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.

SEYCHELLES: Fisheries and the blue economy emerged as the most substantive area of near-term cooperation between Seychelles and Ghana as the two countries move to discuss the establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC).

SOUTH AFRICA: Built to fulfil the ambitions of a small group of South African yachtsmen 60 years ago who had set their sights on competing in the Observer Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR), the Voortrekker’s fate is now in the hands of those keen to preserve a slice of the country’s yachting legacy.

The building blocks for South Africa’s Liquified Natural Gas imports are falling into place as key contractual agreements become finalised and import terminals across the country’s port systems are identified for development. Paul Eardley-Taylor, Gas Sector Lead, Standard Bank Group walks us through the journey to power resilience.