SOUTH AFRICA: Researchers at CSIR believe that they will soon be able to broadcast high-resolution sonar images of ocean pipelines, hidden underwater mines, subsea cables and even mineral prospects to the surface faster than ever before.

SOUTH AFRICA: FFS Tank Terminals has been given the greenlight to finance, construct, operate and maintain the liquid bulk terminal in the Port of Cape Town for a period of 25 years following a successful bid for appointment of the terminal which specialises in edible oils and compatible cargo.

SOUTH AFRICA: Efforts to promote South Africa as a destination for superyachts will be bolstered as the V&A Waterfront confirms its intention to invest in a R230 million purpose-built marina that will accommodate eight superyachts and be completed within the year.

SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at yet another conference aimed at providing a forum to address South Africa’s logistics and freight woes, President Cyril Ramaphosa proposed that a permanent Transport Council be established to “build the partnership” to deliver a vision for a reformed transport sector that includes road, rail, air and oceans. Editor, Colleen Jacka, looks at the content of his speech within the broader context of South Africa’s maritime transport challenges.

SOUTH AFRICA: Echoing his sentiments to boost the country’s exploration and production capacity expressed at last year’s event, Minister Gwede Mantashe returned to this year’s edition of the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town where he condemned “the persistent opposition from environmental lobby groups who continue to block every oil and gas development in our country”.

The commissioning of the 40,000 m³ LPG carrier, MT Asharami Ghana last week, officially increases the Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet to six vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 m³.

MAURITIUS: After a productive state visit to Mauritius where he met with the Prime Minister to discuss key areas of collaboration, the President of the Republic of Seychelles stepped on board the vessel, Andromache, in Mauritius where it was participating in the military parade to mark Mauritius National Day celebrations.

LIBERIA: The world’s largest ship registry has announced plans to introduce electronic seafarer documents as part of its commitment to digital innovation and compliance.