After failing to regain a seat on the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Council at the end of 2023, Nigeria and South Africa have indicated their intention to stand for election at the end of this year and officials from both countries are already publicly expressing the validity of their inclusion.

SOUTH AFRICA:  Two of Transnet National Ports Authority’s tugboats will go on auction later this month at a starting bid of R2,5 million each.

CONGO: AD Ports Group and the CMA CGM Group have formed a joint venture to develop, manage, and operate New East Mole multipurpose terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

SOUTH AFRICA: Discoveries of oil on the main beaches of Strandfontein on the West Coast last week have been confirmed by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to have emanated from the wreck of the Ultra Galaxy which is currently being removed by a Chinese contractor in the area.

ANGOLA: AD Ports Group officially began its long-term management and development of Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal with local partners in Angola yesterday.

UGANDA: Aimed at economic progress and improving trade logistics, the RORO vessel, the MV Mpungu was commissioned in Uganda marking a significant step towards providing a more sustainable logistics solution for Lake Victoria.

SOUTH AFRICA: Having been contracted to undertake the wreck removal of the Ultra Galaxy off the coast near Lutzville, Shanghai Salvage Co mobilised their grab dredger to the Port of Cape Town in December last year and has to date removed over 3,748 tons of material from the seabed and wreckage.

SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is calling for public comment on draft regulations relating to the entry of foreign fishing vessels into South African waters which aim to provide clarity on procedures applicable to foreign fishing vessels wishing to transit local waters or enter the country’s ports.