SOUTH AFRICA: An accident involving an off port limits launch in Algoa Bay last week clearly highlights the need for crew to remain focused in order to prevent fatalities during incidents at sea - and the crew on board the service barge, Hercules, should be commended for their reactions during a particularly dangerous situation.

NIGERIA: A converted barge was recently delivered to Nigeria to commence work on the Lagos Lagoon after almost two years of building at Concordia Damen.

SOUTH AFRICA: Ambitions to gazette Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes for the transport sector by March next year mean that the maritime industry should anticipate the introduction of sub-sector codes without any transition phase.

SOUTH AFRICA: The first four hydraulic tension mooring units will arrive in October this year for use in the Ports of Cape Town and Ngqura with the remaining 48 units due to be delivered by the end of 2025.

SOUTH AFRICA: The National Department of Transport (NDoT) has issued the long-awaited call for the provision of an emergency towing vessel (ETV) service that will operate on a 24/7 basis to ensure emergency response around the South African coastline and within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

EGYPT: After approving the establishment of a Regional Presence Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region last year, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has concluded its search for suitable premises and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the country.

SOUTH AFRICA: The addition of two new locally built aluminium boats in Gqeberha will boost the continued growth of the maritime economy in the Eastern Cape by catering to the passing ships and vessels at anchor for bunkers in Algoa Bay.

KENYA: Ocean climate and the blue economy are on the agenda at the Africa Climate Summit currently being held in Kenya where a panel discussion highlighted the critical challenges facing marine ecosystems and emphasised the urgent need for action.