SOUTH AFRICA: The Off Port Limits Association South Africa (OPLASA) is seeking to have the sector included in a diesel refund system that is currently enjoyed by those operating fishing vessels, research vessels, patrol vessels and others in local waters.

It’s not easy for a new event to present itself and deliver real value to the maritime industry, but that’s exactly what the African Boating Conference (ABC) achieved in 2025. Introducing the conference into an already crowded calendar, Veda Pretorious was laser focused on what she wanted to achieve. It was not about hosting an event for the sake of hosting an event – it was about initiating a movement to take advantage of the country’s boat building strength while simultaneously positioning the region as a superyacht destination.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Following the conclusion of a technical inspection, a newly-built customised Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) is due to be transported to the Democratic Republic of the Congo where it will be deployed in a mining operation.

SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking in the Eastern Cape yesterday, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, admitted that the country is failing to capitalise on Africa's position as the continent with the highest growth prospects in global aquaculture.

TANZANIA: Visiting the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) Headquarters in Dar es Salaam last week, Anna Karlqvist, Assistant to the Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and ERASMUS Coordinator at World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö engaged with TASAC leadership on potential areas of cooperation.  

SOUTH AFRICA: A virtual meeting convened last week to position the long-awaited Oceans Economy Master Plan (OEMP) for acceptance by the maritime industry was disrupted when representatives of the small-scale fishing sector and coastal communities used the opportunity to voice their dissatisfaction with the process.

SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified investors to develop two prime logistics sites at Ambrose Park in the Port of Durban.

SOUTH AFRICA: The fishing industry has until 7 August to submit comments on a document outlining the Department of Transport’s (DoT) plan to produce a Fishing Vessel Safety Strategy.