SOUTH AFRICA: After a number of significant events in 2023 that negatively impacted the operations and businesses of local Off Port Limits (OPL) operators, discussions highlighted the need for improved cooperation within the sector and the establishment of an industry association that could advocate on behalf of its members.

SOUTH AFRICA: TotalEnergies is set to add weight to its exploration activities in southern Africa through an agreement to acquire participating interests in Block 3B/4B, offshore South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA: Despite challenges that include ongoing loadshedding, cost inflation and a global oversupply of prawns, the Sea Harvest Group is buoyed by the finalisation of long term fishing rights in the country and as announced a six percent increase in revenue for the year ending 31 December 2023.

SOUTH AFRICA: The blessing of the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV) in Cape Town on Friday last week follows the delivery of the SAS King Sekhukhune I in May 2022 and the commissioning of the SAS King Shaka Zulu in October last year.

SOUTH AFRICA: The search for a seafarer who reportedly fell overboard a container vessel, MV Santa Cruz, along the South African coastline over the weekend has been called off and the vessel, which is now bound for the Port of Cape Town where officials from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will undertake further investigation.

SOUTH AFRICA: The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has described the decisions by the South African Navy to detonate munitions close to the Boulders Beach penguin colony as short-sighted, irresponsible, and negligent.

SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that it will acquire seven tugboats at a cost of R1 billion as part of a fleet renewal programme aimed at improving marine operations in the ports of Durban and East London.

MOZAMBIQUE: The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has signed an addendum to their concession that will extend its contract in the port from 2033 to 2058.