic on their planning.

John Hamilton, CEO Panoro Energy, said: “The safety of our people and operations is our absolute priority.

With 25-30% of our high-quality oil production hedged in 2020, together with our significantly reduced capital expenditure budget, Panoro has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the recent dramatic collapse in oil prices. These actions have further strengthened our balance sheet. “

7 MARCH 2020

sary of the pioneering maritime studies programme at Simon’s Town School and it’s a milestone worth celebrating. Looking ahead, I would love to broaden the impact of Lawhill’s Gr10 – Gr12 maritime education programme in 2020 (and the years) ahead, both to the benefit of more young South Africans as well as to youth across the African continent. But achieving this in a meaningful and sustainable manner will require change and a willingness to embrace new ideas and ‘do things differently’.

11. What geographical markets are you currently active in?

Our students are drawn from across South Africa and Namibia.

2020 Vision | Debbie Owen

12. What are the current challenges facing the maritime education industry?

Name and Surname:

Debbie Owen

Organisation:

STS Lawhille Maritime Centre

Current Position:

Manager

1. What qualifications do you have and from which institutions?

My journey of life-long learning started in the 1990s with a threeyear qualification in Public Relations and Communications. Since then I’ve completed a host of short courses in a range of disciplines.

Completing the Anatomy of Shipping course at Cambridge University in 1996 was a particular highlight.

A mix of inclusive and decisive.

6. What motivates/drives you in your daily work life?

The vast, untapped potential of the youth of South Africa and a desire to reduce inequality and poverty in a sustainable manner.

7. What skill (business or pleasure) would you still like to master?

2. How long have you been working in the maritime industry?

Speaking isiXhosa and/or isiZulu.

I have made several attempts at learning both, with little success.

Since 1992 when I joined Safmarine as their Public Relations Officer.

8. Have you spent any time at sea during your career?

3. Are you a member of any professional associations? (Please list them if applicable)

Only brief trips onboard vessel. I would love to visit Antarctica and spend a few months onboard SA Agulhas II.

Society of Master Mariners (Associate Member), WISTA South Africa, Cape Town Press Club 4. How many years are you from retirement?

We need to relook the current approach to school-based maritime education. Maritime education should be about quality, not quantity. The focus should be on preparing learners as thoroughly as possible for the workplace and ideally doing as much as possible while they are in the school system.

Soft skills and entrepreneurship need more attention, as does the training of more maritime educators (ideally persons with broad industry knowledge and experience and who are given the time and support to acquire the requisite teaching skills).

13. How should we be addressing these challenges during 2020?

Industry and education need to step out of their respective silos and work together to solve the educational challenges facing South Africa. We need to identify the key issues, develop a clear action plan, set realistic deadlines and, most importantly, have passionate and suitably skilled champions to implement the plan.

9. What is your outlook for the maritime sector in 2020?

Hopefully many - I am not the retiring type. At least 15 to 20, if all goes well.

I have always believed in the growth potential of the local maritime sector and still do. But we need more enabling legislation and more champions if this is to be realised.

5. How would you describe your leadership style?

10. What is your outlook for Lawhill in in 2020?

14. How is Lawhill embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies?

The gap between what is being produced by the education system and what industry wants, seems to be an ever widening one. Our approach at Lawhill is to listen to industry and to identify what it is they need in terms of skills - and then to fill those gaps as much as we can.

This is not easy given our financial, time and organisational constraints.

But while we do what we can to keep up with the demands of an ever-changing workplace, including the emergence of new technologies, we also cannot lose sight of the realities we face and which we urgently need to address, such as the shortcomings in mathematics and physical science. This said, we see great opportunity to prepare our learners for high tech careers in the industry, as well as for marine

This year marks the 25th anniver-

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8 MARCH 2020

engineering, via the use of robotics and coding.

15. What changes do you anticipate in the maritime education industry over the next two decades?

Hopefully, maritime education will continue to move with the times and embrace the increasing use of e-learning, gamification etc. If we are going to attract the youth, we need to be more relatable in our teaching. And once they have acquired the knowledge and skills, we need to ensure there is a more effective system in place for matching those who are looking for opportunities, with those who are offering them.

16. How relevant and effective do you think strategies such as Operation Phakisa, AIMS 50 and the African Maritime Decade are to help progress the continent’s Blue Economies?

While many of these strategies are laudable, their real value lies in implementation. And far too many fall short on implementation because, I suspect, they are trying to be ‘’all things to all men’’.

17. How can African countries collaborate to collectively benefit from the Blue Economy?

By prioritising collective gain over self-interest. I know, easily said but not easily achieved.

Having observed, at Lawhill, the enduring strength of friendships developed at a young age in a boarding environment, as well as the value of ‘’catching them young’’, I often wonder if we wouldn’t move closer to achieving our common maritime goals as a continent if we simply established three or four African Maritime Centres (similar to Lawhill) where talented, young maritime learners from across the continent would have the opportunity to collectively learn and develop ideas for harnessing the potential of the African Blue Economy?

18. If you could have a superhero power, what would it be?

To eliminate poverty, inequality, hate and violence.

19. What would you like your legacy in the maritime industry to be?

Hundreds of successful young South Africans contributing positively to society and lifting others as they rise.

20. Please nominate another maritime leader (from the African continent) that you would like us to include in our 2020 Vision series.

Captain Nicholas Sloane. A visionary leader and someone makes the impossible happen.

MARITIME REVIEW VESSELS | CREWING | AFRICA TRAINING PORTS

Two vessels flagged for possible COVID-19 cases off Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed that two vessels in the Port of Cape Town are being held off port limits after a crew member onboard one of the vessels began to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. It was later established he had been on a flight with a fellow crew member and six passengers who went on to board a cruise vessel at the port.

This is the first suspected case of COVID-19 in a South African sea-port.

The two crew members had flown into the country from Istanbul, Turkey on 9 March. Only one of the two is showing signs of being ill, however both have been placed into isolation onboard the general cargo vessel, MV Corona.

MV Corona left the Port of Cape Town on Wednesday, 11 March. On Friday, 13 March the Master of this vessel contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and the Port Health unit of the National Department of Health, confirming one crew member was exhibiting symptoms and requesting that the vessel returns to the Port of Cape Town for evacuation. Permission was granted by both Authorities.

Upon arrival on Monday, 16 March 2020, the vessel waited off port limits.

MRCC, Port Health and the Harbour Master of the Port of Cape Town have coordinated efforts to evacuate both crew members by arranging with the Airforce helicopters for the suspected crew member to be transported to hospital.

Six passengers on-board the Italian flagged MV AidAmira passenger vessel had been on the same flight as the crew members of the MV Corona.

However, according to the Master and the Doctor onboard the passenger liner, the six have shown no symptoms of the virus but are in isolation and being monitored continuously.

Meanwhile, the MV. AidAmira ship has been operating between Port of Cape

Town and Namibia (Walvis Bay) this cruise season. The vessel sailed on Friday, 13 March from the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia with 1240 passengers and a total crew of 486 on board. The ship was on her voyage back to the Port of Cape Town, when TNPA was informed by Port Health Cape Town that six passengers had been on the same flight as the two MV Corona crew members.

We not only supply Offshore Support Vessels, we also provide vessel crewing solutions to the Offshore Shipping Industry.

The Master of the MV AidAmira immediately quarantined the six passengers to prevent the spread of the infection to other passengers and crew onboard. The ship arrived outside the Port of Cape Town on 15 March 2020.

A Joint Operation Centre (JOC) was set up on 16 March 2020 inclusive of TNPA Harbour Master, SAMSA (MRCC), Port Health and a Specialist Doctor. After careful consideration of the facts by the JOC, the vessel was permitted to dock on the 16 March 2020.

The six passengers have been evacuated and taken to the hospital for testing and thereafter will be taken to a quarantined area arranged by Port Health Officials. The rest of the passengers would remain quarantined on board until the test results for the six are received, thereafter a decision will be made based on the results.

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SLOVAKIA

So far only one of the two crew members on-board the MV CORONA has shown symptoms of being sick and no passengers or crew onboard MV AIDAmira are exhibiting any symptoms.

COLOMBIA

Transnet National Ports Authority is responsible for ensuring that all vessels have been cleared by relevant state organs namely, Port Health, Migration, MRCC and customs before entering or leaving the Port.

TNPA is also tasked with ensuring compliance of safety of navigation of vessels, safety of life and safety of environment in the Port.

OIL & GAS

FIND US:

Offshore production commences GABON: Panoro Energy has commenced oil production from the Tortue Phase 2 field development project in the Dussafu Marin Permit, offshore Gabon. The Gamba well DTM-5H was successfully brought online as of yesterday, ahead of schedule. The second well, DTM-4H, is scheduled to be onstream in the coming week.

The Tortue Phase 2 development consists of four production wells, tied back to the FPSO BW Adolo, with DTM-4H and DTM-5H wells being the first of two clusters. The second cluster is currently being drilled and is scheduled to begin production by June 2020.

Panoro has a 7.5% non-operated working interest in the Dussafu Marin Permit.

John Hamilton, CEO Panoro said: “We are very pleased for all stakeholders with first oil from the Tortue Phase 2 development and look forward to the material growth in Dussafu production.”

9 MARCH 2020

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PORTS

evacuate the crew members.

SHIPPING

Negative testing sees ships cleared from port

The AIDAmira cruise vessel was permitted to dock on 16 March 2020.

The six passengers in question were evacuated and taken to the hospital for testing and quarantining by Port Health Officials.

African authorities react to threat of COVID-19

SOUTH AFRICA: After concerns that South African ports had reported their first cases of COVID-19, Transnet National Ports Authority announced earlier today that the tests had come back negative and that the vessels were cleared to leave the Port of Cape Town.

Earlier this week two vessels, the general cargo vessel MV Corona and the luxury passenger liner AIDAmira, were held off port limits outside the Port of Cape Town. The cruise liner was later allowed to dock but its roughly 1,700 passengers and crew remained onboard pending test results from one suspected COVID-19 case and seven others who had possible contact with him.

Captain Dennis Mqadi, Executive Manager for Safety Health Environmental & Regulatory Oversight at Transnet National Ports Authority, said: “These precautions and testing were set in motion after a crew member from the MV Corona bulk

vessel fell ill with typical COVID-19 symptoms following the vessel’s departure from the port on 11 March.”

Captain Sabelo Mdlalose, Acting Chief Harbour Master at Transnet National Ports Authority, said: “All parties are relieved that these results have returned negative and that plans can be set in motion for the vessels to continue their journeys.

He added, “Upon further investigation it was confirmed that the ill crew member had flown into Cape Town from Istanbul, Turkey earlier this month with another MV Corona crew member, and that six passengers from the AIDAmira cruise liner had also been on this flight before boarding their vessel in Cape Town.

The individuals had to be checked due to their possible contact.

“This means there have to date been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any of our ports but we will remain on high alert after this first scare and will keep working with the Port Health unit of the Department of Health to manage vessels who report potential cases.”

While only the first crew member was ill, protocols dictated that he and the remaining seven be quarantined onboard their respective vessels. MV Corona returned to the Port of Cape Town for evacuation on 16 March and was held off port limits. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) together with the Port Health unit of the National Department of Health and the Harbour Master of the Port of Cape Town coordinated efforts to

Port Health has now granted clearance for both vessels to continue their journeys from the Port of Cape Town. It is expected that the AIDAmira passengers will be allowed to disembark in the Port of Cape Town and fly onward to their respective countries.

PORTS

The Ministerial Regulations set out further protocols for provision of improved access and hygiene, sterilization control on ships, sea ports and in licensed sea port operations, including that all persons entering the ports shall be screened for COVID-19.

No port closures but crew changes prohibited in South Africa SOUTH AFRICA: Reacting to new port related regulations signed by the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula today, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will implement a number of measures including restriction of crew changes and passenger travel, but has stipulated that no ports have been closed entirely and that commercial cargo operations will continue at all ports.

TNPA has confirmed. however, that it has taken an executive decision to prohibit crew changes across all eight commercial ports in South Africa, namely Durban, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and East London.

The Ministerial Regulations advise South African citizens and permanent residents to refrain from use of sea travel until further notice.

They further prohibit passenger embarkation and disembarkation at all sea ports except under certain circumstances. South Africa’s six

cruise ports, Durban, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and East London, will now only be permitted to allow disembarkation of a returning South African citizen and/or a permanent resident, or embarkation of a departing foreign national.

TNPA and terminal operators must provide adequate facilities for hand washing and sanitization equipment at all entrances and exits.

TNPA is also required to implement a reporting, tracking, tracing and monitoring system for COVID-19 at its commercial ports.

In addition, the national Department of Health earlier this week advised TNPA that “all sea cruises undertaken by cruise liner vessels into and out of any seaport within South Africa must be terminated until further notice.” TNPA is working with affected cruise line companies and shipping agents to execute on this instruction as seamlessly as possible, noting that the 2019/20 cruise season was scheduled to end on 22 April 2020.

Finally, the Ministerial Regulations state that no gathering of more than 100 people may be held in any sea port precinct until further notice.

These extraordinary measures are taken in recognition that it is important to ensure the health of employees and port users is not placed at risk.

Emergency medical evacuation shall be managed utilising the existing Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre protocols.

TNPA assured all stakeholders of its urgent attention to doing everything possible to safeguard our ports of entry.

Protocol observed

AFRICA: The current Coronavirus pandemic facing the world has seen many African port as well as maritime authorities clarifying as well as changing their procedures to ensure that the spread of the disease is restricted within their jurisdiction. Standard procedures are in place for any vessel calling at a foreign port that require documentation to be submitted to Port Health ahead of the vessel docking for a “free patique” to be issued that certifies the vessel is clear of any contagious disease.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issued a circular at the beginning of the month that highlighted that some of the measures being implemented by port authorities could be in breach of international conventions as well as principles regarding the rights and treatment of seafarers and passengers. The circular reminds Port States to ensure that all seafarers on board ships in their territory who need medical care are given access to medical facilities ashore.

South Africa experienced its first scare this week, but was fortunate to receive the all clear after suspected patients were tested and confirmed negative. But Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) issued a directive on Tuesday to prohibit crew changes across all eight of its commercial ports as well as the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. As such all cruise liner vessels into and out of South African ports have been terminated.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued three Marine Notices relating to the Coronavirus. Some of the measures that have been instituted include the suspension of ship surveys, audits or inspections from this week until 30 March 2020. SAMSA has also provided guidance for dealing with arising circumstances that could include, for example, extending seafarer periods of service onboard vessels as well as delaying periods for surveys, inspections and audits.

Noting that fishing vessels may be due for renewal of their safety certificates, SAMSA has made the allowance to extend safety certificates that expire before 15 April for up to 60 days.

As of Monday this week, Mozambique also cancelled access to

10 MARCH 2020

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA passenger vessels at the Port of Maputo. The MPDC announced that it would also take “other measures” that include awareness campaigns and the implementation of temperature control at all access gates in order to restrict the spread of the disease.

In Namibia, Namport has announced that any sick crewmember will be treated as a COVID-19 suspect and their vessel will be placed under quarantine outside port limits with a yellow flag hoisted.

An emergency disaster team will then be instructed to deal with the patient and ascertain whether the Coronavirus is present. The ship will remain under surveillance until declared free from disease.

The Kenyan Ports Authority was one of the first authorities in Africa to issue a statement on steps to combat the virus. KPA established an 11-member committee to spearhead their efforts to curb the virus from entering the country via their seaports. Amongst the tasks assigned to the committee is to identify quarantine facilities and collaborate with local government agencies as well as conduct staff awareness and sensitisation.

Ghana’s port authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, is liaising with shipping agents to identify all high-risk vessels. Ghana has also suspended all access for cruise ships. Sadly the outbreak has also forced the authority to suspend all port tours by schools as well as all internships in the port.

The Ghana Maritime Authority has also implemented some measures that include the suspension of all seafarer activities at their offices until the end of the month. This will include applications, biometric capturing and the issuance of certificates as well as seafarer books.

TABLE BELOW RELATING TO CREW CHANGES WAS SOURCED FROM INFORMATION ON WILHELMSEN SHIP SERVICE WEBSITE

PORTS

Collaborative action sees OPL services continued during lockdown

SOUTH AFRICA: An initial indication that Off Port Limits (OPL) operations would be forced to close down at the same time that crew changes were officially prohibited in South African ports resulted in service providers collaborating to emphasise the need to provide continued support to passing ships and their seafarers.

who currently face extended periods on board vessels without a chance of coming ashore in a majority of ports.

At least one OPL operator was instructed to return to port at the outset of the outbreak when Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) issued a directive stating “Off port limit activities involve private operators, who are more commercially inclined with limited control by the authorities – this creates a risk to the country. It is therefore essential for all off port limit activities involving foreign vessels and crews to be suspended until further notice.”

Prohibited

Namibia

Permitted with restrictions

Angola

Prohibited

Cameroon

Permitted with restrictions

Nigeria

Permitted with restrictions

Benin

Permitted with mandatory 14 day quarantine

Togo

Permitted with mandatory 14 day quarantine

Ghana

Prohibited

Ivory Coast

Prohibited

Algeria

Permitted with restrictions

Egypt

Prohibited

Sudan

Prohibited

Djibouti

Prohibited

Kenya

Permitted with restrictions

Tanzania

Permitted

Seychelles

Permitted with restrictions

Mozambique

Prohibited

Mauritius

Permitted with restrictions

“Not supplying these ships with their critical requirements planned for as part of their voyage planning, could render these ships unseaworthy. But to not supply them their lube oil, will result in catastrophe. The same applies to food. We generally supply upwards of three tonnes of food, often up to 10 tonnes! A ship without food or drinking water is a casualty!” noted one concerned operator.

But while the delivery of essential supplies and spares will go ahead uninterrupted during the official South African lockdown, some stringent precautions are being implemented by operators and restrictions have been placed on removing any items such as garbage from vessels.

Oftentimes supplies and spares delivered to these ships are essential to either the wellbeing of the crew or for scheduled maintenance on board. To have instituted a blanket shut-down of these operations would certainly have had a major impact on the lives of already stressed seafarers

South Africa

A united front from South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (SAASOA) and OPL operators, however, saw lines of engagement being opened with TNPA.

PORTS

Seychelles lifts restrictions on cruise vessels for medical emergency SEYCHELLES: The cruise ship, Costa Deliziosa, was granted permission to enter anchorage in Port Victora, Seychelles yesterday after it was confirmed that a crew member had been diagnosed with acute appendicitis and needed surgical intervention.

The Public Health Authority deployed a doctor to assist with the evacuation of the patient with the help of the Seychelles Coast Guard. No authorisation was given for any other passengers or crew members to go ashore and all other

11 MARCH 2020

Another Port Elizabeth-based operator has circulated his procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus to potential clients. These include significantly ramped-up personal protection equipment as well as the undertaking to clean and disinfect surfaces and cargo. The fourpage document outlines specific procedures that will not only add time, but also costs to normal operations.

Another source says that OPL operators are cooperating to implement similiar protocols to ensure that Transnet National Ports Authority has no reason to call for a shutdown based on non-compliance.

“We need to make sure these new measures are instituted and we (OPL firms) will watch closely to ensure that there are no breaches,” they told Maritime Review Africa adding that the situation has called for operators to sit around a table together to lobby for the continued permission to maintain operations and ensure that the country remains a reliable replenishment point for global shipping trade routes.

The service has boomed from the Port of Port Elizabeth over the last few years following the launch of offshore bunkering services in Algoa Bay and, while offshore bunkering is seen as an essential service to passing ships and will also continue, it makes sense for OPL operations to proceed under the same designation.

There is a fine line, however, between trying to recoup some of the costs associated with these additional measures while still maintaining the South African coastline as a viable market for OPL services. logistical requests were catered for at anchorage.

The cruise vessel currently has 1,823 passengers and 899 crew members on board having left Saint Denis, Reunion Island more than two weeks ago. No other medical cases have been reported on board.

The vessel left Port Victoria shortly after arriving and continued on to its original destination in Oman.

Oman, however, has currently suspended cruise ship calls to all sea ports effective 15 March for 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No passengers will be allowed to embark or disembark, but water supply and provision supply will be maintained.

ensure sustainable funding to be able to increase our impact. We need to make surplus to grow impact. This will help our beneficiaries, who are all the children and citizens of South Africa – our future.

I would also love to be a good surfer – good enough to surf really big waves. It looks absolutely exhilarating – experiencing the power of the ocean at high speed on the face of a wave must be amazing.

8. Have you spent any time at sea during your career?

I spent a few weeks on the RV Welwitchia off Namibia and Angola looking for king crabs. The sea was on its head – and it was a real challenge setting crab pots. This was for an annual stock assessment for the Namibian Sea Fisheries Department. I also spent a bit of time on the Sardinops collecting snoek for the Aquarium. I did a week trip on the RV Caledonian Star – which was turned into an Eco-tourism vessel and we travelled from Cape Town to Maputo sharing our wonderful coastline and diverse marine ecosystem with about 100 marine enthusiasts. In between I spent a lot of time on RIB’s for diving. As a Commercial Class IV diver I undertook various underwater surveys and collections.

2020 Vision | Maryke Musson Name and Surname: Maryke Musson Organisation:

Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation

Current Position:

Chief Executive Officer

1. What qualifications do you have and from which institutions?

I completed bachelor of science degrees in a few specialist areas including zoology, marine biology, psychology, medical physiology and electrophysiology. I followed this up with post-graduate studies in Aquaculture, and Ichthyology and Fisheries Sciences. I studied at UCT, UNISA, UWC and finally Rhodes University.

2. How long have you been working in the marine industry?

My first paid job was at the Two Oceans Aquarium in 1995, the year it opened. So it has been 25 incredible years in marine science, marine innovation and aquaculture, and marine conservation, research and education.

3. Are you a member of any professional associations?

Association of Zoos and Aquariums; Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa; Parasitological Society of Southern Africa; World Aquaculture Society; Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists.

4. How many years are you from retirement?

Hopefully at least 20 (but not planning on retiring and hoping to live and work until I am 100) 5. How would you describe your leadership style?

I would like to believe that I am a passionate motivator. I identify strengths in people and find ways to make those strengths contribute to increasing positive impact. I try and

lead by example, inspiring staff to learn more, be more, do more and achieve more with a clear purpose.

I use a positive attitude, enthusiasm and energy to encourage all to look for solutions. Adaptability is a very important skill that I try and grow within my colleagues. I would like to think that I support ideas and actions that will benefit staff and our objectives. I try to ensure that my actions, my outlook to life and my work, inspire and motivate my team to follow their passion and always make a difference while being kind, respectful and mindful of the environment and people.

9. What is your outlook for marine conservation and tourism sector in 2020?

The tourism industry has completely changed within the last two weeks – from being a growing industry to coming to a sudden standstill.

What I have noticed though is that more and more tourists are very aware and supportive of conservation. They want to support ethical tourism and they want to contribute to real conservation efforts. In fact, many tourists want to partake, hands-on, in marine conservation programmes. Tourisms offers the opportunity to grow awareness around conservation themes and to secure funds. Tourists want to make a meaningful difference. With such an increase in awareness around conservation, we are perfectly positioned to grow conservation efforts and craft beautiful stories of hope and care that will inspire more people to care about the ocean.

6. What motivates/drives you in your daily work life?

I love what I do and believe that we can make a difference. To the Ocean and to People. I know that through our actions we can connect all people to their natural environment and the ocean – and this will benefit not only the environment, but people too. I am so fortunate to work with marine animals and with people and I see every day how the ocean, and marine animals motivate people to care more, to commit and to change behaviours which will benefit the ocean and communities.

I am motivated by the fact that I can make a difference.

10. What is your outlook for Two Oceans Aquarium in 2020?

7. What skill (business or pleasure) would you still like to master?

We have launched the Foundation, which is the Non-profit and Public Benefit partner of the Two Oceans Aquarium, which has an incredible history of 25 years of sharing the ocean with all. The Foundation has taken on all the non-profit activities and, with the right support, we will be able to increase our impact – hopefully significantly. In 2019 we managed to reach over 110,000 children through our various educa-

Oh wow, there are so many. Professionally I would like to speak a few more languages. I am currently busy studying a bit of French again, but I would love to be able to speak a few more of our official languages.

I would also like to increase my understanding of business. A NPO is ultimately a business for good – we need to be efficient, strategic and

12 MARCH 2020

tional programmes. With 12 million learners in the South African education system – we have so many children to still inspire to love the planet and make a difference. We are hoping that we will contribute to inspiring a generation of young adults who will be environmentally mindful in everything they do.

We are currently offering Marine Sciences at six high schools as a core subject. We will expand on this – not just to prepare learners for careers in the marine industry, but to inform all children about the ocean.

The Aquarium is a magical place – where you get a little glimpse of this incredible underwater world. So few people get the opportunity to witness what is under the surface of the ocean: this mass of water that covers 70% of the planet. How can we expect people to care about the ocean if they do not know it? We will continue to connect people to the ocean.

11. What geographical markets do visitors to the Aquarium represent and is there an overwhelming majority of either local or international visitors?

To date we have seen between 40 – 50% of our visitors from outside of South Africa. We thus have a large international market, but also a large local market and we have an amazing membership programme with an annual pass – so we see a lot of local Cape Townians who visit regularly as they love the Aquarium and we ensure that they always see something new when they visit.

12. What are the current challenges facing the marine conservation industry (please exclude COVID-19 or include as an addition to other challenges)?

Finding the balance. The ocean, for thousands of years, has provided for so many. This has not been sustainable due to major technical and technological advances. Our fishing methods, boats and demands have increased to an extent where the ocean cannot supply. That is impacting everybody, from small-scale fishers to consumers to large fishing companies and of course the ocean.

By managing and enforcing the sustainable use of marine resources, we should find that balance.

This will allow for well-managed fisheries to grow that consider the sustainability of the species and the environment. The impact of our actions must be monitored, mitigated and managed. The good thing is that never before have we been this aware of our impact, and this determined to conserve. People really do care. I see that every single day.

13. How should we be addressing these challenges during 2020?

It is all about information. We do

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA incredible research in this country, and we need to somehow relate this information to the public, to corporates, to fishers, to environmentalists – so that we can make use of the correct information to make well supported decisions. I feel that the true blue economy – saving the ocean while also meeting socio-economic needs – is possible.

People can change behaviours when they know and understand and therefore care about their environment. We need to do this with a positive attitude as well. We can win over conservation support through showing and sharing how beautiful, how rich and diverse, but also how fragile this environment is.

Mapping out the ocean, and the different uses of the ocean – by people and marine organisms, will inform decision makers on how to find that balance and how to manage it. I am very hopeful.

14. How is the Aquarium embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies in its operation as well as its displays?

This is an interesting one because generally people are overwhelmed by technological choices in their everyday lives, so the Aquarium should be seen and experienced as a space where you can re-connect with nature without depending on high tech. You can see natural environments and ocean animals.

The ocean has such a calming effect on most – and we want to remind people that nature is still real and still exists.

At the same time we need to also keep up with Generation Z, who are digital natives. They have never lived without technology, yet they have also shown that they care deeply about the environment – so we are hoping that this generation will find technological advances to protect the ocean. For our education offerings in the Foundation we are currently developing more and more eLearning options.

With our approved Marine Sciences curriculum, learners can now take Marine Sciences as a Gr 10 – 12 core subject. This is incredibly exciting. Six schools in the Western Cape offer Marine Sciences already, and we are hoping that by 2021 we will have an eLearning option available to make it accessible to many more learners country wide. This course will contribute to this generation making responsible decisions that will have a positive impact on the environment.

We will develop more and more online and digital content to remain relevant in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Disruptive technologies can definitely contribute to saving our planet without disconnecting people from the natural world.

15. What changes do you anticipate in this sector of industry over the next two decades?

I am hoping that any changes will be solutions. We need solutions for plastic pollution – we cannot accept that our ocean might have more plastic than fish within the next three decades. We need to find solutions to manage our fishing stocks better to ensure we have healthy fisheries for many years to come. We need to make changes to ensure that our impact on the ocean is minimised, that we reconnect and re-ocean. We need to protect enough areas to act as nurseries and buffer zones – it has proven to be so successful.

Humans are so dependent on the ocean, and coastal communities will take more responsibility of their livelihoods when given the right information. I do believe that aquaculture will continue to grow. This must be responsible and sustainable aquaculture – well-regulated` and well mananged – as the ocean cannot continue to provide at the required demand levels. Certifications such as MSC and ASC will play critical roles to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture work towards a sustainable future for all. We need to all be people of the sea. We will protect what we love.

16. How relevant and effective do you think strategies such as Operation Phakisa, AIMS 50 and the African Maritime Decade are to help progress the continent’s Blue Economies and marine conservation?

I think that the intention of all these strategies was to find that balance between need, use, give and care. The implementation of such complexity has been a challenge. To unlock the potential of the ocean we need to know exactly what is in it: where are the best ‘harvest zones’ and where are the best conservation areas. That means, through these initiatives and strategies, all the sectors need to align their objectives and work towards the same goal – a healthy ocean. A healthy ocean can provide resources and enjoyment and a safe environment for its inhabitants.

Therefore, economists, fishers, researchers, conservationists, innovators and influencers need to define that shared goal and work towards it together. To date I have not experienced an agreed-on approach and plan to achieve a true long term secure blue economy. It is good that the African Union recognised it as a priority.

Dredging and lighting of channel Fire watch and testing Automated fuel management Diving and compression chamber Fishing training Reach stackers Anchor chains Container lifting system Slipway maintenance Marine engines Dredger crane repairs Multi-purpose vessel charter Platform support vessel charter Remote Operated Vehicle Coastal and marine tourism study Oceans industries study In Port spill response Port Leases Ship repair advisory services

spiring in order to increase impact. I would like every single child to have the opportunity to learn about the environment; to have the opportunity to be amazed by the magical underwater world, and to have the opportunity to make a difference.

I already see our new generation of young marine scientists. They are enthusiastic and amazed and inspired to learn more and impact more.

18. If you could have a superhero power, what would it be?

These are youngsters who did not grow up next to the ocean, who did not know the ocean – but through fantastic mentoring, through information and inspiration, this group of young Africans are determined to make a difference and to save our ocean. This is going to inspire so many kids who will see that they too can make a difference and love the ocean and care for animals.

We live in an incredibly exciting era where impact is possible.

BUT, I do think that if I had to choose just one, I would love to see into the future – to have crystal clear vision of what is to come, so that I can identify potential disasters and help steer this mother ship of ours into a better direction where we will not self-destruct, but support a society where people and the environment matter more than money.

19. What would you like your legacy in the industry to be?

Due to climate change fish stocks have moved around quite a bit.

African countries thus need to com-

Fish holding tanks Fishing canoes Seawater analysis Biofouling management training package Oceans economy specialist Fleet broadband Satellite airtime for vessels Deep sea observatory ROV Thermal conductivity meter Fish processing and drying equipment Fishing Canoes additional Logistics and agency services Tail shaft spares Seal kits Eleven response boats - newbuilds Fender maintenance

municate much better and again share common goals and objectives if collectively we all want to benefit long-term from the ocean. Africa has a tremendous coastline – about 26,000 km of coastline and its landmass is much smaller than its waterbodies and ocean. By sharing data, knowledge and plans a collaborative approach can be utilised to grow and develop the blue economy around this incredible coastline.

There are so many I would love to have: such as holding my breath for very very long, to communicate with underwater animals; to make plastic in the ocean vanish or to have the ability to always say the right thing that will motivate people to follow the rules and make a difference.

17. How can African countries collaborate to collectively benefit from the Blue Economy?

I am hoping to really make a difference through informing and in-

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20. Please nominate another maritime leader to include in our 2020 Vision series.

Dr. Cleeve Robertson (CEO) and his team at the NSRI. Their dedication to saving lives at sea is incredible and their current focus on drowning prevention and education will contribute to a growing citizens who are ocean safety aware.

PORTS

FISHING

Transnet confirms scaling of operations during lockdown

Exemptions add relief for fishing companies

SOUTH AFRICA: The country’s staterun logistics company, Transnet has confirmed that it will scale back operations across its divisions during the nation-wide 21 day lockdown that started today following consultations with various stakeholders.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) will reduce staff in some of the terminals with the exception of operations for Agri-bulk products which will be serviced on single berths operations in East London, Richards Bay and Durban terminals.

Break-bulk terminals will also function on single berth operation in order to handle essential breakbulk goods and containers. Breakbulk commodities will be handled at the Port of Cape Town, Richards Bay and Durban multi-purpose terminals. Multi-purpose terminals at the ports of East London, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth and Maydon Wharf in Durban will be closed. Transnet has also taken a decision to close all automotive terminals.

All containers bringing in essential goods into the country will be serviced using single berth facilities in some ports. The Durban Container Terminals (DCT) Pier 2 will operate only two berths on reduced staff complement. Other container terminals including the Nqgura, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth will operate on a single berth. Meanwhile, the Cape-Town Multi-Purpose Terminal will also handle containers on a single berth.

All bulk terminals, which handle mineral mining commodities will be scheduled as per demand from mining customers, subject to approval by the Department of Public Enterprises and Department of Mineral Resources.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will ensure that all ports remain open despite reducing the number of staff on duty in all of the eight commercial ports. Services such as port control, maritime services, safety and security and health services will be maintained.

SOUTH AFRICA: As the country prepares for a nation-wide lockdown due to start on midnight of Thursday this week, the Minister of Environment Forestry and Fisheries has announced interim measures to provide relief to the permit and licence holders in terms of the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF).

All holders of licences, permits or authorisations that have been issued in terms of the MLRF and that expired from 1 March 2020, will now be free to continue to operate until 23 June 2020.

Transnet NPA Port of Durban Hosts Bayhead Clean-Up Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) collaborated with its tenants in the Bayhead Precinct in the Port of Durban to take a stand against litter in the area on 28 February 2020.

These exemptions further allow for all Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal Small Scale Fishing Cooperatives that have been allocated fishing rights to fish species allocated to them as outlined in the Grant of Right Letters.

The Bayhead Clean-Up saw TNPA team up with Southern African Shipyards, Westmead Group, Grindrod, MSC, SA Cargo Services, Layisha Zonke, EnviroServ and Cold Harvest – taking to the streets to collect solid waste, unblock drains and educate passersby of the importance of proper waste management.

The Ministry notes that for the exemption to take effect: A copy of this Notice is retained and appended to the expired licence or permit for subsequent inspection by law enforcement officers.

Same licence, permits and authorisation conditions issued with the expired rights are adhered to.

Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal Small Scale Fishing Cooperatives attach a copy of this notice to their Grant of Right Letters.

The Bayhead Precinct was divided into five zones and the teams set to work in the pouring rain, filling three waste skips in the process.

The collaboration formed part of a wider environmental initiative undertaken by TNPA’s Environmental team, which has included clean-ups in every precinct at the Port of Durban in the last 12 months, and will include annual events with stakeholders to ensure that caring for the environment remains a priority.

The skippers of the vessels, who alleged that they were anchored to avoid a bad weather warning, initially refused to cooperate with the Navy who attempted to investigate the claims.

“At first they refused to cooperate and wanted otherwise to just proceed with their way to China, however after coercive diplomacy by the task unit, they subdued to the Navy order and accepted to be escorted to Walvis Bay,” he said.

Those that do not adhere to these requirements will face prosecution.

The exemption will come into effect from 24 March until 23 June unless cancelled or amended by the Minister or Delegated Authority.

Once in Walvis Bay the vessels were searched by the Boarding Investigation and Verification team over the weekend to determine whether there was any illegal conduct or violation of the rules of the sea and to confirm the fishing operations they allegedly have been conducting in Angolan and Equatorial Guinea waters.

Suspicious Chinese fishing vessels free to leave Namibian port NAMIBIA: Six Chinese flagged fishing vessels were given permission to leave the Port of Walvis Bay today after the Namibian Navy had impounded them last week based on suspicious behaviour within the country’s fishing grounds.

The investigation revealed no recent fishing activities in Namibia, but that the display of the vessels’ names were all in contradiction with international maritime law and none of the vessels had call sign numbers. In addition, the investigation found discrepancies on their crew lists and their passports were not stamped in the companies that they had claimed to have been fishing.

Speaking at a press conference today, Commander Rear Admiral Sinsy Ndeshi Bamba Nghipandua said that the vessels had switched off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) while in the area, but had maintained that they had no intention of fishing.

14 MARCH 2020

Despite these discrepancies, the Navy could not hold the vessels on any other suspicions and reported that they were now free to leave the port.

COVID-19 disrupts fisheries certification THE Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has opted to offer a six-month extension on the usual timelines for MSC assessments and certifications in the fishing industry as the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll and adds challenges to the global seafood industry.

The decision to extend timelines was taken on Friday last week by the Board of Trustees and will apply to audits, delivery on conditions and certifications. Fishery partners who are able and willing to go ahead with remote audits and existing timelines will be permitted to do so where feasible.

“This is an extraordinary moment in history, unprecedented in modern times. MSC is acutely aware that many of our partners are facing enormous challenges and uncertainty. For some it may be a questions of survival,” said Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of MSC.