Yesterday’s election yielded the anticipated results in Category A and B of the International Maritime Organisation’s Council, while a hotly contested Category C left one of the African candidates disappointed with the results.

ANGOLA: Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, confirmed the nation’s decision to reject the proposed production quota of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for 2024.

GULF OF ADEN: A skiff and its crew were taken into custody following a united response to reports of a seizure of an oil tanker in international waters this week.

NIGERIA: Equinor and Chappal Energies have entered into an agreement for the sale of Equinor Nigeria Energy Company (ENEC), which holds a 53.85% ownership in oil and gas lease OML 128, including the unitised 20.21% stake in the country’s largest deep-water field, Agbami, operated by Chevron.

SOUTH AFRICA: The imminent closure of the ArcelorMittal Newcastle ‘long’ steel products operation in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, is likely to cause considerable turbulence within the local steel sector, with potential projected ‘knock-on’ effects including product shortages, quality issues and even price increases, according to Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Chief Executive Officer, Amanuel Gebremeskel.

LONDON: Speaking at the late session on day two of the 33rd Regular Session of the International Maritime Organisation Assembly currently being held in London, High Commissioner of South Africa In London, Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, delivered the country’s general statement in which he highlighted South Africa’s active participation as an IMO Member State.

Just over 43% of the International Maritime Organisation’s monies owed by Member States emanates from African countries including nine of which have arrears dating back to previous years that will impact on their eligibility to vote in the upcoming election.  

With 35 client ships headed for Algoa Bay for a planned bunker stem in the middle of September that had additional requirements for fresh provisions, crew changes, essential spare parts and many other normal ship servicing activities – Offshore Maritime Services (OMS) as well as many other companies were blindsided by the sudden and immediate termination of the offshore bunker operations in the Bay. Founder and General Manager of OMS, Godfrey Needham reflects on the impact of this decision and how it has prompted the closure of their Port Elizabeth branch.