SOUTH AFRICA: For the first time in history the F-A Platform, located approximately 98km offshore Mossel Bay, is completely unmanned after all 53 personnel on board were evacuated on April 8 following a total power failure.

SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has announced African Marine Solutions Group (AMSOL) as the successful bidder to manage the polar supply and research vessel SA Agulhas II and the environmental research vessel Algoa, bringing to a close a procurement process that has stretched over two and a half years and survived three cancellations and a legal challenge.

Responding to rising number of ships flying false flags with nearly 40 countries reporting cases of fraudulent use by criminal groups, the International Maritime Organisation’s Legal Committee this week took steps to improve transparency and due diligence in ship registration.

TANZANIA: Stakeholders in the Mwanza, Kigoma and Kagera regions met yesterday to discuss the impact of the increase in fuel prices and engage on appropriate measures to protect the interests of the public as well as the sustainability of the water transportation services.

MAURITANIA: As interest in developing national ambitions within the green hydrogen market intensifies, Mauritania has become the latest African country to commission a consultancy to undertake a feasibility study to map the country’s potential to position itself as a hub for green hydrogen production.

GHANA: Ghana has taken a historic step toward safeguarding its marine environment with the official declaration of the Greater Cape Three Points Area as the country’s first-ever Marine Protected Area (MPA).

GHANA: After announcing a strategic reset in January, the Ghana Maritime Authority has shown commitment to its new National Seafarer Development and Promotion Policy (NSDPP) during the first quarter of 2026 to pursue international partnerships, policy reform and targeted youth outreach to capitalise on a mounting global shortage of maritime labour.

The international convention governing liability and compensation for damage caused by hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) carried by sea is edging towards entry into force after a milestone reached at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London this month means the world's shipping nations may finally be on a fixed timeline to implementing one of the most significant gaps in the global maritime compensation framework.