KENYA: Despite some mixed reviews with social media posts highlighting incidents of disorganisation at this week’s Africa Forward Summit hosted jointly by France and Kenya – the final declaration from the event includes substantive recognition of the continued importance of the blue economy to foster economic growth and sustainability on the continent.

World’s seafarers’ and dockers’ unions demand immediate end to seafarer humanitarian crisis - call for governments to confront the Flag of Convenience system that enables exploitation and fails to protect seafarers.

ANGOLA: Angola officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Benguela Current Convention during the 7^th BCC Ministerial Conference in Luanda Province this week.

SOUTH AFRICA: Signing their fourth terminal operator agreement this year, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) inked a 20-year contract for the redevelopment and operation of a fresh produce terminal at the Port of Durban’s Point Precinct today.

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.