SEYCHELLES: Launched as part of the Seychelles Ports Authority’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, the pilot launch vessel, Payanke joined her sister vessel at the SPA Port during an official inauguration attended by the Minister of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Veronique Laporte last week.

TANZANIA: Recognising the importance of investment in the shipbuilding sector in the Mwanza Region, the Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC) hosted a meeting last week to discuss strategies to promote the construction of ships and other marine vessels in the country.

SEYCHELLES: The PS Topaz made her final descent this weekend into the waters she protected over the last two decades to take up her new purpose as an artificial reef and underwater diving site – continuing to contribute to Seychelles by creating a unique marine attraction for both local and international visitors.

SOUTH AFRICA: Originally scheduled to depart last month, the SA Agulhas II is still awaiting the availability of polar diesel and will only undertake the relief voyage to Marion Island once diesel, which arrived at the beginning of May, has been blended as required for polar operations.

SENEGAL: Damen Shipyards Group and the Senegalese Government have formed a joint venture (JV) to operate Damen Shiprepair Dakar on the West African coast. The Senegalese Government is represented by the Société des Infrastructures de Réparation Navale (SIRN). Together, they will offer a comprehensive range of ship repair and maintenance services.

SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a call for submissions to apply for the position of Deputy Director-General: Fisheries Management.

SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at small-scale fisheries engagements this week, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp confirmed that the West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) nearshore fishing season would remain open for the month of May.

EGYPT: Delivered as part of a series of 12 high seas fishing vessels, the Rezk 2 and Rezk 3 were launched this week in Port Said to further an ongoing strategy that will modernise the Egyptian fishing vessel fleet.