MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
NEWS ROUND-UP MAY 2019
PEOPLE & EVENTS
South African women join the ranks of international networking group SOUTH AFRICA: WISTA SA hosted a networking evening to officially acknowledge being welcomed back into Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) International in Cape Town last night. “WISTA South Africa brings critical and important depth to our global network, creating additional connections in the shipping community,” said WISTA International President Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou. “We are very happy to welcome them back to WISTA International.”
networking, as well as engaging on workplace inclusivity and equality issues. We’re inspired by the great work being done by WISTA International on a global platform and we also look forward to strengthening our connections with other National WISTA Associations and women’s organisations in Africa.”
“The WISTA South Africa team is excited for the opportunity to continue the great work done by founding WISTA South Africa members and previous Office Bearers since 2003,” said WISTA South Africa Chairperson Clare Gomes.
WISTA South Africa is led by Clare Gomes, Strategic Planning & Communications Executive at African Marine Solutions Group (AMSOL). Ms. Gomes is joined on the leadership team by: Cape Town Representative Eva Maloi, BBBEE Transformation &ESD Manager, Damen Shipyards Cape Town; General Secretary Mandy McGuire, Training Manager, Futuro Group; Treasurer Sheena Dias, Senior Associate, Webber Wentzel; and Compliance/Public Officer Anneke Wheelan, Partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys.
“We’re now committed to diversifying and expanding our membership base in the private and government sector, and providing a platform for
WISTA South Africa has focused its relaunch on Cape Town but plans to expand to Durban and Port Elizabeth in due course.
PORT SERVICES
Underwater hull cleaning approved for South African ports SOUTH AFRICA: Following a number of years of waiting, local service providers will finally be given the opportunity to apply for permits to provide in-water hull cleaning in South African ports. After the completion of a pilot project that was introduced in the Port of Durban a number of years ago and extended beyond its initial two-year period, service providers have been involved in a back-andforth with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to get clarity on when the service could be officially introduced. TNPA announced today that they intend to introduce in-water hull cleaning for permit holding service providers in all South African ports in an effort to stringently manage biofouling.
“Biofouling slows down the vessel and reduces fuel efficiency. This results in vessels burning more fuel and emitting more carbon emissions. The cleaning of ship biofouling is one of the practices recommended by the IMO to help vessels meet its new regulations to improve their fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon emissions by 2020,” said Simphiwe Mazibuko, TNPA’s Environmental Manager at the Port of Durban. Mazibuko said TNPA’s decision to offer hull cleaning in its ports in response to market demand was influenced by significant advances in hull-cleaning technology, which minimise the spread of alien species during the cleaning process. “Hull cleaning that is not managed correctly during removal of biofouling, can result in the global spread of alien and invasive species posing serious risks. These risks could include destroying indigenous biodiversity, harming local fisheries and aquatic farming operations and introducing diseases to the local population,” she explained.
Moving forward The networking evening hosted at Webber Wentzel facilities in Cape Town provided an ideal platform for the committee to report back on recent developments that aim to shape the organisation into the future. Commenting on the recent recognition by WISTA International, Gomes said that it was good to see South Africa back on the map. She highlighted other gains since January which include undertaking registration as a Not for Profit organisation and the establishment TNPA has sensitive aquatic habitats and aquatic farming operations in a number of its ports in South Africa, making it critical for the port landlord to introduce a strict permit for all service providers undertaking hull cleaning activity in any port. The permit is in line with the ‘2011 IMO Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Biofouling to Minimise the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species’. Submissions from prospective service providers are presently being reviewed as part of TNPA’s tender process. “Strict environmental monitoring of all hull cleaning activities will ensure that deviations are picked up early and strict interventions are implemented, even if it means cancelling a permit of a non-compliant service provider,” said Mazibuko. TNPA is also committed to working with all regulatory Authorities that are mandated to manage Biodiversity, conduct research or establish policy and exercise oversight on environmental marine issues.
of two subcommittees to address membership as well as mentoring. Reporting back from the sub-committee working on diversifying membership, Pauline Kumlehn of Shepstone and Wylie, highlighted that a simple strategy was in place to leverage off existing networks and databases. She added that the chair would reach out to key stakeholders in the industry and engage to collaborate with existing professional bodies. Debbie Owen of Lawhill Maritime Academy provided an update from the second sub-committee which aims to develop opportunities for training and mentoring within the association. Noting the aims to foster the professional development of members, she said that it was important to get an understanding of training that currently exists. She was also clear on the need to develop the new generation of women coming into the industry or in tertiary institutions through relevant mentoring opportunities as well as job shadowing. Report back on WISTA Africa conference Having attended the WISTA Africa conference with Clare Gomes recently in Accra, Ghana, Susanne Neubert gave members a glimpse of inspirations garnered during the event. Emphasising the immense strides that African women are making in the maritime sector, Neubert spoke highly of a number of speakers and delegates at the conference. “We have a lot to learn from our colleagues in the rest of Africa,” she said adding that the state of the Ghanian maritime sector was impressive.
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FISHING
great potential to boost growth, employment and food security. He noted that the large Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius can provide a large amount of resources which have to be exploited sustainably. He further added that the processing sector, which is the tuna cannery, alone represents 26 percent of the total export of Mauritius.
Harnessing the potential of fishing for social upliftment MAURITIUS: Policymakers and practitioners from the least developed countries (LDCs) and other developing countries are currently participating in a workshop entitled ‘Second regional training course on harnessing the potential of the fisheries sector for socioeconomic development in the least developed countries’ which is being held in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius. The workshop kicked off yesterday in the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Virendra Daby. This second Regional Training Course is a joint initiative of United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development (UNCTAD) and the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping. The course aims to foster an exchange of experiences, best practices and knowledge among policymakers and experts from several of these countries to build their capacity to better harness the development potential of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and improve sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Speaking about the training course, the Permanent Secretary stated that it is being held as part of a United Nations Development Account project on building the capacities of selected LDCs to upgrade and diversify their fish exports. He underlined that the course builds on the first training course organised at the Asian Regional Centre of excellence at the Nha Trang University of Vietnam in 2018, and the findings and recommendations of previous national, regional and interregional capacity-building workshops on fisheries sector development in the LDCs.
This includes efforts to meet international food safety and quality standards in markets in developed countries. In his address, Daby said that the fisheries sector in Mauritius has
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He indicated that the training course will increase expertise and technical knowledge of Governments to formulate and implement export development and diversification strategies to tap fishery potential existing in selected LDCs. It will also improve capacity of Governments and the private sector in selected LDCs to upgrade standards and comply with international food
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safety and related sanitary and phytosanitary standards, he said. Setting up of a Regional Centre of Excellence The workshop also coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNCTAD and the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping. The MOU will enable the setting up of a “Regional Centre of Excellence” in Mauritius to serve as a hub for capacity building in the fisheries and aquaculture sector for LDCs in the African and Asian regions. The Regional Centre of Excellence will organise training activities on a periodic basis for policy makers, experts and practitioners in the fisheries sector from countries mentioned earlier. The Workshop The training course is being delivered by experts from UNCTAD and the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, in partnership with experts from the International Maritime Organisation, Nha Trang University of Vietnam, the International Organisation for Standardisation, the Royal Tropical Institute of the Netherlands, the Marine Stewardship Council, and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
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2 MAY 2019
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA SHIPPING
shipment with consignments for Japan and South Korea in separate compartments.
Historic shipment of fruit leaves Durban SOUTH AFRICA: The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) today commemorated their first-ever breakbulk shipment export to China.
Senzeni Zokwana, Minister for the DAFF, said through government intervention, “market access for South African citrus has been achieved for several countries including access to markets in China, EU, Japan, Korea and Thailand.”
This export to the world’s largest economy follows assistance from the South African government, through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) which signed a protocol with the government of China.
Zokwana, however, used the occasion to lament the European Union’s “unjustifiable and unnecessarily stringent conditions for importing South African citrus”, but encouraged South African citrus producers to diversify their export markets.
According to the DAFF, the protocol allows co-loading of the China
Zokwana also announced that the government was in negotiations
with the British government while it finalises its Brexit plans. “We also continue to negotiate with the United Kingdom on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures post-BREXIT,” said Zokwana.
“We know that the United Kingdom is an important market for SA citrus and we want to minimal trade disruptions when the UK finally separates from the EU.” said Zokwana. BY NKOSIKHONA DUMA
AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture development guidelines approved
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3 MAY 2019
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SOUTH AFRICA: The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has approved the revised guidelines of the Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme (ADEP), a sub-programme of the Enterprise Investment Programme (EIP). The purpose of the new guidelines is to ensure that small, black entrepreneurs benefit from the programme in order to achieve broader participation and transformation. The Ministry believes that the revised guidelines will assist the sector to grow by stimulating investments, increasing job creation, ensuring food security and improving the competitiveness of the sector. ADEP offers a reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of twenty million rand (R20 million) to qualifying applicants for new, upgrading or expanding projects. The ADEP was formally launched by the Minister on 28 March 2013, and it was last amended in August 2016. The Programme has been actively investing in the sector, with a total of 89 projects being approved with an estimated investment amount of R2.197 billion, leading to 2,377 estimated jobs being created and sustained to date. During the 2016-17 financial Year, the Department commissioned a rapid assessment of ADEP. The report was released in February 2018, and the recommendations have been central to consultative engagements with all relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), leading to the approval of the revised ADEP guidelines by the Minister.
SHIP BUILDING
Custom-built diamond mining vessel on order for Namibian miner NAMIBIA: Almost two years after the SS Nujoma officially started operations in June 2017, Debmarine Namibia has confirmed approval to build the world’s first ever custom-built diamond recovery vessel. The new vessel is expected to cost more than three times the price of the SS Nujoma at US$468 million (N$7 billion) and represents the largest ever single investment in the marine diamond industry. The vessel will be built by Damen Shipyards following a global tendering process and will incorporate the latest marine technologies that will drive improved safety performance while optimising efficiency and utilisation rates. The ship will become the seventh vessel in the Debmarine Namibia fleet and is scheduled to commence operations in 2022. On completion, the vessel is expected to add 500,000 carats annually to
Debmarine Namibia’s production, an increase of approximately 35 percent on current production. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, said: “We note and appreciate the investment announced today by Debmarine Namibia. It is through investments like this we can continue to develop Namibia’s economy. As the Government we will continue to do what we can to promote and encourage investment in the mining sector.”
more than 160 new jobs alongside Debmarine Namibia’s current workforce of 975 employees.
Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “Some of the highest quality diamonds in the world are found at sea off the Namibian coast. With this investment we will be able to optimise new technology to find and recover diamonds more efficiently and meet growing consumer demand across the globe.”
Steel cutting ceremony Damen Shipyards Group and De Beers Marine Namibia (Pty) Ltd participated in a special steel cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on a new offshore vessel after a contract to build a new crawler diamond recovery vessel for offshore operations in Namibia was awarded in February this year.
The new vessel is expected to create
PORT SERVICES
At 177 metres (577 feet) long, the new vessel will be slightly larger than the current largest vessel in the De Beers Marine Namibia fleet, Mafuta (174 metres, 571 feet).
Sludge transfer services now available SOUTH AFRICA: Sludge transfer services are now available in the Port of Saldanha after the port successfully completed the first transfer last month.
Constructed from a Marin Teknikk
design, the MT 6027 will be the most technologically advanced marine diamond recovery vessel in the world. On-board features include a dynamic positioning system (DP2) based on a seven-thruster propulsion system powered by six generators of 3230 eKW each. The steel cutting ceremony marks the beginning of construction on the vessel, which will take around two years to build. Damen Shipyards Mangalia will deliver the vessel platform in Mangalia and the vessel will sail on its own keel to Cape Town, South Africa. After the integration of the mission equipment in Cape Town, the vessel is expected to deliver first diamond production in Q2 2022.
The first sludge transfer operation successfully handled 104 cbm of sludge which was transferred from the MV Pacific Queen onto the SA Amandla tug.
BOAT BUILDING
Because the MV Pacific Queen was too large to accommodate at berth, the operation took place while the vessel was at anchor.
Cape Town-built tug heads to Dubai
Effective planning and oversight between the office of the Port of Saldanha’s Harbour Master, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL), the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and SpillTech saw the first sludge transfer operation completed successfully. In addition, the transfer was overseen by General Purpose Rating (GPR) Mathew Blaauw, current acting pollution officer.
SOUTH AFRICA: Damen Shipyards Cape Town’s (DSCT) strategy to build for stock recently paid off when the yard was able to provide a tug for immediate delivery to a Middle East Tug Operator.
Port of Saldanha Harbour Master, Captain Quenton Brink said: “TNPA is pleased to be able to offer a sludge transfer service at the Port of Saldanha which is good news for vessel owners and shipping lines making use of our port. This will be of great benefit as we continue to expand the port to serve the oil and gas sector and attract more and larger vessels,” he added.
According to Jaap de Lange, Managing Director of DSCT, a small complement of South African crew will undertake the delivery.
Having undergone sea trials and start-up procedures, the yard is now in the process of finalising the 22,64m tug for its delivery journey to the Middle East.
“We anticipate the vessel leaving Cape Town by the end of this week,” he confirmed, adding that the vessel was completed during the latter half of 2018 and that the yard was extremely pleased to have found a buyer in such a short time. Once in Dubai, it would undergo final modifications to install a 50-ton winch on the spacious deck area and a FiFi installation. SPECIFICATIONS: LOA: 22.64m BOA: 7.84m Draft: 3.75m Bollard pull: 38.7 tons Power: 2 x 1,014 kW
4 MAY 2019
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA The workshop was hosted by the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA).
BRIEFS
Improving oil spill response LIBERIA: Increased commercial and oil activity in Liberia’s territorial waters has seen the number of tankers and other ships supporting the oil activities, rise significantly. These activities pose a risk in the event of an oil spill. To address this issue, the Global Initiative for West, Central and Southern Africa (GI WACAF) hosted a workshop in Monrovia, Liberia to provide participants with incident management process information as well as an opportunity to test the newly learned material through an exercise.
Municipal Assembly, the Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA) and the Local Governance Network (LoGNet). (SOURCE: Ghanaweb).
Social intervention in fishing
MOU signed between Mauritius and Norway
GHANA: A social intervention project to promote sustainable economic growth and to develop fish farming in the Adentan Municipality was on Thursday launched in Accra.
MAURITIUS: Mauritius and Norway will work towards further strengthening the bilateral relations while reinforcing the existing ties and cooperation with regard to the Blue economy. A Memorandum of Understanding is also expected to be signed between both countries.
Dubbed: “Fish for Development Project” (FIDEP), it aims to employ 1,200 youth, 600 women, 60 persons living with disabilities and 360 men along the fish value chain within the Municipality.
Both parties have renewed their interests in promoting and tapping the oceans and its marine resources in a sustainable manner.
The 1.14 million Euro project is being implemented by the Adentan
Four fishers rescued when boat capsizes in Lamu KENYA: The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) rescued four crew from a capsized fishing boat QasWara in Lamu through a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation after receiving a report from members of the public in Lamu that a boat had capsized at Ras Kitau in the channel entrance to Lamu. KMA in partnership with the Maritime Police Unit in Lamu is investigating the incident.
Recognising a woman of excellence GHANA: The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Ms Benonita Bismarck, has been honoured with the Outstanding Woman CEO of the Year Award ,2018 at the 9th edition of the Ghana Entrepreneur & Corporate Executive Awards (GECEA) Gala Dinner 2019. The award was in recognition of her demonstration of corporate vision, business excellence, innovation, strategic leadership and growth in the shipping and logistics industry in Ghana
Sewage discharge in the Port of Durban affects activities SOUTH AFRICA: Last week Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) was forced to suspend all diving operations in the Port of Durban following a severe sewage discharge that posed a risk to personnel and marine life. The suspension of diving had an impact on companies using the repair quays within the port’s ship repair precinct. The discharge stems from the failure of pumps at the eThekwini Municipality’s Mahatma Gandhi Pump station
Workshop promotes knowledge on IMO audit schemes MAURITIUS: A one-day workshop aimed at familiarising stakeholders about the mandatory International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) audit was hosted last week in Mauritius,
African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) is a specialist solutions provider and partner to clients who operate in marine environments. As a market leader, AMSOL is the only marine solutions provider in the region that is employee and management owned, and is a catalyst for economic empowerment and shared value creation.
Some 40 stakeholders involved in the implementation of the various IMO Maritime Conventions and Protocols participated. The objective is to better prepare Mauritius for the real exercise of February 2020 since the country has a duty to meet its obligations and responsibilities as Flag, Port and Coastal State
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5 MAY 2019
OIL & GAS
BRIEFS
Reviewing the future of the maritime sector in a post oil environment
Combating illegal fishing in West African waters
NIGERIA: Speaking at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston at the beginning of May, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said that they would continue to look for ways to boost the maritime sector in a post oil environment. He said that there may be no need for huge vessels, for intercontinental shipment of both crude and refined products in years to come, thus the need for a new logistics dynamics to bring about logistics diversification. He said that NIMASA was ready to develop policies that will see to a smooth transition from the regime of intense wet cargo operations, which is the major source of income for the maritime sector in Nigeria, to the inevitable era of renewable energy which may see less activities in crude oil exploration and exploitation in the country. “We at NIMASA are working to create a new framework to maximize opportunities provided by renewable energy. So the world does not leave us behind. As a Maritime Administration we are taking conscious steps to put the necessary building blocks for an era of renewable energy when exploration and exploitation of oil and gas and all associated logistics will no longer play a major role. We propose policies to promote transition to clean and renewable energy. We have accepted the inevitability of renewable energy in years to come “ he said. He also disclosed that partnership with other Agencies of Government to undertake research and project into the immediate and long term future of the Maritime industry in Nigeria is part of NIMASA preparation for the future with less income from exploration and exploitation of the oil and gas sector. He noted that the need for Very Large Crude Carriers VLCCs amongst others would reduce, thus the need to guide investments in the Nigerian maritime sector. According to him “our partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to identify the types of vessels that Nigerian should acquire in order to guarantee good business and return on investment in the immediate and long term. We are investing in research to determine the opportunities and threats that will come with the inevitable shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy”.
Women groups asked to help curb illegal fishing GHANA: The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, has appealed to women groups in fish processing and trading communities to assist the ministry to check illegal fishing.
COTE D’IVOIRE: Among the objectives of the 8th West Africa Task Force meeting held last week was the discussion of the feasibility of joint regional maritime patrols in the Fisheries Committee for the West-Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)
She said the women in fishing activities were the best position to detect bad fish, hence, it was important that they provided information on illegal fishing to the ministry to be addressed. Quaye, added that one key contributor to declining fish catch level in the country was the illegal means adopted by fishermen such as light fishing to catch fish.
region as part of the operationalization of existing legal instruments in the fight against IUU fishing and associated crimes. The West Africa Task Force (WATF) is made up of senior fisheries officers from the six FCWC Member States, and was established in 2015.
DAFF to approach press ombudsman over article
SAMSA leader scoops international award
SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) maintains that the Sunday Times violated the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media and are preparing a report for the attention of the press ombudsman.
SOUTH AFRICA: SAMSA Head of Corporate Social Investment, Mapitso Dlepu scooped CMO Asia 2019 Africa’s Women Leadership Award at a ceremony held in Johannesburg last month. According to CMO Asia, this was in recognition of her personal work and professional contribution in the social investment sector, in which, it said, she’s shown excellent leadership and insight. According to CMO Asia, the Africa’s Women Leaders Award is aimed at celebrating women leadership in several geographic regions
The article in question appeared in this weekend’s Sunday Times highlighting the impact of new rules implemented in the tuna sector. DAFF maintains that the story is in some cases “plainly wrong”, badly researched and failed to include input provided by the Department
Six elephants shipped to DRC via Walvis Bay
NIMASA set to partner with the Port of Antwerp
NAMIBIA: A family of six elephants comprising of two adults (bull and cow) and 4 calves were loaded at the Port of Walvis Bay on the El Nino vessel destined for a tourism Game Park in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
NIGERIA: As part of efforts to boost trade and encourage foreign direct investment opportunities in the Nigerian maritime sector, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to partner with the Port of Antwerp in Belgium.
The 20 hour operation required approximately 50 personnel members from various stakeholders including Namport, KLD Ship Agency, Walvis Bay Stevedoring, El Nino Crew members, Pronto Global Air and Ocean Freight and Camel Transport to ensure that the animals were safely loaded and transported to their destination
A delegation from the Port of Antwerp in Belgium recently visited the Agency in Lagos. A business mission from Belgium plans to visit Nigeria later this year for business-to-business meetings focused on the maritime sector.
Fishers receive assistance in times of bad weather
Navy marks 63rd anniversary
MAURITIUS: A total of 1,934 fishers are currently eligible for bad weather allowance which assists fishers that have not been able to go fishing due to bad weather conditions. They are, however, encouraged to do alternative activities such as mending their nets and repairing their boats when they are not involved in fishing activities.
NIGERIA: The Nigerian Navy celebrated its 63rd Anniversary with a series of activities this week. These included a seminar hosted by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) on the Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA in Lagos on Monday as well as a charitable event yesterday. All naval commands also hosted medical outreach programmes between this week, while naval ships were open to visitors from 27-29 May 2019. Nigerians from all walks of life will be have the opportunity
The quantum payable per day per fisher since 2015, is as follows: Rs 275 in 2015; Rs 282 in 2016; Rs 288 in 2017; Rs 298 in 2018; and, Rs 310 as from January 2019.
6 MAY 2019
to take trips on naval ships. The climax of the anniversary is the traditional ceremonial sunset/dinner and awards night on 1 Jun 2019 at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Simulators stimulate port training MOZAMBIQUE: The Port of Maputo has inaugurated five brand new simulators for all types of machine operations, including RTG, mobile and fixed crane, forklift, tractor, among many others. The simulators were inaugurated by the Minister of Transports and Communications, Carlos Mesquita, and are part of a complete training facility which also includes an artificial training hatch, an obstacle field for manoeuvre training and facilities for theory classes. The simulators will allow an increase of productivity as well as reduction or elimination of incidents. The center currently serves MPDC and its subs-concessions but it is prepared to train all types of port terminal operators.
South African ports face shutdown SOUTH AFRICA: Talks between the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) and Transnet National Ports Authority over salary disparities in the ports have broken down and the Union issued a notice on Monday that TNPA Mariners would embark on protected strike action during May. It is likely that the strike will include STAWU affiliated pilots, tug masters, and chief marine engineering officers working in the ports of Durban, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay, Mossel Bay, Richards Bay, East London and Port Elizabeth. The Union claims that, in some cases, pay gap between black and white colleagues on the same level is R500,000 an annum
Compliance security training SOUTH AFRICA: The Port of Mossel Bay Security Department held a compliance security training session in collaboration with the Norwegian Government from 21 to 24 May. The training falls in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), which outlines best practices for port security and crime management. The training, which was sponsored by The Norwegian government, aimed to further equip port security officials with skills on identifying and arresting individuals suspected to be involved in crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling at SA ports.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA the Poseidon drillship in a water depth of 1,076 m and reached a total depth of 4,050 m. Ndungu-1 NFW proved a single oil column of about 65 metres with 45 metres of net pay of high quality oil (35° API) contained in Oligocene sandstones with excellent petrophysical properties. The result of the intensive data collection indicates a production capacity in excess of 10,000 barrels of oil per day.
OIL & GAS
New offshore oil discovery ANGOLA: Eni has made a new light oil discovery in Block 15/06, in Angola’s deep offshore. The well was drilled on the Ndungu exploration prospect. The new discovery is estimated to contain up to 250 million barrels of light oil in place, with further upside.
be routed to the N’goma FPSO, therefore extending the West Hub’s production plateau. Ndungu is the fourth discovery of commercial nature since the Block 15/06 Joint Venture re-launched its exploration campaign in mid-2018. It follows the discoveries of Kalimba, Afoxé and Agogo; the four discoveries altogether already estimated to contain up to 1.4 Billion barrels of light oil in place. The appraisal phase of these discoveries will target their
Located about two kilometres from the Mpungi field, the new discovery can be fast-tracked to production due to the proximity to the Sub Sea production system. Production will
The Ndungu-1 NFW well is located a few kilometres from Eni’s West Hub facilities, and was drilled by
additional upside. The Block 15/06 Joint Venture, composed by Eni (operator, 36.8421%), Sonangol P&P (36.8421%) and SSI Fifteen Limited (26.3158%), will work to fast track its development.
BOAT BUILDING
Addressing boat building for tourism
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No Deviations No Delays 7 MAY 2019
MAURITIUS: A consultative meeting, between representatives of boat builders and importers, boating associations, and the Tourism Authority, was held this month in Port Louis, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Tourism, Anil Gayan. The issues raised by some 30 stakeholders present include, among others: the carrying capacity of the lagoon; the possibility of assisting boat builders in becoming ISO certified; finding a win-win situation both for boat importers and builders; adequate boat ramp as well as proper mooring facilities to be developed in several areas on the coast of the island; building of marinas for boat owners; embarkation points and assigned base of operation for boaters; and the development of a scheme to offer incentives to upgrade the knowhow of boat builders. In a statement to the press, the Tourism Minister underlined that the aim of the meeting was to take stock of difficulties encountered by boat builders and importers and vis-à-vis the Tourism Authority, to see how Government can assist in finding solutions to issues raised. He stated that boat builders find it very difficult to get the ISO certificate and are asking the help of Government and the Tourism Authority to be ISO certified. This, he added, will enable them to meet international standards and offer high quality products to customers. Minister Gayan also dwelt on the marinas systems to be offered to boat operators, the importance of respecting specific standards in the manufacture of boats and ensuring that large boats operating in the lagoon meet required standards so as to prevent marine pollution.
OIL & GAS
Durand Naidoo, Managing Director of Linsen Nambi, adding that they hope to identify new technology that will give them “a leading edge in oil and gas transportation”.
Campaigning for local content in oil and gas Having identified the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston (USA) as a key event for the offshore sectors, the South African Oil and Gas Alliance (SAOGA) has been working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to showcase South African capacity on a country pavilion for a number of years now. Founded in 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually in Houston, but has expanded technically and globally with the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brasil, and OTC Asia. The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. With almost 50,000m² of exhibition space, the event attracts 60,000 energy professionals from 100 countries. In addition, over 300 journalists attend to learn about new innovations, companies and services. As such, it provides an ideal platform for a country pavilion and this year 20 companies and government agencies will aim to highlight what they can deliver to the sector. Speaking ahead of the conference, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, said the South African National Pavilion at the conference will assist the South African companies to identify opportunities within the US’s up, mid and downstream value chain integration. Two of South Africa’s emerging Industrial Development Zones form part of the contingent. Both the Saldanha Bay IDZ (SB IDZ) and the Richards Bay IDZ (RB IDZ) have identified the offshore oil and gas sector as a viable opportunity to develop bespoke offerings. Having been identified to host the development of a 2,000MW GasTo-Power plant, Richards Bay IDZ is keen to attract investors and Zodwa Zikalala, Marketing Manager, says
Cape Diving, which now forms part of the OSC Marine Group, sees the event as one of the key offshore events on the calendar. Having visited the show for a number of years, Mike Jessop sees the advantages of showcasing the OSC brand.
that the IDZ is also well positioned geographically to service the offshore gas industry in neighbouring Mozambique. “We are also ready to service a potential local offshore industry,” he says noting plans for ENI to drill exploration wells off Richards Bay.
“We believe OTC, now more than ever, is an international platform through which South African products and services can be well marketed. Cape Diving, as part of the OSC Marine Group is well positioned to provide services to international majors operating in Africa,” he says.
Saldanha Bay IDZ on the west coast of South Africa, however, is eyeing out both local developments in offshore exploration as well as those further north in West Africa. It’s the seventh consecutive year that the SB IDZ has been present at OTC.
“We truly believe that there are broader opportunities for South African companies both locally and on the international market, whereby we can offer good subsea engineering and excellent safe project execution,” he adds.
“It has become one of the cornerstones of promoting the capabilities of South African service companies and our infrastructure developments to the global upstream oil and gas Industry. It also provides us with a single meeting place to hear more about what projects are expected to take place; meet with our existing clients and potential future clients, and catch up with good friends,” says Laura Peinke, Business Development Executive for SB IDZ.
They are joined on the pavilion by a number of companies that have been travelling to Houston on an annual basis for some time now. SGM (Sturrock Grindrod Marine) Group has been a part of the South African pavilion for the last six years and Marketing Manager, Hilde Sturrock, sees it as an integral focus of their marketing strategy.
“We are excited about OTC 2019 as it gives us an opportunity to showcase what developments we are undertaking in the port infrastructure space, as well as key projects that will be undertaking construction in the Saldanha Bay IDZ,” she adds.
“Attendance at OTC gives us valuable insight into current and future developments in our region in the offshore oil and gas fields. We are delighted to be a part of the southern African oil and gas industry as a whole and being able to make use of this platform to showcase and promote our expertise,” she says.
The deep water port was identified a number of years ago as a strategic host for an Offshore Supply Base and the concession to establish the facility was officially awarded to Saldehco in 2018. The project looks to operate an offshore supply base in the port on a dedicated quay, as well as provide specialist and generalist services for both the oil and gas industry and the marine industry.
“(The show) provides us with access and exposure to senior decision makers at international oil and gas majors as well as the wider offshore business community,” she adds.
First time exhibitors, Linsen Nambi and Cape Diving are optimistic about their representation at OTC 2019.
ImproChem has also been a part of the event for six years now. “The OTC provides an annual hub for ImproChem to interact with new and existing customers and to detail the latest chemical technology available,” says Marketing Manager, Sean Jordan.
“The OTC provides an opportunity to engage with thought leaders and innovators in offshore technology. We are hoping to identify the latest technological advancements,” says
“Manufacturing the Suez specialty upstream chemical range at our plants in South Africa provides an accessible gateway into sub-Saharan Africa using our regional supply chain that can cut months off delivery lead times. Coupled with ImproChem’s laboratory services and experienced technical capacity in numerous African countries, we can satisfy the stringent demands of the oil and gas industry,” he adds. Visiting Houston for the third time this year, Keane Harvey, Managing Director of ProFloat says that the event is the highlight of their marketing calendar. “It represents a critical opportunity to interface with existing and new customers; present developments and innovations and clarify the many ways in which a South African company can add value to customers looking for field support,” he says. “We are excited at the abundance of opportunities, both arising through the continued refinement and improvement of our service, as well as the rollout of exciting new developments,” adds Harvey. As a worldwide supplier to the oil
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Consulting and gas exploration markets, Hall Longmore also takes up position on the South African pavilion having participated in the past. “OTC offers a platform to exhibit our product and services thus exposing us to potential customers which increases product inquiries and assists with sales,” comments Mmatsheko Shai, Key Accounts Manager, who believes that moderate opportunities exist in the current term for the company. Shai is optimistic that the company will export around 30,000 metric tons into the United States of America market per month by the end of 2019. The company intends to grow this number in the next five years.
Another first time participant is black-owned ship repair services company, Bayside Marine that is seeking to tap into the US market at this year’s show. According to the Director of Bayside Marine, Bongani Tokwe Bayside Marine is a service provider that has positioned itself to access opportunities that the US market provides. “As Bayside Marine we are ready to showcase our services of repair and maintenance of oil rigs, vessel and boat services, and impress the US market. We are optimistic that the company will bring home some interesting leads,” says Tokwe. The South African pavilion will host a number of discussions
and meetings. Visitors can engage directly with representatives from both private companies as well as government entities, making it a valuable platform for establishing contact with a viable support base in Africa. The companies are supported by the dti through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme. The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country. The scheme also seeks to facilitate market access for the exhibiting South African companies.
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refurbishment which involved bringing a large heavy-duty crane to lift the 200-tonne plus buoy from the water. After completion of the refit, the buoy was returned to its mooring offshore.
GREEN MARINE
20 new MPAs officially announced
AMSOL provides each tanker calling at the SPM and CBM with a team consisting of a Loading Master and three divers, who stay on board the tanker until all cargo operations and documentation are completed. A close watch is kept on the sea and weather conditions throughout the loading and discharge operations, ensuring a safe operation with no impact on the environment.
SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has officially declared the new network of 20 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) off the coastline. The network of MPAs will increase the spatial protection of South Africa’s ocean environment from the current 0.4% to 5.4%, provide at least some protection to 90% of habitat types, as well as contribute to global protection in line with South Africa’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity, a sister Convention to those on Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Environmental management and the application of appropriate conservation and sustainable use measures and ensuring sustainable development is therefore a requirement for socio-economic well-being of South African citizens dependent on these marine resources. The DEA is committed to achieving the following objectives after this Declaration: Ensure marine conservation and sustainable use is integral to marine management and decision making. Ensure successful conservation outcomes by managing development pressures and ensure conservation objectives in these MPAs are met. These new MPAs network is the product of extensive consultation and negotiation with all stakeholders, which sought to ensure that the network is aligned with relevant policies and priorities for fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, as well as marine mining and oil exploration, while also protecting ecologically important areas. The department is fully aware of the considerable commitment required to effectively manage the new MPAs. In this regard, a number of state conservation agencies contributed to stakeholder engagements and also advised, on the basis of their local insight, on the suitability of the management measures for each MPA. In keeping with this process, and the provisions of the Protected Areas Act (Section 38 (4), those MPAs with a coastal boundary will be managed by the adjacent management agencies of SANParks, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, the Provincial Agency of KwaZulu-Natal and the Provincial Agency of the Eastern Cape, as appropriate. For those MPAs which lie further offshore, the department will avail itself of its new surveillance capabilities as well as co-operative compliance programmes with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
PORTS
Massive milestone for Mossel Bay SPM SOUTH AFRICA: The 48,045 dwt FS Sincerity became the 2000th tanker to be moored to the Single Point Mooring (SPM) at Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape on the at the end of last week, when she discharged 25,000 metric tonnes for PetroSA.
offshore moorings are managed and maintained by AMSOL on behalf of PetroSA.
This milestone celebrates the effective partnership between various role players that ensures the safe and environmentally friendly transfer of product – with PetroSA, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), AMSOL (Africa Marine Solutions), shipping agents, surveyors and other stakeholders collaborating proactively.
The SPM is used for the export of petroleum products (petrol, diesel and kerosene) to other South African ports, particularly Port Elizabeth and East London. It is also used for the import of diesel, condensate and reformate which is processed by PetroSA for local distribution and export. The petroleum products are pumped to and from the tank farm at Voorbaai via a subsea pipeline from tankers moored at the SPM and, from Voorbaai, overland to and from the PetroSA refinery.
The harbour is draft restricted hence the establishment of two offshore moorings; in 1992, the SPM, situated 1.5 nautical miles offshore of Voorbaai in a water depth of 20 metres and, in 1959, the Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM), situated 1000 metres inshore of the SPM. The two Mossel Bay
The SPM is known as a Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring or CALM type and was developed by Imodco and Shell. It is designed for use in shallow and relatively calm waters, although some have been installed in deeper water. The Mossel Bay SPM was last dry docked in October 2017 at the Port of Mossel Bay for a complete
SAFETY
“At 06h45 local time MRCC Cape Town was alerted via the COSPAS SARSAT system (EPIRB detection) of the Taiwanese fishing vessel Teng Ming Yang #268 possibly needing assistance.
Taiwanese crew rescued from stricken vessel off South African coast
“The distress position as per the detection placed the vessel more than 1,100 kilometres South East of Durban within the South African Search and Rescue region. MRCC Cape Town Duty Team immediately contacted the Taipei Rescue Coordination Centre to obtain additional details. The satellite AIS system was used to identify any vessels near the casualty position that could be called upon to assist.
SOUTH AFRICA: A well-coordinated response by the South African Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) saw 16 crew rescued from a Taiwanese vessel in the Indian Ocean during May. The MRCC also confirmed that the vessel caught fire and was slowly sinking, some 1100 nautical miles south east of Durban.
“Taipei RCC stated that the vessel had reported a fire onboard and the 16 crew were going to abandon the vessel to life rafts. A MAYDAY relay broadcast was issued by Telkom Maritime Radio for vessels in the area to assist.
The dramatic rescue of sailors off the vessel, the Teng Ming Yang#268 ensued from about 6.45am after the centre picked up a distress signal from the vessel indicating a need for assistance.
10 MAY 2019
The Loading Master also assists the Master and TNPA pilot with mooring operations, with TNPA’s vessels Arctic Tern and Snipe providing assistance for tankers mooring at the SPM and CBM. AMSOL’s buoy tender vessel Sisonke conducts static towing whilst the tanker is moored to the SPM. The vessel is also used for dive support during maintenance operations PetroSA appoints surveyors to conduct sampling, ullaging and confirm calculations of the products loaded and discharged, and owners appoint shipping agents, most of whom are locally based, to facilitate the arrival and departure of the tankers scheduled to call at Mossel Bay. Interestingly, the coastal tanker Breede, which had the honour of being the 1000th tanker at the SPM nine years ago on 29 May 2010, narrowly missed being the 2000th and called at the SPM to load product for East London. She was built in China for Unicorn Tankers and flies the Singapore flag. She has a predominantly South African crew and has been a regular caller at Mossel Bay since 2009.
“The vessel Mearsk Lanco (approximately 500 kilometres away) immediately responded to the MAYDAY broadcast but was thanked for the response and stood down by the MRCC as a sister vessel to the Teng Ming Yang #268 was already diverting and a second vessel was also on route. “Constant monitoring of the AIS system indicated that the sister vessel arrived in the area just after 0900 local time. This was confirmed by Taipei RCC minutes later when they reported that Teng Ming Yang #888 reported that it had rescued the 16 crew from the life raft. The vessel was reportedly still burning and sinking slowly. A Navigational warning has been issued. “SAR systems and RCC cooperation has yet again proven its value,” said the centre in a statement.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA SAFETY
First South African port to achieve health and safety certification SOUTH AFRICA: The Port of PE has become the first South African port to achieve the International Organisation for Standardisation’s 45001 certification. ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system, with guidance for its use, to enable an organisation to proactively improve its OH&S performance in preventing injury and ill-health - thus aiming to improve levels of workplace safety. Rajesh Dana, Port Manager at the Port of PE said, “The port is proud to be the first port in the TNPA port system to be ISO 45001 certified. The certification reiterates the principle that safety is all of our responsibility. I not only commend the milestone that our SHE department has achieved, but also the entire port community. ISO 45001 will allow us to control all factors that might result in illness, injury and in extreme cases death, by mitigating
adverse effects on the physical, mental and cognitive condition of our employees, stakeholders and visitors, ensuring ZERO Harm.” There are many differences between the previously required OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 however, the main change concentrates on the interaction between the organisation and its business environment as opposed to OH&S hazards and other internal issues.
OIL & GAS
Fast crew supply boat for diving company
Christened the Octostar, the vessel will also be used to transport passengers and act as a standby and security vessel.
Additional equipment specified by OCTOMAR included an external firefighting system, dedicated davits for the launch and recovery of divers and the observation class ROV and night observation gear.
Features of the 22-metre FCS 2206 include improved seakeeping thanks to the Sea Axe bow, low fuel consumption and the highest safety standards. Built in aluminium at Damen Shipyards Singapore, it can sustain speed of up to 30 knots.
“We are very pleased with its performance so far,” said Ricardo do Amaral, General Manager of OCTOMAR. “We selected the FCS 2206 based on the high quality of the construction, its proven reliability and the after-sales service package.”
and repair and maintenance work on offshore facilities.
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PORTS
Container terminal invests to meet demand NIGERIA: In response to continued volume growth in the Eastern Nigerian market, the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) located in Onne Port, has invested in two new Mobile Harbour Cranes. This is in addition to an investment of approximately USD2.5 million already made this year. The two Liebherr LHM 550 Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHCs) are due for deployment in July this year and will further boost the efficiency and cargo handling operation of the terminal, improving service delivery and reducing vessel waiting time. This year, WACT has already invested around USD2.5 million in 10 purpose-built terminal trucks, three reach stackers and an empty container handler, as well as terminal infrastructure and manpower development. Earlier this year, the first delivery of terminal trucks was flown into the country on one of the world’s largest cargo planes, the Antonov An-124. ”We have handled over 100% more cargo compared to what was advised by our shipping line customers,” said Commercial Manager, Noah Sheriff. “In 2018, for example, we saw volumes grow by 21% compared to the previous year.”
GREEN MARINE
van Nijkerk.
New campaign aims to impact ocean protection
“This increase was considerably more than what we had planned for. To maintain high service delivery levels we are taking concrete steps to ensure our strong market position is maintained,” he said.
SOUTH AFRICA: Armed with an overarching goal to attain the global MPA target of 10 per cent by 2020 and pave the way for African states to support a global target of 30 per cent strongly protected by 2030, Ocean iMPAct officially kicked off in South Africa this month.
“The public were asked to submit an upbeat and positive, short, punchy and inspirational name that promotes the value of our oceans, profiles MPAs as our heritage. A score of passionate and creative ocean advocates submitted their names and ‘Ocean iMPAct’ (with the MPA of ‘impact’ in capital letters) – an adaptation of a name submitted by Varsha Naidu Moodley was chosen.”
“We have been working tirelessly to provide superior service to our shipping line and landside customers,” said Managing Director, Aamir Mirza. “This latest investment in mobile harbour cranes will help us achieve our objectives and reach our goals. Growth in volume over the last two years have highlighted various infrastructure challenges and we are working with key stakeholders to address them. This is expected to bring a lot more opportunities to us and our customers and grow our businesses.” An overall terminal infrastructure upgrade project is expected to commence in 2020. This upgrade will position WACT to handle the growing volume anticipated in the eastern market for the next decade. WACT is proactively engaging the Nigeria Port Authority, Oil & Gas Free Zone and other government entities to ensure Onne Port is ready for the future growth opportunities.
On Friday the 24th of May 20 new and expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)announced by South Africa’s cabinet in October 2018 were officially gazetted, increasing protection from 0.4 to 5 per cent.
This comes after an exciting “Name the Campaign” social media competition and just in time to amplify the excitement around the gazetting of 20 new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in South Africa.
Dr Jean Harris, WILDOCEANS Executive Director, said that this is a very important step for South Africa, and a credit to all the people who have worked so hard to implement the Cabinet decision to approve 20 new and expanded MPAs.
Birthed by a coalition of organisations including WILDOCEANS (a programme of the WILDTRUST), Ocean Unite and WWF-SA, Ocean iMPAct hopes to help advance the protection of the oceans around South Africa within MPAs – part of a second phase of the MPA expansion project, with an overall objective to attain the global MPA target of 10 per cent by 2020 - and pave the way for African states to support a global target of 30 per cent strongly protected by 2030.
“MPAs are an essential tool for ocean health. They protect the oceans and the resources people depend on from risks such as climate change, over-fishing and mining. We look forward to supporting government to achieve the effective management of these new MPAs, and in working towards South Africa’s commitment to reach the 10 per cent CBD target by 2020. This is a critical moment in our journey towards the 30 per cent ocean protection that science indicates is needed to restore and conserve the oceans.”
“Earlier this year we put out a call to the public to help name this new campaign, which builds on the successful ‘Only This Much’ campaign launched in 2018 when ocean protection was at a pitiful 0.4 per cent,” said Campaign Lead, Lauren
12 MAY 2019
The Deputy Director General of the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), Judy Beaumont, who attended the launch of the project on World Oceans Day last year and gave a keynote address, welcomed the MPA expansion project. At an event in April this year, co-hosted by DEA, held to celebrate the achievement of 5% protection she spoke to the importance of the work to be done now to ensure that the new MPAs are effectively managed and adequately resourced. The MPA expansion project, supported by Oceans 5, and a partnership between WILDOCEANS, WWF-SA and Ocean Unite, is now moving into its second phase to support the government’s commitment to achieve at least 10 per cent MPA coverage for the waters around South Africa. “We believe that the ‘Only This Much’ campaign played a significant part, working alongside responsible government institutions and with key civil society organisations, in helping to secure 5 per cent marine protection in Year 1 of the project and aim to play a similar, supportive role this coming year in securing at least 10 per cent in MPAs with the ‘Ocean iMPAct’ campaign,” said van Nijkerk.
PHOTO: Taken in the De Hoop MPA by Steve Benjamin.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA OIL & GAS
Rovuma LNG development plan gets approval MOZAMBIQUE: The government of Mozambique has approved the Mozambique Rovuma Venture development plan for the Rovuma LNG project, which will produce, liquefy and market natural gas from three reservoirs located in the Area 4 block offshore Mozambique. “The development plan approval marks another significant step toward a final investment decision later this year,” said Liam Mallon, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil & Gas Company. “We will continue to work with the government to maximise the long-term benefits this project will bring to the people of Mozambique.” The Rovuma LNG project will work to build the local workforce through focused recruitment and skills development. “This is the third development plan approved in this five-year period to enable the sustainable development of the huge natural FISHING
Committing to transparency SEYCHELLES: The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) International Secretariat was officially opened at the end of May 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 ceremony
gas reserves discovered in the Rovuma basin and represents the government’s commitment to ensure the implementation of projects that will drive the development of Mozambique,” said Ernesto Elias Max Tonela, minister of mineral resources and energy.
plan details our commitment to train, build and employ a local workforce and make gas available in support of Mozambique’s industrialisation.” The Rovuma LNG partners have developed a series of plans to support community development in line with the government’s priorities. During the production phase, the Rovuma LNG project expects to provide up to 17,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) per year in Mozambique from Area 4 resources, which is currently about 50 percent of the country’s LPG imports, and will dramatically improve access to energy.
“We want Mozambican entrepreneurs and Mozambicans to be the main beneficiaries of the various business opportunities made available by the multinationals because we believe that these companies should grow with the national businesses and with Mozambique,” added Tonela. The marketing effort for the LNG produced from the Rovuma LNG project is jointly led by ExxonMobil and Eni. Sales and purchase agreements for 100 percent of the LNG capacity for trains 1 and 2 have been submitted to the government of Mozambique for approval, which together will produce more than 15 million tons of LNG per year.
Area 4 is operated by Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A. (MRV), an incorporated joint venture owned by ExxonMobil, Eni and CNPC, which holds a 70 percent interest in the Area 4 exploration and production concession contract. Galp, KOGAS and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos E.P. each hold a 10 percent interest.
“The expected production from the Area 4 block will generate substantial benefits for Mozambique and the Area 4 partners,” said Alessandro Puliti, Eni’s chief development, operations & technology officer. “The development
ExxonMobil will lead construction and operation of natural gas liquefaction and related facilities on behalf of MRV, and Eni will lead construction and operation of upstream facilities.
took place at La Salle Maritime, Statehouse.
been sincerely committed to the FiTI from its beginning, seeing it as essential for our work in advancing a sustainable blue economy. But in order to achieve a global level playing field of transparency, the FiTI needs a permanent headquarter. We are therefore proud to be the new home of its international secretariat. My government is strongly convinced that the FiTI and its underlying multi-stakeholder paradigm will be of great value for governments all around the world, but also the fishing industry, artisanal fishers, civil society and investors,” said Vice-President Meriton.
The FiTI International Secretariat was hosted by the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform, a non-profit organization in Berlin, Germany, but will now officially move to the FiTI Headquarter in the Seychelles. The relocation process is expected to be finalised by the end of this year. “Transparency is a prerequisite for informed public debates on fisheries policies and for achieving meaningful participation in fisheries decision-making. Seychelles has
LEGAL
Boat operators appear before Competition Tribunal SOUTH AFRICA: Two ferry companies that deny charges of price fixing and tender collusion in the Robben Island tender are currently appearing before the Competition Tribunal. Ferry Charters (Pty) Ltd and Heritage Charters CC deny the allegations brought against them by the Robben Island Museum. The case relates to a tender issued by the Robben Island Museum for bidders to be listed on its database as preferred service providers. A Commission investigation, following a complaint from the Museum, accused five companies of price fixing and tender collusion. According to the Commission, the companies met at the Cape Town Fish Market Coffee Shop in September 2015, where they discussed and agreed to increase the prices they would charge when responding to the tender. Settlements in the matter Three companies earlier admitted to the charges. In June last year, the Tribunal confirmed their settlement agreements and administrative penalties (fines): Thembekile Maritime Services (Pty) Ltd: R350 000.00 penalty; Silverbuckle Trade 21 CC t/a Yacoob Yacht: R249 171.72 penalty; and Nauticat Charters (Pty) Ltd: R422 083.87 penalty.
FISHING
WTO addresses impact of fishery subsidies on developing countries Talks at Informal Gathering of World Trade Organisation (WTO) held this week and attended by South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies turned to the impact of fisheries subsidies on developing countries. Members have previously agreed to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing; eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, by 2020. The need to recognise the need for
special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries was raised by many developing countries from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group. “The outcome of negotiations on fisheries subsidies must capture the concerns of developing members on special and differential treatment in a more granular fashion by building S&DT purposefully into substantive disciplines and not merely as an after-thought,” said Davies.
cause damage to the environment and degrade opportunities for small-scale and subsistence fishers thereby compromising food security, employment and general social stability in communities that are dependent on the sea for income and sustenance.
Fisheries subsidies and fleets of large subsidisers and their large-scale industrial fishing fleets
The Informal Gathering of WTO
13 MAY 2019
Trade Ministers was attended by 33 countries from both the developed and developing countries. ABOVE: Minister Davies flanked by (from left) Kenyan Principal Secretary for Trade: Dr Chris Kiptoo, EU Trade Commissioner: Cecilia Malmstrom and Nigerian Trade Director General: Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe.