SOUTH AFRICA: Officiating over South Africa’s first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) this week at the Port of Durban, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the need to “fix Transnet’s rail and port operations”.

SOUTH AFRICA: Arriving to witness the handover of the SA Agulhas to her new owners on Tuesday, all guests were instantly greeted by a bold tribute to Ian Calvert on the side of the vessel’s superstructure.

SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority’s inefficiencies were once again highlighted yesterday when the Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) effectively slashed port tariffs.

Despite the global push for near-instant transition to renewables, the immediate benefits for us (and many African nations) still predominantly lie in oil and gas – Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia discusses the need to encourage investment in oil and gas on the continent.

This week marks the official handing over of the SA Agulhas to new owners, having served as South Africa’s dedicated training vessel for almost 12 years. Editor, Colleen Jacka, spoke to both Sobantu Tilayi of SAMSA and Captain Stefan Bülow of J*S Maritime Partners about the sale and was pleased to discover that the plans for the vessel will continue to provide and even expand the training opportunities for aspirant South African seafarers.

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) hosted a workshop aimed at equipping school teachers with the resources to improve the quality of maritime education at high school level in the country in Gqeberha last week.

SOMALIA: The Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA paid a three-day visit to Somalia last week with the aim of improving maritime security in the region.

SOUTH AFRICA: International entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, businesses and leaders that are working towards creating a positive impact on our oceans will converge in Cape Town next month for the 2024 edition of Ocean Innovation Africa.