SOUTH AFRICA: The National Department of Transport (NDoT) has issued the long-awaited call for the provision of an emergency towing vessel (ETV) service that will operate on a 24/7 basis to ensure emergency response around the South African coastline and within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

EGYPT: After approving the establishment of a Regional Presence Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region last year, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has concluded its search for suitable premises and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the country.

SOUTH AFRICA: The addition of two new locally built aluminium boats in Gqeberha will boost the continued growth of the maritime economy in the Eastern Cape by catering to the passing ships and vessels at anchor for bunkers in Algoa Bay.

KENYA: Ocean climate and the blue economy are on the agenda at the Africa Climate Summit currently being held in Kenya where a panel discussion highlighted the critical challenges facing marine ecosystems and emphasised the urgent need for action.

SOUTH AFRICA: The controversy surrounding the docking of the Lady R and its cargo came to head with the finalisation of an investigation into the matter which confirmed that sensitive cargo was offloaded “under cover of darkness” so that it could be packaged into containers to mitigate any security risks.

SOUTH AFRICA: Following last week’s Cabinet meeting announcing the appointment of Non-Executive Directors to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Board for a period of three years, there is general speculation that this could mean that the process to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer for the authority could be back to square one.

SOUTH AFRICA: A conference and awards dinner dedicated to emphasising the contribution of women within the South African maritime sector provided a fitting close to Women’s month in the country by celebrating significant achievements and discussing experiences.

MOROCCO: The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) wrapped up participation in a bilateral exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy, this past weekend.