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NEWS ROUND-UP JUNE 2020
TIME I R A M N I YOUTH uth month June is yo
SHIPPING Direct shipping line between Dubai and Africa launched Maritime authority red-flags vessels GREEN MARINE PEOPLE New Chief Marine Engineer Officer for Port of East London TETA CEO to be honoured by World Maritime University Angolan women join forces with international peers Investing in the next generation of maritime talent Young professionals in the Port of Mossel Bay NSRI harbours opportunities for youth to shine TRAINING Blended learning is an opportunity for maritime training Strategic partnership for training signed PORTS Two tug boats commissioned Port positions itself for wind turbine sector Contract awards strengthen presence in Africa New records for car terminal COVID-19 accelerates digital collaboration Port of Cape Town comes under fire from stakeholders OIL & GAS Anchor leg replacement project completed during lockdown LAW New Hydrographic Act gives legislative status to SA Navy’s hydrographic office SECURITY Nigeria to prosecute pirates under new law Maritime authority seeks power to seize and destroy boats Lifestyle audits underway at Transnet
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) spent over R40 million in developing young people during the 2019/2020 financial year. Annually, over 400 young people across the country have the opportunity to participate in technical, non-technical and experiential development programmes within the company.
See story on page 12
GREEN MARINE Concern for the oceans drives consumers to vote with their forks for sustainable seafood MARINE ENGINEERING New cargo ship on order for Mauritius
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SHIPPING
Direct shipping line between Dubai and Africa launched EGYPT: In partnership with DP World, the Dubai-based provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has launched the first direct shipping line connecting UAE’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai with Egypt’s Sokhna Port through Jeddah Islamic Port. The new shipping line, the fourth to be launched by Mawani in 2020, aims to provide shipping services on the Red Sea coast. The move has been taken under the supervision and follow-up of the Saudi Minister of Transport, HE Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser. The Ministry of Transport’s vision has been focused on linking the Kingdom to the surrounding countries by sea, land and air in a strategy aimed to unlock numerous opportunities utilising the unique location of Saudi Arabia and connecting it intermodally with Europe and Africa using Saudi as an important land bridge. HE Eng. Saad Alkhalb, President of Saudi Ports Authority “MAWANI”, said: “The launch of the new shipping line is part of Mawani’s ambitious initiatives to achieve its strategic goals set by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP) to support economic growth, foster investments and contribute to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 positioning Saudi Arabia as a global centre for logistics”. Alkhalb added: “The direct shipping line will connect Jeddah Islamic Port with more ports in the East and the West, making it a central regional and global gateway, and establishing the Kingdom as a leading logistics centre. “The line will also help facilitate trade across all the global supply chains, increase transhipment volumes and gain an upgraded share of the ships on the Red Sea Coast.
“All these benefits are expected to boost the overall competitiveness and efficiency of the operations and services provided by Saudi ports while increasing investment opportunities in this vital sector”.
PEOPLE
Second Engineer on the Port of East London’s tugs.
New Chief Marine Engineer Officer for East London SOUTH AFRICA: Khayakazi ‘Pinky’ Somzana succeeded in overcoming both mother nature and gender bias to realise her dream of becoming a Chief Marine Engineer Officer (CMEO), inspired by her late father, Nkosinathi, who she remembers as constantly taking apart and fixing items in their home.
to achieve the training despite their attitude, I had to work hard and be dedicated to my job. When they would give me tasks to do on my own, I made sure I accomplished them and that’s how I gained their trust and succeeded,” Somzana said. In 2005, Somzana qualified as a Millwright and then went on to serve as a Trainee Marine Engineer Officer at the Port of East London to gain more experience.
On 1 April 2020, the 37-year-old was appointed as the CMEO at Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of East London. She is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all machinery and engineering functions on Tugboats which includes watch keeping, repair and maintenance.
Five years later, Somzana’s hard work paid off, when she received a bursary to pursue Maritime Studies at the Durban University of Technology to qualify as a Marine Engineer. Later that year, she embarked on a 12-month-long cadetship training period onboard a sea-going vessel.
While working within a largely male-dominated industry has not always been smooth sailing, the experience only made her more determined to navigate her way through. In 2002, with N1 – N4 electrical engineering qualifications under her belt, Somzana joined TNPA as an apprentice Millwright.
“Joining a vessel was not as nice as one would think. It was my first time being that far away from my family, with people of different cultures, and being the only woman onboard. I had sleepless nights at times as the sea would be rough and the ship rolls while you are sleeping. We would be called at midnight for manoeuvring or watchkeeping. The training itself was also challenging, as I only had theory in mind.”
“When I joined the company, it was not easy at first since there were no females in the industry at that time, it was only men. I used to feel so small when qualified Millwrights would send me to fetch a spanner and when I came back, the job would already be done. But I eventually I got used to that and gained the experience I wanted. In order
Somzana completed her Maritime Studies S3 at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2018, which allowed her to work full-time as a
Last year, the mother of one was able to take the final step in her career journey, obtaining a South African Maritime Safety Authority Certificate of Competency as a CMEO Port Operations. “I received my qualification on my birthday, 3 October, which made me realise that God has been with me all this time. It was the best gift I ever had, even though it did not come easy,” she said. Despite her experiences during her early days on the job, Somzana is thankful for the hard lessons and to the supportive male colleagues who encouraged her accomplishments. “I am so thankful to TNPA for believing in me. Without the company’s assistance and my colleagues I wouldn’t be here – especially CMEO Andre Breede, Aubrey Tibane - my former Marine Technical Manager who made sure that I got the best training, as well as my line manager, Marine Operations Manager Mzukisi Nqwata and Dock Master Shawn Coetzer, who were always willing to assist me,” she said. “To everyone out there who has a goal to achieve, I would like to say, never give up on wanting to reach a goal. Pray and work hard, nothing comes easy, it takes time but it happens in God’s timing. My career story looks like I jumped from one point to where I am today, but I can tell you that it was not smooth at all.”
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2 JUNE 2020
INDUSTRY DIALOGUE
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TRAINING
cannot kick off completely,” she warned.
Blended learning is an opportunity for maritime training SOUTH AFRICA: Following discussions held during last week’s Maritime Industry Dialogue session on maritime education and training, it is clear that the sector should seek to adopt a blended learning approach to delivering both short and long courses. Concern, however, about the lack of regulation and accreditation processes that exist for e-learning or distance learning courses means that good intentions to develop and deliver a robust online training alternative have been curtailed. Joining the panel discussion, Leon Mouton of Sea Safety Training Group (SSTG) acknowledged that it has been a slow process to try to get e-learning material approved. “We need clear guidelines from SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) of what can be approved and what will not,” he said adding that he was aware that the authority was working on a strategy in this regard. “E-learning is long overdue. There are a lot of adults that cannot afford to leave work or travel to attend courses and digital courses are the best option for them,” he said. According to Mouton, SSTG has submitted a number of courses to SAMSA for approval and hopes to have an outcome soon. Contributing from the chat room, David Wolfaardt of the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) expressed agreement that SAMSA needs to weigh in on policy and industry guidelines on the issue of e-learning. “A significant concern when it comes to distance/e-learning is the role and policy of the regulator. SAMSA needs to formulate policy and industry guidelines on this issue,” he said. While private training providers such as SSTG and SAMTRA have already initiated strategies to ensure the availability of these options – the advent of COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of e-learning options at tertiary institutions such as Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology and Nelson Mandela University. Most of the attendees in the third session of the Maritime Industry Dialogue agreed that the way forward must necessarily include an emphasis on the digitally-based learning experience. “We need flexibility and to keep up with the times internationally,” noted Yvette de Klerk who is currently undertaking research in the maritime education
Malcolm Alexander of the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) agreed. “I would be happy to move more into the digital space and include more people, but am worried it will create a smaller elite and leave a growing number behind,” he said while acknowledging the success of digital interventions in unlikely sectors such as the taxi industry.
and training space at the World Maritime University. Participating in the webinar chat room, De Klerk highlighted a study by International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) which shows that 83 percent of their members indicate a shift to full time online/distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A call for a zero-rating of all maritime-related education content resonated with those in attendance with many suggesting that SAIMI coordinate an initiative to advocate on behalf of maritime training providers on a national level.
While only two African countries (Egypt and Ghana) currently have institutes that are members of the IAMU, it is interesting to note that nine percent of the respondents reported that all university operations had been completely suspended.
While online learning can arguably increase accessibility to maritime studies, in a country like South Africa and on the African continent as a whole, it could also arguably limit access.
Locally institutions and training providers have been guided by the disaster measures put in place by government.
Summing up much of the conversation, Williams said that, although the STCW Convention makes provision for e-learning, not everything can be digitised and that the socio-economic implications need to be addressed toe ensure that every single student in the country can be accommodated. “E-learning is possible and is being adopted now because of COVID-19, but what happens after COVID? Does it mean that when we can go back into the classroom, that we don’t. Currently we can only cater for 70 percent of the student base online and this is a genuine concern,” she said.
Initially all educational facilities were forced to face total closure almost overnight as the lockdown was declared. Representing the umbrella body, Maritime Academic Institutions of South Africa (MAISA) on the panel, Theresa Williams spoke about how tertiary institutions had had to work quickly to deliver content to their broad base of enrolled students. And even now, as only some 30 percent occupancy is permitted on campus, institutions are having to operate across a number of platforms to ensure the continuation of the syllabus.
Noting too that the maritime education and training space extends beyond seafarer training, Alexander emphasised the need to address the training requirements in the fishing sector where numeracy and literacy projects cannot be offered as e-learning options.
“We have had to adopt a multi-modal approach. We are continuing with remote online platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp and Google Classroom, but have also found we need to courier printed material to more remote areas where connectivity is a major problem,” she explained.
A blended opportunity Although issues relating to accessibility need to be addressed, the future of a blended delivery of maritime training that caters for both classroom as well as digital delivery provides significant opportunities for both potential students as well as training providers.
Leave no one behind While the practicality of migrating courses into the digital space is certainly achievable, the one concern that many have relating to online training relates to its accessibility to the broader population that may not have reliable internet connectivity, suitable devices or even a conducive environment to study in.
Classroom-based delivery has always required the need to limit numbers based on the physical space offered, but pairing this with e-learning will mean that training providers can expand their numbers and actually seek to lower the cost of training per student. If this saving is passed onto the student, this creates an important opportunity for maritime training that needs to be explored.
Adding valuable insight to the panel, Nwabisa Matoti of the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), also highlighted the need to address the emotional and mental wellbeing of students who may not adjust to distance learning as well as others. She added that the need to supply data and devices to remote areas would take time. “Until everyone is onboard, we
4 JUNE 2020
SHIPPING
Maritime authority red flags vessels NIGERIA: The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has red-flagged 13 vessels due to call in three of Nigerian ports between 23 June and 17 July in an effort to enforce operational procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The 13 vessels are arriving from five countries that have been heavily affected by the coronavirus; United States of America, United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil and India. Eight of the vessels are expected to berth in Apapa, Lagos; four in Bonny, Rivers State; and one in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said the need to ensure stakeholders adhered strictly to the guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria informed the decision to red-flag the vessels. The Director-General said the advisory was to further alert all agencies of government and private sector operators at the ports of expected arrival of the vessels and to demand the highest level of professionalism from all concerned officers in keeping with the Agency’s earlier advice on the handling of such vessels. He added that operators at the ports should ensure all safety measures and precautions in the best interest of the maritime community and the country were fully applied. NIMASA had earlier given an advisory through a marine notice on the operational procedures for the ingress and egress of vessels arriving from such countries. Officers of agencies concerned were requested to immediately report any situation or circumstance that might compromise best practices in handling the arrival and discharge of these vessels and others that might be advised in the future.
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MARITIME REVIEW VESSELS | CREWING | AFRICA TRAINING PEOPLE
TETA CEO to be honoured by World Maritime University SOUTH AFRICA: Maphefo Anno-Frempong, CEO of the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), will receive an Honorary Fellow Award at the World Maritime University in Sweden at the institution’s President Dinner where she is also expected to speak. “Members of the Board spoke warmly of [Anno-Frempong’s] support and contribution to the University and its global mission and there was complete consensus that [she is the] most deserving recipient of this honour”, said WMU President, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry. In reaction to the news, Anno-Frempong said, “It is delightful to be honoured in this manner. But of great importance is that our relationship with WMU is a strategic effort to support government’s determination to unlock ocean economy through Operation Phakisa initiative and has been embraced widely in the maritime industry.”
We not only supply Offshore Support Vessels, we also provide vessel crewing solutions to the Offshore Shipping Industry.
“The TETA Board deems it a great stride and accolade that CEO Anno-Frempong is being recognised by a global organisation. She is a good example of how South African leadership and that of the continent of Africa can make global impact”, remarked TETA Board Chairperson, Sam Zungu. TETA annually funds masters and PhD studies at WMU to qualifying South Africans in the maritime industry.
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SLOVAKIA
COLOMBIA
PORTS
Two tug boats commissioned NIGERIA: Two new tug boats were commissioned at a ceremony in Lagos last week. The vessels, the MT Musawa and MT Ikoro-Ekiti, are standard Damen 2810 model tugboats. These vessels are designed for optimum seakeeping behaviour, manoeuvrability and towing characteristics. The state-of-the-art design incorporates the latest hull and skeg designs and the most recent developments in fender, fairlead and winch design. Addressing Stakeholders at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi stated that Government is determined to stimulate greater operational efficiency at the nation’s sea ports adding that
the maritime sector is critical to the growth of the economy. According to Amaechi, “Government is poised at developing the sector because it occupies a fundamental place in the actualisation of the economy recovery growth plan (ERGP) of the Buhari administration”. He added that plans to link all nations ports to rail network in order to facilitate trade were being finalised. Contributing the Chairman Board of Directors of the authority Chief Akin Ricketts said the commissioning of the tug boats marked another landmark in the quest to provide world class services at the nation’s seaports. In her remarks, the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman told stakeholders that the management of the authority is committed to continuous upgrade of facilities and equipment so as to enhance greater service delivery amidst optimal performance.
5 JUNE 2020
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statistically the best weather month for marine operations offshore Durban.” The project included several local subcontractors and suppliers to ensure maximum local content, with engineering consultants ZAA EPNA engaged to design working platforms for the SBM, which were cast in Durban. Glass reinforced plastic members were extruded in Tshwane, and the steel elements were fabricated in Durban. In October of 2019, a Hazard And Operability (HAZOP) study workshop was held at the SAPREF Training Centre, bringing together key project stakeholders to ensure alignment and understanding of the complex nature of the project in the offshore environment; ensuring that safety standards were met to prevent harm to people, assets and the environment.
OIL & GAS
Anchor leg replacement project completed during lockdown SOUTH AFRICA: Following a 12-month preparation period, AMSOL completed an Anchor Leg Replacement Project at the Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) in Durban during May after the work was classified as an essential service supporting the transport, energy and oil refining industry.
SBM expertise to minimise costs and maximise existing resources, was drafted in 2018. Part of this plan included initially replacing the four northerly and southerly legs as these lie in the direction of the most environmentally induced stress in the mooring system.
Despite constraints, the project was able to commence after all personnel involved were tested for the virus and were thereafter subject to strict hygiene and safety protocols.
According to AMSOL’s Terminals, Harbour Towage & Subsea Executive Norman Jensen, the planning and preparation work the project team conducted was vital in ensuring the successful completion of the project
Previously undertaken diver inspections of the chains had indicated that a replacement of components of the mooring system was necessary. A replacement plan, which included the use of local
“The project methodology was developed in early 2019 and finalised at a joint operations workshop in July last year. May 2020 was identified as the best time to do the replacement project as it is
A few months later in March of 2020, a Methods Workshop was held and attended by the full project ensemble of SAPREF, contractors and sub-contractors, including representatives from Swire Pacific Offshore, EBH Shipyard and AMSOL. SAPREF then took on the responsibility for the procurement of the anchor and chain, assisted in system design by Shell technical authorities in The Hague. Shell requirements for Marine Assurance, Project Methodology Assurance, Diving Assurance and Dynamic Positioning Operational Assurance were successfully met thereafter. Activity Specific Operational Guidelines and Activity Marine Operational Guidelines were also developed and implemented on board the Project Vessel Pacific Dolphin.
LAW
The fleet, which included the chartered DP2 anchor handling vessel ‘Pacific Dolphin’ and AMSOL’s tug ‘Siyanda’, were mobilized and sailed for the SBM field on the 26th of April to begin the execution phase of the project. For the duration of the replacement works, the ‘Siyanda’ managed the hoses and supported the day shift SBM team whilst the ‘Pacific Dolphin’ accommodated the night shift dive team.
New Hydrographic Act gives legislative status to SA Navy’s hydrographic office SOUTH AFRICA: President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the new Hydrographic Act, which will finally give legislative status to the South African Navy’s Office of the Hydrographer which was established in 1954. The Act emanated from the need to recognise and grant legislative status to the Office of the Hydrographer and takes its cue from the Defence Review of 2014 which recommended that South Africa’s international hydrographic and nautical charting obligations, responsibilities and liabilities be formalised in law.
A priority for AMSOL’s Norman Jensen was completing the project safely and within the scheduled time frame to meet client expectations.
The Office ensures that hydrographic surveying is done in accordance with international specifications and will issue sailing directions, notices to mariners and nautical publications, in addition to other services. This is vital for the safe use and economic management of the marine resources along South Africa’s 3 000km coastline, which is at the centre of an important global shipping route.
“We were extremely fortunate that from 1st of May and for the next eight days we had very favourable weather and sea conditions. The old chains and anchors were recovered to the Pacific Dolphin and the new ones installed. The fourth anchor leg was safely secured in the SBM stopper on the 8th of May, and the project was safely completed to client satisfaction ahead of schedule.”
Hydrography is a branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as the prediction of their change over time, for the primary purpose of safety of navigation and in support of all other maritime activities, including economic development, security and defence, scientific research, and environmental protection. The new hydrographic vessel for the navy is currently under construction at Sandock Austral Shipyards (formerly Southern African Shipyards) in Durban.
6 JUNE 2020
SECURITY
Nigeria to prosecute pirates under new law NIGERIA: Pirates arrested by the Nigerian Navy will face prosecution under the new Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act (SPOMO) this week. They will be the first to be tried under the new act which was signed into law in June last year by President Muhammadu Buhari. Announcing the milestone at a press conference, Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh said the Agency was mounting a spirited campaign to root out piracy and armed robbery in the country’s waters. He added that a number of arrests have been made during the second quarter of this year and that the proactive approach adopted by NIMASA was yielding results. The Director-General who launched a three-point agenda focused on Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, and Shipping Development, with the acronym 3s, on assumption of office, stated, “Collapsing our agenda into security, safety and shipping development has given us a bird’s-eye view of the challenges inherent in our sector. Our strategy of nipping piracy in the bud is yielding positive fruit and that is why the Navy and the Police have arrested a total of 27 suspected pirates in the last two months.” He added, “Our findings have revealed that these criminals work with the cooperation of international allies and that is what makes them sophisticated. We have set out to tackle them through intelligence gathering and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Our recent arrests have shown the international community that we are not handling illegalities in our waters with kid gloves.” He expressed delight in the changing international opinion on safety and security in Nigerian waters, as seen in a recent congratulatory letter by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO} to Nigeria for its zeal to make the country’s waters safe and secure.
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7 JUNE 2020
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SECURITY
Maritime authority seeks power to seize and destroy boats GHANA: The Ghana Maritime Authority has instructed their legal department to approach the courts to obtain the necessary authority to lawfully seize and destroy wooden boats that are being used in the illegal fuel business. According to the Director General of the Authority, Mr Thomas Kofi Alonsi, who met with security chiefs at the Western Naval base, the illegal fuel trade along the coast in the Central and Takoradi enclaves has assumed alarming proportions. Disguised as fishing boats, these massive wooden vessels,with the storage capacity of tens of thousands of litres, propelled by twin-outboard motors, go to the high seas, mostly at night, where criminal oil tanker ships dock. Tons of fuel is pumped from the tankers into the Dendeys (wooden boats) which sail to different beaches and discharge their content into waiting road fuel tankers. The state loses large amounts of revenue and regulators lose levies as a result of these illegal activities of fuel smugglers. With no concern for pollution, the practice also sees large quantities of fuel, mostly diesel, spill on the beaches causing pollution and other environmental hazards. At the meeting between the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Head of Marine Police, DCOP Iddi Seidu, and the Western Naval Command, Commodore EA Kwafo, the Acting Flag Officer Commanding at the Western Naval Command, painted a bleak picture of risks posed by the Dendeys. “We are rearing a monster which will one day consume all of us,” he said tersely.
Commodore Kwafo said the owners of these boats, if not stopped, may become emboldened and may start using their boats to cart other illicit products such as weapons and drugs. He praised the GMA for instituting night patrols which have led to the arrest and seizure of some ships and Dendeys engaged in illegal bunkering. The Director General of GMA, Thomas Alonsi, who was accompanied by his two deputies, Daniel Appianin and Yaw Antwi Akosa, as well as the head of Legal and Board Secretary, Patience Ella Diaba, commended the Naval Command and the Marine Police for detailing armed men to provide security for the night patrols.
Port of Ngqura. PORTS
Port positions itself for wind turbine sector SOUTH AFRICA: Having provided a safe gateway, temporary storage and an accessible distribution point for wind turbine components imported from Spain since 2012, the Port of Nqgura in the Eastern Cape is seeking to cement its position as a partner for bringing green energy to the country.
He said it was fiercely urgent for the illegal fuel dealers to be reined in and put on a leash. “The building of these boats is itself in violation of the GMA’s regulations because by law, they are required to obtain a permit from us to build such vessels. My officers here, however, tell me no one has ever applied for any such permit”.
“The port is uniquely positioned to accommodate these special projects cargo or abnormal cargo, classified as General Cargo, at its “Finger Jetty.” It also has a dedicated laydown area of 80,000 m² to store these massive components. The port’s ideal location and accessibility to the national freeway, makes road-haulage of the components to its destination easier, compared to city-locked port. The surrounding infrastructure linking the port to the hinterland is also ideal – no restrictive bridges and the road can handle the abnormal cargo size and weight,” said Nozipho Booi, New Business Development Manager:
Mr Alonsi said beyond that, the boats are supposed to be registered and licensed to go to sea but none of the Dendeys is registered or licensed or even marked. “This is not right,” he said. The head of the Ghana Maritime Authority at Takoradi, Captain William E. Thompson, explained that destroying the boats would achieve a number of things – make it unprofitable to engage in fuel smuggling, protect fuel consumers from substandard products and generate revenue for the state.
“The almost 50,000 million tons of wind turbine cargo that was imported in the 2019/20 financial year, fit perfectly into the port’s revenue diversification strategy of avoiding over-reliance on a single revenue stream,” said Tandi Lebakeng, Port Manager of the Port of Ngqura. These components - consisting of wind turbine tower parts, blades, etc. - are destined for various windfarm projects throughout the country. They include the Golden Valley Wind Farm, the Nxuba Wind Farm between Bedford and Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape and the Roggeveld Wind Farm in the Karoo, spanning both the Northern Cape and Western Cape. The majority of wind farms are located across the Eastern Cape. The port has been a major player since the Department of Energy has approved these projects as part of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) process in 2012. Ngqura is the only port in southern Africa that can claim the status as a green port. A green port status means that it is a port that was subjected to environmental legislation during its entire development – from pre-construction, during its current operation and will be during its future development.
THE SAMSA FISHING FORTNIGHT
20 July - 3 August 2020
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8 JUNE 2020
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
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9 JUNE 2020
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GREEN MARINE
Concern for the oceans drives consumers to ‘vote with their forks’ for sustainable seafood South African consumers are leading the world in consumer activism to protect oceans according to a survey conducted across 23 countries. The largest survey of its kind, involving more than 20,000 people and conducted by independent insights consultancy, GlobeScan, reveals that 77 percent of South African seafood shoppers already made changes to the way they choose and buy seafood in the last year, in order to protect fish in our oceans. Consumer activism includes switching to brands or products that say they help protect the oceans or fish (37 percent), buying different seafood species (22 percent) and changing where they buy seafood (18 percent). Nearly nine out of ten South African seafood consumers are prepared to take further action in the future to safeguard our oceans. These actions are being fuelled by the worry held by 42 percent of South Africans that their favourite fish won’t be available to eat in 20 years’ time. For plenty more fish to be left in the sea, seafood consumers say buying fish and seafood from sustainable sources is vital. Among the preferred fish and seafood species, a third of South Africans indicated their love for hake. Now in its 16th year of MSC certification, South Africa’s hake trawl was the first hake fishery in the world, and the second groundfish fishery, to be certified against the MSC Fisheries Standard. Brands such as I&J, SeaHarvest and Woolworths’ homebrand sell a wide range of MSC certified Cape Hake. A number of long-term ecological and economic gains have been achieved by the hake fishery since its first certification in 2004. Optimised fishing practices have led to major environmental improvements including a 90 percent decline in
PORTS
Contract awards strengthen presence in Africa
Svitzer will provide Nacala Logistics in Mozambique with harbour towage, occasional pilot transfer and potential salvage work in the Port of Nacala, while the Egyptian extension will provide the continued availability of four tugs, two mooring boats and one pilot boat.
aged to do a quick turnaround with start-up within nine months of contract signing. “We see great potential and opportunities on the African continent and I am therefore very pleased that we succeeded in securing the contracts with Nacala Logistics and Egyptian LNG. We have had close collaboration and strong relations with both Nacala Logistics and Egyptian LNG and the contracts are of great strategic importance to us and will support our efforts and ambitions to further strengthen our presence and operations on the continent,” says Nicolai Vinther Friis, Managing Director of the AMEA region for Svitzer.
Last year, Svitzer also secured a 10-year contract, its second in Egypt, with Suez Canal Authority and man-
Svitzer is now operating in Egypt, Angola, Morocco, Liberia and Mozambique on the African continent.
AFRICA: Svitzer has been awarded a five-year contract by Nacala Logistics in Mozambique and signed an agreement to extend their contract with with Egyptian LNG assisting the land-based Idku LNG plant for a further five years. The awards will strengthen the company’s position and ambitions in Africa.
seabird mortalities associated with the fishery. A third of South African seafood lovers say they look for ecolabelled products when shopping, particularly 18-24 year olds and shoppers with children. Choosing products with the blue MSC label allows consumers to enjoy eating seafood in the knowledge that they have made a positive choice to support well-managed, sustainable fisheries. This World Oceans Day (8th June), the independent, not-for-profit Marine Stewardship Council is launching a new global campaign Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future. The aim is to encourage more consumers to switch to seafood that is certified to its rigorous ‘blue label’ standard. Rupert Howes, Chief Executive at the Marine Stewardship Council said: “With overfishing, climate change and pollution putting increasing pressure on our oceans, the choices we make as consumers have never been more important. This survey shows people really do care where their seafood comes from and how it is sourced.
PORTS
New records for car terminal SOUTH AFRICA: The Durban Car Terminal has broken its handling record for two years running, with exports and transhipments playing a key role in the latest run.
At a time when the seafood industry is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we can all play a part in supporting fishers committed to sustainable practises, helping to protect marine ecosystems and safeguarding our seafood supplies for future generations. Choose certified sustainable seafood by looking out for the blue MSC label.”
The terminal handled over 526,000 fully built units (FBUs) against a target of 487,000 FBUs during the 2019/2020 financial year – representing a seven percent increase year on year. There was an additional 13,000 units in transhipments while export targets were exceeded by about 10,000 units. Despite market conditions being driven largely by local and global demand in the automotive sector, it is critical that units are handled safely in order to maintain their integrity. Equally, efficiency means that units are delivered on time to the customer and ultimately the consumer. Terminal Manager Phumi Blose
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commended the team for achieving yet another record-breaking performance, two years running. “The latest performance is very encouraging, considering the challenging global economic conditions that have resulted in a recession. This is yet another illustration of what a co-ordinated approach to planning and execution can achieve,” she said. The terminal recently employed an insourcing strategy that required management to balance the challenge of continued operations while rolling out refresher training in health and safety for all employees. “Adhering to compliance and maintaining a safe working environment are everything in the protection of human capital and while we were challenged during the rollout of training – the outcome speaks for itself,” said Blose. She added that it was especially impressive how the terminal had turned the tide in terms of performance, having failed to achieve its target a mere three years ago to achieving back-to-back record performances.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA TRAINING MARINE ENGINEERING
Strategic partnership for training signed
New cargo ship on order for Mauritius
SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tug Training & Consultance (TTC) for exclusive training of tug masters, pilots and captains in southern African by certified trainers of TTC at SAMTRA’s facilities in Cape Town. As the only ISO 9001 certified tug training company in the world, TTC sets exceedingly high standards for the training facilities it uses and SAMTRA has met these standards in its use of a fully-equipped Maritime Simulator Centre. Not only offering real-world insights into the challenges faced in the maritime industry, it also equips students with the right tools for mitigating risk and overcoming odds through an indepth understanding of situations they may face. According to SAMTRA, joint pilot tug master training is increasingly being requested for both ports and offshore operations around the world to increase safety and efficiency. Effective and efficient teamwork between pilot and tug masters is one of the key training programmes of TTC that will now be conducted at SAMTRA. “We are very pleased that we can continue building asset value for our clients through integrated, innovative, education and training solutions for the maritime industry and offshore sector with this strategic partnership. We are confident that together we will provide a large number of well-trained profession-
The Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd (MSCL) has placed an order for a new 8,200 dwt multi-purpose cargo vessel with the Huanghai Shipyard in China and confirmed that the vessel will feature a fully integrated main propulsion system from Wärtsilä The vessel will provide essential transportation of goods and passengers between the Republic of Mauritius and the islands of Reunion, Agalega, and Rodriquez. Any disruption in the service and supplies to these islands can have serious consequences as they depend solely on MSCL for them. The new ship will replace an existing vessel sailing this route. “The customer has made clear that the emphasis must be on optimal efficiency, integration, support, and reliability, all of which are areas where Wärtsilä excels. We have worked closely with MSCL to ensure that our solutions are tailored to their precise requirements,” says Glenn Mattas, Regional Sales Director, Wärtsilä Marine. “We have operated with Wärtsilä main engines since 2001 and have experienced no major breakdowns or disruption to our normal and essential operations during all these years. We are, therefore, very satisfied and in our experience the engines have been extremely reliable, allowing us to enhance our business performance,” says Rishi Ronoowah, CEO, MSCL.
als to the South African maritime industry,” says David Wolfaardt, Academic Head of SAMTRA. “We are extremely happy with this strategic partnership. Unfortunately, we have to sign the MoU online due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we are delighted that we can start offering our training within days from now since we provide the theory part of the training online. Trainees can finish their education at a later stage with the simulator training in Cape Town, and get their official certificate. This partnership offers opportunities for further growth in the region while working with training facilities that match the quality we stand for. We are looking forward to starting our training and providing the students with our highly regarded TTC Certificate, ensuring more safety and efficiency to the maritime industry,” concludes Patrick Everts, General Manager of TTC.
The full scope of the integrated supply includes a Wärtsilä 32 main engine, a reduction gear, a controlled-pitch propeller, the Wärtsilä ProTouch remote control system, a transverse thruster, and three Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in spring 2021, and the ship is expected to commence commercial operations in 2022. PORTS
COVID-19 accelerates digital collaboration SOUTH AFRICA: The COVID-19 national lockdown has seen the Port of Durban harness the power of technology to bring together a range of stakeholders to address port issues via daily virtual meetings. Every day the port has held a Daily Virtual Stakeholder Operations meeting which is led by GM: Port of Durban, Moshe Motlohi and includes representatives of shipping lines, all terminal operators, the trucking fraternity and depots.
Angolan women join forces with international peers ANGOLA: Angola became the fifth African country to launch a local WISTA chapter during June as the global network of women in shipping, trading and logistics continues to expand on the continent.
The meeting enables every stakeholder to be kept up to speed with daily operational plans and to address bottlenecks.
“The founders of WISTA Angola have worked diligently to bring the WISTA network to the professional women of Angola,” said WISTA International President Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou. “The breadth of WISTA across the world, including our strong NWAs in Africa, opens new opportunities for WISTA Angola members. We’re excited to have them join the organization to give women a voice in the future of our industry.”
Motlohi says: “We use this opportunity to bring together all the brains to look at how we should interpret the government regulations as they are unfolding and how we can ensure that the port responds responsibly in a manner that firstly keeps the safety of our people as the prime objective and, secondly, to assist in keeping the wheels of the economy turning.
“WISTA is a successful platform for women entrepreneurs to which Angolans should actively benefit,” said Margareth Galho, president of WISTA Angola, and general manager and lawyer, Margareth Galho & Associates. Also leading the organisation are First Vice-President Joyce José, Manager at BP, and Vice-President Joana Andrade, Human Resources at Sonangol Shipping. Other board members include: Secretary for Communications Eldine Chilembo Glees, Technical Specialist, Global Youth Ambassador; Secretary for Events and Planning Marcelina Gomes, Arrest Specialist, Margareth Galho & Associates; and Treasurer /Secretary for Legal Issues Yuri Ferreira Mugongo, Legal Counsel, Sonangol Shipping. Additional founding members include: Arlete Fastudo, Marine Officer, Sonangol Shipping; Petra Silva, Finance Specialist, Sonangol Shipping; and Teresa Ana Cortez Nuno, Finance Specialist, Sonangol Shipping Maria Helena Samuel, Manager at SONATILDE.
“We have really found value in this because for the first time we have players who have never met now coming together to look at the entire port plan and identifying the bottlenecks as they shift from one node to another. The insight derived from this has been useful because
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we have been able to advise authorities around the impact of some of these regulations.” Participants in the 30-minute virtual call are: the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (SAASOA); South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF); Transnet divisions National Ports Authority, Port Terminals and Freight Rail; the South African Sugar Association, FPT, Bidvest Port Terminals, TATA Chemicals, Ocean Africa, SA Bulk Terminals, Grindrod and the Citrus Growers Association. CEO of SAASOA, Peter Besnard, said of Transnet’s effort: “It would not be proper from a SAASOA perspective to ignore the effort that has been applied during the many stressful weeks of disaster management, lockdown and now the adjustment to lower alert levels. Their enthusiasm at each meeting and on the quay has been unbelievable even though they too are risking contracting the dreaded COVID-19 virus to satisfy the needs of the many port users. To conclude, we thank you all for a truly magnificent effort to keep the wheels turning during extremely tough conditions.” Other multi-stakeholder collaboration continuing during the lockdown includes the Port of Durban Decongestion Task Team which sees various private and public sector representatives working to tackle traffic pressure and congestion in the Port of Durban’s Bayhead Precinct and surrounding road networks.
www.maritimereview.co.za
E M I T I R A M YOUTH IN uth month June is yo
Investing in the next generation of maritime talent Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) spent over R40 million in developing young people during the 2019/2020 financial year. Annually, over 400 young people across the country have the opportunity to participate in technical, non-technical and experiential development programmes within the company. Acting General Manager of Human Resources at TPT Brenda Magqwaka said, “Our apprenticeship and sector-specific programmes remain the most accommodating of all our initiatives, offering work-based learning under the supervision and guidance of a skilled, qualified artisan or operator”. She added that these two of nine youth-benefiting programmes accounted for about 52 percent of the company’s total spend and they were skills most critical for the company’s daily operations. Apart from engineers, artisans and technicians TPT also provides programmes for graduates participating in non-technical fields across Health and Wellness, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Information Communication Technologies, Human Resources and Corporate Communications departments within the business. “Our Young Professional in Training programme is aimed at providing young professionals with workplace experience to capacitate them with the skills necessary for employment with any organisation in the country,” said Magqwaka. Other in-house initiatives targeting youth include the TPT flagship AIM Programme launched last year with an intake of 60 students from various universities. The intention of this programme is to give youth residing in South Africa’s port cities access to the world of operations, maritime logistics, and the blue economy. During tertiary holidays, the students visit TPT operations nationwide – where they are exposed to business challenges and given an opportunity to develop solutions to enhance the business. “With innovation forming an integral part of the business agenda worldwide, partnerships we have in place with institutions such as Innovate Durban in KZN are becoming more and more necessary. Here we replicate the challenge-solution
based approach to young minds with fresh thinking,” said Magqwaka, adding that the contributions are always encouraging. Youth accounts for about 37 percent of the TPT division’s total workforce with 137 bursaries currently allocated to employed youth pursuing further studies in the current calendar year. This becomes important as the company’s robust succession planning needs to create a talent pool of leaders and 21 percent is currently attributed to young people, a number forecasted to increase in the next year.
Young professionals in the Port of Mossel Bay Taking advantage of the Young Professional in Training (YPT) programme within Transnet, Ayanda Chonco and Busiswe Mahlaba are gaining valuable relevant work experience that will lead to their development as competent professionals within Transnet. Ayanda Chonco, 27, was appointed as a YPT at the port in 2015 after obtaining his National Diploma in Accounting from the Mangosuthu University of Technology with the assistance of a Transnet bursary. Through hard work and determination, he managed to secure a permanent position as a Finance Officer. His responsibilities include managing the accounts of port lessees and trade debtors. “I enjoy inspiring other youth to join the maritime industry, the vast opportunities which you get exposed to within this industry will surely assist you in making your dreams a reality,” he said
The Engineer-in-Training programme (EIT) provides experiential learning for graduates with a degree in Engineering, to assist them in gaining sufficient experience to be deployed within Transnet. Talita Pillay, a 27-year-old Civil Engineer, gained new perspective of the maritime industry after she was awarded a Transnet bursary. “I was initially afraid of the ocean but after spending time in Mossel Bay since I was appointed at the port in 2015, I now love the industry. I would recommend other youth to pursue a career in maritime because it is challenging yet an awesome experience to learn about how we develop and maintain assets in the ocean,” she said. As a civil engineer, Pillay’s responsibilities include taking care of the port planning portfolio, capital projects, and port maintenance.
Busisiwe Mahlaba, also 27-yearsold, joined the YPT programme in 2016 after completing her B-Tech: Public Relations Management at the Durban University of Technology. Her role involves strategic communication, stakeholder & customer relations, corporate social investment, events management and brand reputation management. “Corporate Affairs within the maritime industry is multi-faceted and is very rewarding if you’re naturally creative and open minded. I have always strived for excellence, even from high school days, dedicating myself and loving what I do are the reasons why I am a Corporate Affairs Officer today,” she said.
Upon her appointment at the Port of Mossel Bay in 2016, 30-yearold Marine Engineering Officer Ziphozethu Khumalo (pictured
12 JUNE 2020
above) was one of the youngest black women employed at the port’s Marine Department. She holds a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Mangosuthu University of Technology and through a cadetship bursary from Transnet, she obtained a Class 3 Certificate of Competency. “I am responsible for maintaining and operating all machinery and equipment onboard all types of pilot or workboats and ensuring the safety and efficiency of engineering functions at the port,” said Khumalo. “Perseverance and dedication are what you need in order to pursue a career in this industry. With them, you can conquer any challenge you might come across.” While these young professionals are just a few of the numerous success stories, Port of Mossel Bay HR Manager, Sikhulule Malghas said TNPA is committed to developing many more youth. “As an agency of the state, TNPA has a responsibility to provide proper skills development
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
performed by each member and that they are eligible to re-test each year,” she said. “I also make sure all the paperwork is in order for new trainees to become fully fledged lifeguards.”
“One of the things I love about the NSRI is how inclusive it is and how it caters to all ages,” said 20-year old Amy Forster who is a crew member at NSRI Station 3 in Table Bay. “There are aspects that everyone can get involved in, whether you love the water and getting that adrenaline rush, or if you prefer to feel a bit more grounded on a bigger boat.
Burger is also a class 4 coxswain, which allows her to helm class 4 boats - rescue vessels with a single motor and no navigational lights – during a rescue. While she was a class 3 trainee coxswain, she was allowed to commandeer vessels up to nine metres in length.
Forster, who has plans on being a Grade 3 teacher, is a firm believer that the youth of South Africa should be active within their communities, “which is why I love being a volunteer and helping others”.
programmes, develop technical skills, train artisans and develop engineers to ensure the sustainability of its ports and to stimulate growth of the marine economy,” she said. “The economy is tough, and unemployment is a real concern, and even more so now with Covid-19 and the negative impact on our economy. There are jobs in the maritime industry but there are also significant skills gaps, through such training programmes, we are committed to bridging that gap.”
NSRI harbours opportunities for youth to shine The National Sea Rescue Institute offers a perfect recipe for youths keen to partner their love of the ocean with a desire to help people. Volunteers around the country are trained to engage responsibly with the ocean and remain active in their communities.
She added: “One of my favourite things is being able to spend as much time as I do in the ocean, but truly, I love being part of a team helping others in need.”
“As young South Africans, we are the future and have the opportunity to be the change,” she said. “I hope to inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and to help others and that is why I love being a volunteer for the NSRI.”
Shawn Thomson from Mossel Bay is a volunteer at the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Station 15 on the Cape south coast, where he a trainee class 4 coxswain.
She said her main focus is on becoming a rescue swimmer and a class three coxswain, which would allow her to be at the helm of a nine-metre or smaller size vessel.
He has officially been at the NSRI station as a member for three years but unofficially he is into double figures of time spent in and around the base. All thanks to his father, Michael Thomson.
She was first introduced to the NSRI in 2016, aged 16. “At the time, I was looking for something that would combine my love for the ocean with my desire to help people.
“I learnt about the NSRI through my father who has been at our rescue base for 10 years now,” Thomson said. “My brother, Tristin Thomson, 21, and I were dragged with my father to all the different events and training and came to develop a passion for the sea and the NSRI. So, when my brother and I turned the correct age we joined and have never looked back.”
Final year BSc (Biology) student at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Margaretha Burger who became a volunteer in 2015, has set her sights on completing a PhD in biological oceanography – so what better place to serve than on the frontlines with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Burger is the lifeguard unit captain at NSRI Station 37 in Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.
“My day job includes training people on how to dive or on boating, while being ever ready to respond to an emergency call-out at any time if my crew is on duty”.
“I make sure all volunteer duties are
Thomson is training to be a class 4
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ABOVE LEFT: Margaretha Burger is the lifeguard unit captain at NSRI Station 37 in Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape. ABOVE RIGHT: 20-year old Amy Forster who is a crew member at NSRI Station 3 in Table Bay. FAR LEFT: Talita Pillay, a 27-yearold Civil Engineer, gained new perspective of the maritime industry after she was awarded a Transnet bursary.
coxswain, which means he is working towards eventually becoming qualified to be in sole command of the station’s surf rescue boat, “which as you can imagine comes with a few extra responsibilities”. Thomson is also part of the Mossel Bay station’s junior management programme, which seeks to help the younger crew develop their leadership and managements skills. “I love seeing the people after entering the water for the first time and taking their first breath under water. It changes a person,” he said. “Then the feeling of floating effortless and weightless in the water. It feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.” Thomson admits his love for the NSRI organisation means he would love to one day perhaps have a job as a training officer at the head office. “I have developed such a passion for this organisation, I would love to help it develop further and be part of its growth and impact in helping people,” he added. “I love training people and I have a passion for the ocean so I don’t think I can find a better combination.”
www.maritimereview.co.za
SECURITY
Lifestyle audits underway at Transnet SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet SOC Ltd has instituted a process of lifestyle audits for its employees with the intention of improving transparency and preventing conflicts of interest.
PORTS
of collective work experience.
Port of Cape Town comes under fire from stakeholders
Both the container and multi-purpose terminals at the port have been operating at a reduced capacity since the introduction of the lockdown regulations. However, with the easing of the lockdown, port activities have increased.
SOUTH AFRICA: Battling the impact of COVID-19, the Port of Cape Town has passed on a number of costly to importers and exporters as shipping lines cancel calls and divert to other ports or implement surcharges.
“In setting the tone and leading by example, senior management, which includes executive management (Level A - C), are the first category of employees to undergo the initial phase of the lifestyle audit,” Transnet said recently.
As vessels lined up in the bay during June, MEC of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, David Maynier, called on Minister Pravin Gordhan to intervene in the matter. “We are very concerned about the operational issues currently being experienced at the Port of Cape Town. With the announcement that three shipping lines are cancelling calls to Cape Town or implementing a Cape Town congestion surcharge from July, and that large volumes of citrus exports are being redirected to Eastern Cape ports to ensure to continuity in supply to markets, it is clear that urgency and resources are needed if we are to resolve the current operational issues at the Port of Cape Town,” he said in a statement.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive thus far, with over 90 percent of employees submitting themselves to the process. This attests to the fact that the majority of us support and treasure an environment where the primary motive of all employees is to act in the interests of Transnet and South Africa,” Transnet said. Employees are required to submit forms declaring - among others - their assets, credit history as well as those of their immediate family member/s, and a declaration of their interests. The audits will be rolled out over time, prioritising functions such as procurement, information technology (IT) and security. They will be done in line with directives issued by government on security checks for employees in government departments and state-owned entities. This process will allow Transnet to assess whether an employee’s lifestyle is in line with their known income. “The process aims to ensure that all necessary declarations and recusals are in place when related entities do business with Transnet. The process is independent, and confidentiality is assured.
By the end of the month, Transnet had introduced a number of solutions to deal with operational backlogs at the port that included the seconding of 20 employees from the Durban Container Terminal.
“Engagement on the information will be undertaken between the individual and the service provider, to afford comfort of protection of privacy of information. The service provider is subject to strict confidentiality and indemnity undertakings,” Transnet said. In instances where discrepancies are identified, individuals will be given an opportunity to provide additional information or clarification before any further action is taken.
The employees from DCT included a combination of driver articulated vehicles (DAVs), rubber tyre gantry (RTG) cranes and ship-to-shore (STS) cranes drivers with over 100 years
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The container terminal was operating at 60 percent while the multi-purpose terminal at a 75 percent capacity by the end of June. The portside, which is responsible for marine operations, is only operating at a 60 percent human resource capacity, but able to offer full marine services. Through its operating divisions Port Terminals and the National Ports Authority - Transnet has introduced bi-weekly virtual meetings with all the port multi-stakeholders, including private operators and customers, to find a seamless way to deal with the port backlogs resulting from the country’s lockdown regulations and worsened by COVID-19’s impact on workers. Acting Chief Operations Officer at Transnet Port Terminals, Velile Dube, said, “Despite all the challenges, we have been able to reduce the number of vessels waiting at anchorage from 11 vessels to five vessels. We have managed to increase the number of gangs from four to five and now are receiving additional staff to help with shifts.” The terminal is also practising strict physical distancing and sanitising protocols, with additional ablution facilities added to ensure that there is no sharing of these between shifts.
MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA BRIEFS
New straddle carriers ordered for ports SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet Port Terminals has confirmed an order with ZPMC South Africa subsidiary for 22 + 66 straddle carriers across South African ports. The first batch of 22 straddle carriers are scheduled to be delivered before the end of this year and will improve the Chinese company’s market share in the country.
First women pilot for Mozambique MOZAMBIQUE: Ana Goetsa, aged 33, is the first woman to become a port and harbour pilot in Mozambique as she has been appointed in the Port of Maputo. “Whenever I climb into a ship I carry a double responsibility. To bring the ship to the port safely and do it always with more competence for being a woman,” she told the Maputo Port Development Company team.
Dredging capacity boosted CAMEROON: The IHC company is preparing to deliver a second dredger to the Autonomous Port of
Douala following the delivery of a stationary suction dredger in 2019.
Petroleum Company.
Another appointee for Ports Regulator board
The second dredger, a IHC Easydredge® trailing suction hopper dredger with a 3,000m3 hopper capacity will be used to dredge the access channel to the port of Douala-Bonabéri.
SOUTH AFRICA: Cabinet has appointed another non-executive to the board of directors of the Ports Regulator of South Africa.
South Africa takes steps towards single national petroleum company SOUTH AFRICA: Cabinet was briefed this week on the ongoing work to rationalise all oil and gas subsidiaries of the state-owned diversified energy company, Central Energy Fund to create one single National Petroleum Company.
Transnet chief visits bulk port
Masks donated to fishing communities
SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet Group Chief Executive, Portia Derby visited the Port of Richards Bay to engage with key stakeholders in the area - including key customers and government - on prospects to partner for the growth and development of the city’s economy.
Fishing opens up during lockdown SOUTH AFIRCA: Minister Barbara Creecy announced a relaxation on the fishing sector as the country entered into Level 3 of the national lockdown allowing recreational
Cabinet has approved the proposed appointment of a professional restructuring company that specialises in mergers to investigate the most viable model for this single National
Fishers must ensure that they have a valid permit. All regulations relating to social distancing, health protocols, movement and the prohibition of groups and gatherings apply.
Sekgothadi Kabelo is currently a partner at KWA Attorneys.
SOUTH AFRICA: A donation of 4800 masks has been handed over to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ (DEFF) Small-Scale Fisheries Directorate by the South African Fisheries Development Fund to protect small-scale and interim relief fishers in the Western and Northern Cape fishing communities from the Covid-19 pandemic. The handover took place at DEFF’s offices in Cape Town at the beginning of June.
The rationalisation will result in PetroSA, Strategic Fuel Fund and iGas merging to create a single National Petroleum Company. This gives effect to the announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020, to repurpose and rationalise a number of state-owned enterprises to support growth and development.
fishing to commence with the exception of charter fishing.
PRODUCTS
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The GCE received briefings from employees in the operating divisions, to better understand the operational challenges, with the view to ensuring operations are at an optimal level as required by our customers, and the economy. “There are fantastic opportunities available here which we can together explore, including working with the Richards Bay IDZ to help them deliver on their investment pipeline. This also provide us with an opportunity to look at social infrastructure investments, to benefit local communities,” Derby concluded.