Maritime research will sustain Africa's blue economy

Africa seeks maritime experts

Over the last two months African organisations and institutions have called on maritime experts to assist in developing research and knowledge across several sectors including fisheries, shipbuilding, environmental management, and port infrastructure needs. These tenders were issued for studies in Kenya, South Africa, Somalia, Mauritius and Egypt.

Port Infrastructure

Both South Africa and Somalia called for consultants to undertake studies for port development or infrastructure.

In South Africa Transnet National Ports Authority has sought input on port plans and the evaluation of port assets, while the Industrial Development Corporation’s call for a study on small harbour development closed at the beginning of this month.

In Somalia – the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) issued a call to undertake a feasibility study for the development of a new fisheries port which closed last week.

Ship and boat building and repair

Studies in the marine engineering sector are not that common, but over the last two months two interesting tenders were published. One aims to study the establishment of a shipyard in Kenya while a second seeks to analysis the boat market for South Africa.

Environmental concerns

It is not surprising to see studies relating to environmental concerns top the list with input sought on coastal and marine ecosystems and environmental planning. At the end of February, an international organisation released call for consultants to undertake a Socio-Economic Study on Green Shipping in South Africa which should produce interesting findings.

Another interesting study that will get underway will be undertaken in Mauritius to study the impact of plastic pellet pollution on the logistics chain. Given the international attention on nurdles and their ability to spread over large distances – this should also prove to be an interesting read once completed.

Fisheries

As an important maritime sector, research and studies within the fisheries sectors is also always high on the agenda amongst both government departments as well as international bodies. Assessments of fisheries policy is often called for and over the last two months, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has issued a RFQ for a review of their policies.

Seaweed is becoming an important topic globally as more emphasis is placed on exploiting non-traditional marine resources. In February the Food and Agriculture Organisation called for experts to undertake a Seaweed Pilot Study for Somalia.

As the momentum to capitalise on the blue economy continues to grow in Africa, we are likely to see additional calls for maritime experts across the sectors to shed light on ensuring a growing, but sustainable maritime economic contribution.

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