SOUTH AFRICA: The new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp was sworn in today in Pretoria to replace Dr Dion George who has been at the forefront of some controversial decisions impacting the shipping as well as fishing sectors.

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) participated in the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global Conference, working to secure vital sea time opportunities for Ghana’s talented, but unemployed, maritime graduates.

SOUTH AFRICA: The new Cruise Recreation Facility in the Port of Mossel Bay officially welcomed passengers onboard the SH Diana with an opening ceremony today.

MOZAMBIQUE: The first phase of a $80 million expansion programme, which will increase the terminal’s capacity from 8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 12 mtpa and expand the site from 40,800 m² to 157,760 m² kicked off this week at Grindrod’s Matola Dry-Bulk Terminal.

SEYCHELLES: Maritime and port security officials participated in a National Drills and Exercises Workshop last week to strengthen national preparedness and coordination to respond effectively to potential security threats at sea.

SOUTH AFRICA: The need for collaboration, harmonisation and alignment across Africa’s maritime space once again come under the spotlight throughout last week’s Maritime Forward Africa Conference in Cape Town organised by the Maritime Business Chamber (MBC).

A converted FPSO left Dubai this weekend to take up position at Nigeria’s Okwok field as a key asset to support production in the offshore block. Designed to operate continuously for up to 15 years without drydocking, the vessel is expected to begin production in in the first quarter of next year.

GHANA: A new partnership between Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is aiming to see the establishment of a National Hydrographic Office (NHO).