As the majority of all global tonnage destined to be scrapped lands on the three beaches in South Asia, it’s worth noting that African shipowners and African flagged ships contribute only a small percentage to overall picture.

With ambitions for net-zero shipping by 2050, developing countries may be perceived to be on the back foot in terms of the ability and funding to design national strategies for maritime decarbonisation, but the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is inviting qualifying nations to nominate professionals to join a year-long training programme to improve capacity and skills.

SOUTH AFRICA: The opportunity to comment on the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill will close on 26 February.

SOUTH AFRICA: The long-anticipated update on the issuance of permissions to conduct offshore bunkering in Algoa Bay was finally provided yesterday as the South African Maritime Safety Authority confirmed that they would publish a Marine Notice in this regard shortly.

SOUTH AFRICA: Industry experts believe that Africa has the opportunity to grow its blue economy by leapfrogging more developed regions through attractive investment opportunities.

SOUTH AFRICA: FFS Tank Terminal (Pty) Ltd has been awarded a 25-year concession to operate a liquid bulk terminal specialising in bunker fuels at the Port of Richards Bay.

SOUTH AFRICA: Hapag-Lloyd has announced an upgrade to service the country’s citrus exporters starting at the end of May this year and running through September.

SOUTH AFRICA: Officiating over South Africa’s first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) this week at the Port of Durban, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the need to “fix Transnet’s rail and port operations”.