In an award ceremony dominated by European yacht builders, South African Southern Wind Shipyard beat YYachts of Germany and Aegean Yacht of Turkey to claim the overall title of Best Sailing Yacht in the 24 to 40 m category.

The longer transit routes adopted by ships wanting to avoid the Red Sea and who opt to sail around Africa are believed to be enhancing crew morale and improving life at sea. This unexpected consequence is highlighted in the latest Seafarer Happiness Index released by the Mission to Seafarers.

SOUTH AFRICA: Over the last few months, Transnet National Ports Authority has extended calls for companies interested in leasing premises across the Port of Richard’s Bay, the Port of Durban, the Port of Port Nolloth, the Port of Cape Town and, most recently, the Port of Mossel Bay.

South Africa’s own BlaqMermaid, Captain Londy Ngcobo, was the Guest of Honour at this year’s World Maritime University graduation ceremony where she encouraged graduates to captain their destiny and take charge of their futures by not simply waiting to be chosen to make a difference.

SEYCHELLES: As part of their efforts to preserve their maritime history, the Seychelles Ports Authority has donated a collection of historic maritime memorabilia to the Seychelles National Museum through the Department of Culture.

NIGERIA: The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has advised International Oil Companies, terminal and jetty operators, and all other companies involved in stevedoring in the country to refrain from engaging unregistered dockworkers.

SIERRA LEONE: Seismic data from offshore Sierra Leone is to be enhanced to offer clearer subsurface insights for oil and gas companies exploring the area.

SOUTH AFRICA: Greenpeace Africa has lodged an appeal against the decision granted by the Department of Mineral Resources to grant Environmental Authorisation (EA) for exploration activities to a joint venture consortium for the Block 3B/4B offshore area, approximately 120 km west of St Helena Bay and approximately 145 km south-west of Hondeklip Bay.