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.

SOUTH AFRICA: Guests who were welcomed onboard the French oceanographic research vessel, the Marion Dufresne, in the Port of Cape Town yesterday left with a better understanding of how the ongoing partnership between France and South Africa is advancing ocean science and research.

“The implication for the sector is straightforward. We do not need more claims about what autonomy might one day achieve in ideal conditions. We need a clearer understanding of what sustained operations are already teaching us now. In maritime robotics, proof is not a single successful mission. It is what can be kept running on day 10, day 100 and beyond,” writes Joe Robinson, President of Solutions, Ocean Infinity as he shares lessons learned in the field.

SOUTH AFRICA: Four of South Africa’s prominent boatbuilders are due to share the stage later this year to discuss the realities of manufacturing world-class vessels, competing in global markets and shaping the future of boatbuilding in the country.

SOUTH AFRICA: In a return to previously demonstrated capacity, Durban’s historic Prince Edward Graving Dock will host a ten-day project that includes essential maintenance, repairs and statutory inspections of a crude oil tanker.

Ocean Doctor, a maritime healthcare solutions provider, has launched an integrated telemedicine system built specifically for the maritime and fishing industry, giving vessel owners and crews round-the-clock access to qualified medical doctors regardless of how far they are from shore.