MAURITIUS: A formal letter inviting Mauritius to join the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) was delivered last week during a visit to engage with authorities in a bid to strengthen cooperation with Mauritius against maritime security challenges in the region.

SOUTH AFRICA: Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) of Durban has confirmed the signing of two notable agreements with an international shipbuilder as well as naval architects to secure the rights to designs and technology.

GHANA: Following the announcement of additional funding for the construction of a floating dock facility in June this year, Interocean Marine Services (Interocean) has confirmed a partnership with Prime Meridian Docks Ghana in the facility.

The newly established International Association of Port Development (IAPORTS) is open to all players in the global port supply chain and aims to integrate and strengthen port communities as well as promote competitiveness and innovation in the port sector.

SOUTH AFRICA: After a protracted period without a permanent CEO, the South African Maritime Safety Authority’s head was finally announced at this week’s cabinet meeting as Captain Rufus Lekala.

RWANDA: The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact investment arm of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)  has announced a strategic investment in Team Drogba, competing in the inaugural E1 Series, the world’s first-ever all-electric boat racing championship.

SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority has taken delivery of six more hydraulic shore tension units which are due to be installed in the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura, bringing to 12 of the 52 units ordered in September last year.

Underwriters are becoming more cautious in their dealings with vessels traversing high-risk regions and the Red Sea as well as other conflict zones are impacting on risk assessments for hull underwriters.