Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is set to improve its dredging capacity through the installation of a new marine excavator on the Italeni, a Grab Hopper Dredger used by the ports authority to maintain the promulgated depth of port berths, basin and entrance channels necessary for the safe navigation of vessels in the ports.

The installation of this cutting-edge technology will boost dredging volumes and increase efficiency at South Africa’s commercial seaports. A marine excavator is a specialised technological machinery that is used to improve dredging operations while ensuring safe and sustainable practises of marine and coastal environments.
With an investment value of R76 million, the newly installed excavator is designed to grab dredged material weighing up to 2000kg at a radius of at least 20 meters. The upgrade will enable the Italeni to efficiently handle dredged volumes of 150 000 cubic meters (m³), a significantly increase from its annual capacity from 94 000 m³. The upgrade replaces the excavator fitted in 2014 that has reached its operational lifespan. This feature bolsters berth availability to meet the increasing demand of larger vessels calling into South African ports.
“The Italeni upgrade enables TNPA’s strategic intent of creating a smart port system through harnessing innovation and technology. Coupled with enhancing the dredger’s capability to dredge the ports to the required depth, the new marine excavator will ensure that our waterside infrastructure remains competitive by improving TNPA’s customer service offering,” said Phyllis Difeto Acting TNPA Chief Executive.
Italeni is the only dredging vessel in South Africa capable of accessing confined berths and quay walls, distinguishing the craft from the rest of TNPA’s dredging fleet necessary for maintenance work. Through its Dredging Services business unit, TNPA is actively optimising port depth to ensure the provision of commercially viable berths to its shipping and terminal operation customers.

The installed machinery adheres to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) regulations and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) legislation regarding carbon emissions.

Source: Transnet National Port Authority

Article by Thuso Mhlambi | From the Desk of The CFO

In the aftermath of the Trump inauguration and the promises to action and immediate change during his speech, there are many factors that we could look at in trying to figure out why our country is struggling to grow and take advantage of the many opportunities that surround us.  In my opinion we need to become a results-based society where productivity is rewarded instead of the incumbent system where cronyism and nepotism abounds.

A patronage system in politics speaks to a political party coming into power and using their platform to give government jobs to friends (cronyism) and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working towards the victory. In this type of environment, corruption, shady political compromises and backroom deals thrive.  Countries that have avoided or overcome episodes of mass-based patronage politics have established institutions that insulate public administrations from case-by-case political interference. They have achieved high levels of economic prosperity and equality.  Thirty years after the end of apartheid, South Africa’s economy is struggling, Gross domestic product per person is down, Unemployment and poverty are rampant, and there seems to be no answers from our government.  Rather than coordinating a credible response to this demise, the South African state is in crisis.  Public administration services are low, if present at all, and our politics is fundamentally corrupted.

In public administration, efficiency is achieved by systematically dividing tasks and acting by getting staff to follow procedures, rules and systems correctly. Elected political leaders are held accountable to how they exercise oversight over their department, and equity is attained by meting out uniformity in services, results are achieved by treating all similar cases in the same way. The guiding principle of the patronage system is loyalty, elected politicians owe their loyalty to the minister or president who put them in their position, they don’t show loyalty to the citizens they serve.

Is meritocracy the answer? Meritocracy grew in popularity in the 1960’s as the working class sought to replace the existing aristocracy of the time where your success depended on your lineage and family endowments. One could argue that the patronage system is slowly breeding a group of new aristocratic elites in South Africa, ones not born of wealth and position but those that snatched it from the hands of an apartheid government. I suppose there needs to be an acceptance that elites aren’t removed but instead they are replaced by a new group who inevitably will seek to imbed themselves and close rank to secure their newfound riches and status.

Perhaps the most formidable criticism of meritocracy is that the very nature of merit and how it can be assessed can be challenging to discern. The challenge here is that the theory of meritocracy presupposes the possibility of equality of opportunity. In a country as unequal as South Africa it could be argued that we don’t have the foundations needed to implement a system where rewards are allocated to those with abilities to perform. What further exacerbates the issue is our failing education system. Social mobility is a challenge for millions of people in our country due to the inability to access quality education. Skills and knowledge are the bedrock of meritocratic ambitions.  South Africa has deeply complex problems and deeply complex problems need highly intelligent people to address the issues, meritocracy seems like the default turnaround that we need. We need to see accountability in the state, we need competent and knowledgeable people running with the objective of the National development Plan.

Should our government move from a system of patronage to a meritocracy? I must admit, the answer is not apparent, at least not to me, but that doesn’t mean we must sit idly by as our country continues to experience an economic malaise that sees unemployment and inequality rise. In the medical profession, and indeed the bible, to fix something you first need to name the problem (diagnosis), and that is my aim with this short thesis. And its name is patronage.

Source: Linsen Nambi

In a landmark event at the IMO GloNoise Partnership Project Workshop held in Cape Town, Deputy Minister of Transport, the Honourable Mkhuleko Hlengwa, delivered a powerful keynote address underscoring South Africa’s leadership in tackling underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial shipping.

URN, a growing concern for marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, has significant environmental impacts. As a Lead Pilot Country in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GloNoise Project, South Africa is actively working to integrate the IMO’s Revised Guidelines into national legislation, promote regional cooperation, and foster innovative solutions that will protect marine biodiversity and encourage sustainable shipping practices.

Key Highlights from the Deputy Minister’s Address:

• Regional Collaboration: South Africa’s ongoing collaboration with Madagascar and other key partners emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility for ocean stewardship and preserving marine life.
• Protecting Biodiversity and Supporting Coastal Communities: Prioritizing the protection of biodiversity hotspots such as Algoa Bay and ensuring the wellbeing of coastal communities is at the heart of South Africa’s efforts.
• Inclusive and Diverse Approaches: South Africa is committed to enhancing the inclusivity of its maritime initiatives, with a focus on promoting women’s participation and strengthening efforts to safeguard the oceans for future generations.

This event serves as a call to action for continued cooperation, regional partnerships, and the adoption of sustainable maritime practices to protect the world’s oceans. South Africa’s leadership in this field is a model for other nations to follow as we work towards a sustainable and thriving global maritime sector.

Source: SAMSA

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has officially entered into a significant 25-year terminal operator agreement with Zululand Energy Terminals (ZET) for the development of South Africa’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay. This milestone agreement follows ZET’s selection in 2024 as the preferred bidder to design, construct, and operate the terminal. ZET is a joint venture between Vopak Terminal Durban and Transnet Pipelines.

The LNG terminal, which will be located in the South Dunes precinct of the Port of Richards Bay, is expected to have an initial throughput capacity of at least two million tons per year. However, with future expansions, the terminal’s annual capacity could rise to more than five million tons over the course of the concession. The first phase of the development will feature a floating storage unit and an regasification system, with commercial operations slated to begin in 2028.

Acting CEO of TNPA, Phyllis Difeto, emphasized that this LNG terminal will attract an estimated investment of R7 billion to the Port of Richards Bay, reinforcing the port’s position as a prime gateway for LNG imports. She also highlighted TNPA’s ambitions to develop additional LNG terminals at the Ports of Saldanha (Western Cape) and Ngqura (Eastern Cape), contributing to South Africa’s energy security.

The development of this LNG terminal aligns with South Africa’s broader energy goals, including the introduction of at least 6,000 MW of gas-to-power projects in KwaZulu-Natal by Eskom and independent power producers.

In addition, TNPA has signed a R123-million agreement for the construction and operation of a new liquid bulk terminal at Richards Bay, to be managed by FFS Tank Terminals. This development is expected to enhance the port’s capacity to handle liquid bulk cargo, particularly bunker fuels, which are crucial for maritime logistics. The liquid bulk terminal is slated for commercial operation in February 2025 and will provide modernized bunkering services to a range of vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers.

Both the LNG and liquid bulk terminals are expected to be key drivers of job creation in the region. The LNG terminal alone is projected to generate over 1,000 job opportunities during construction and operations, as well as create downstream business opportunities for the surrounding uMhlathuze region. The liquid bulk terminal will generate around 50 direct and indirect jobs throughout its development.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has praised both projects, viewing them as significant milestones in unlocking economic opportunities for the province. “This signing confirms that KwaZulu-Natal will become the leading ecosystem hub, attracting much-needed investment and creating job opportunities for our people,” Ntuli said.

“The introduction of this groundbreaking LNG import facility by Zululand Energy Terminal is a critical response to our nation’s energy challenges. Equally important, is the redevelopment of the bunkering services facility to be operated by our partner, FFS Tank Terminals. This development will further enhance the Port of Richards Bay’s liquid bulk handling capabilities, focusing on bunker fuel operations that are essential to maritime logistics,” Dr Andile Sangqu, Transnet Board Chairperson.

These developments are poised to be game changers for the economic landscape of the region, further cementing Richards Bay’s position as a critical hub for energy and maritime logistics in South Africa.

Source: Transnet National Ports Authority

“We are pleased to announce the full operational launch of our HSFO bunkering facility, marking a key step toward realizing our vision of becoming a leading global maritime hub,” said Wilson Qu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). “With our expanding service offerings and growing reputation for operational excellence, HIP is positioning itself as a critical player in the future of maritime trade and fuel supply. This expansion not only diversifies our services but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s role as a key maritime player in the Indian Ocean region.”

The newly operational HSFO facility includes a 6,000 cubic meter storage capacity, divided into two dedicated tanks at the port’s oil tank farm. A specialized pumping system, capable of transferring 400 metric tons per hour, facilitates fast and efficient fuel delivery. Additionally, the facility is equipped with advanced monitoring and remote-control systems to ensure precise and safe operations. This will offer significant convenience to ship owners using scrubbers who prefer HSFO for its cost-effectiveness and compliance with IMO 2020 sulfur cap regulations.

As part of the launch, HIP successfully discharged 5,000 metric tons of HSFO and 20,000 metric tons of VLSFO from the vessel Grand Ace 10 between January 30 and February 1, 2025. This marked the operational unveiling of HIP’s new HSFO bunkering infrastructure, setting the stage for greater fuel diversity in the region.

Strategically located along one of the busiest maritime routes between Europe and Asia, HIP provides vessels with a crucial refueling stop. The addition of HSFO to the port’s fuel offerings enables HIP to accommodate a wider spectrum of vessels, from large tankers to smaller cargo ships, each requiring different grades of fuel.

HIP’s collaboration with Sinopec, a global leader in energy, ensures the delivery of high-quality and reliable marine fuels. The port’s operational excellence is also certified by Lloyd’s Register (LR), a leading global authority in maritime classification. In 2022, HIP received its Fitness for Service (FSS) certification, further demonstrating its commitment to safety and compliance.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Hambantota International Port remains focused on innovation, infrastructure, and quality. This development underscores HIP’s commitment to addressing the ever-changing needs of the global shipping industry, boosting its competitiveness, and contributing to the economic growth of Sri Lanka.

Original article by Hambantota International Port

Hosted by the Mirror Class of South Africa and Point Yacht Club, the championships will see a fleet of skilled sailors from across the globe competing for the coveted title. Taking place in the stunning offshore waters of Durban, competitors will experience not only thrilling competition but also the natural beauty of South Africa’s coastline, paired with our renowned hospitality.

This is not the first time South Africa has hosted the Mirror World Championships. The country previously welcomed the event in 2007 and 2015, and this year’s competition is set to be just as exciting. With more than 400 competitors and supporters expected to attend, including the Pre-Worlds event, the stage is set for an unforgettable week of sailing.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a fan of the sport, the 2025 Mirror World Championships is a must-see event. For all the details, visit Mirror World Championships 2025.

Through hard work and commitment, these graduates have not only gained hands-on experience but have also become ready to embrace the adventure of a lifetime aboard MSC Cruises’ vessels. Their journey is a testament to their perseverance and readiness to face new challenges, both at sea and in their personal growth.

As these graduates embark on their maritime careers, we congratulate them on this significant achievement and look forward to seeing their careers flourish. Their training has opened the door to a world of opportunities within the Blue Economy and beyond.

Thinking about a career at sea? This could be you! The ocean is waiting, and the skills learned at Shosholoza Ocean Academy can help you set sail toward your dreams.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit www.shosholozaoceanacademy.co.za for more information and to start your journey today!

The SAMSA team boarded several vessels at the ports to distribute GBV at Sea brochures and engage in meaningful discussions with crew members regarding the various forms of violence and harassment within the maritime sector. These discussions covered a wide range of issues, including sexual harassment, bullying, sexual assault, discrimination, and mental health. SAMSA emphasized that seafarer welfare goes beyond just physical well-being and includes emotional and psychological support for those at sea.

During one of the visits, the team was given a tour of the welfare facilities onboard a vessel. These facilities are vital in improving the lives of seafarers while they are at sea, helping to mitigate the challenges they face. SAMSA recognizes the hardships seafarers and fishers endure, often spending long periods away from their families while working in hazardous and emotionally taxing conditions.

The nature of working at sea can lead to isolation, making seafarers, particularly female and young crew members, more vulnerable to violence and harassment. This isolation, combined with the dangerous and challenging conditions of life at sea, creates an environment where issues like sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault can often go unreported.

SAMSA’s Occupational Health, Safety, and Maritime Welfare Unit (OHS & Maritime Welfare Unit) has been instrumental in advancing this important initiative, working alongside key partners such as the Port Chaplains, the Mission to Seafarers, and Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) Port security. These partnerships help raise awareness and provide resources for seafarers, such as access to rape kits, which are made available to assist survivors of sexual assault.

SAMSA’s dedication to improving the lives of seafarers and tackling the challenges faced by female and other vulnerable groups at sea remains a top priority. The initiative aims to address issues that have often been overlooked and ensure that those working at sea are supported, protected, and treated with the respect they deserve.

SAMSA extends its gratitude to TNPA for their ongoing assistance in facilitating access to the ports and vessels. For more information on the resources available to seafarers, please visit SAMSA Seafarer Welfare Resources.

If you or a colleague experience or witness any incidents of Gender-Based Violence, including harassment, bullying, or sexual assault, please report it to welfare@samsa.org.za.