South Africa News

Ahlsell Sverige AB has agreed to acquire all shares in JLI Smålandsstenar AB, a wholesaler of fasteners. JLI offers fastening products for the engineering, power energy, and steel construction industries. The company has six employees and an annual turnover of approximately SEK 70 million. JLI has a warehouse and offices in Smålandsstenar. Offering a strong fastening solution Through this acquisition Ahlsell strengthens its offering in fastening and gains access to new expertise,...

Global container shipping line Evergreen Marine Corporation (Evergreen) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, to place its containers on X-Press Feeders’ new dual-fuel green methanol vessels. X-Press Feeders is planning to run these vessels on green methanol and operate them within Europe. As one of the world’s largest container shipping companies and a key customer of X-Press Feeders, the agreement by...

  Boudewijn Siemons (59) has been appointed CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority effective 1 February 2024. He succeeds Allard Castelein, who took leave of the Port Authority last summer. Since then, Siemons has served as CEO on an interim basis in addition to his position as COO. The Executive Board of the Port Authority now consists of Boudewijn Siemons (CEO and interim COO) and Vivienne de Leeuw (CFO). The process of looking for a new COO has begun. Excellent abilities...

 Viasat, Inc., a global pioneer in satellite communications, announced Applied Satellite Technology (AST), a pioneering global innovator in satellite communication solutions, has joined its ELEVATE program. ELEVATE is a growth program, ecosystem and marketplace for ambitious IoT solution providers, connectivity wholesalers, enablers and OEMs who want to work with Viasat to use its network and footprint to scale. As an ELEVATE partner, AST will provide globally trusted connectivity solutions tha...

The two Ulstein-designed CSOV newbuilds under construction for Bernhard Schulte Offshore have reached important milestones. The steel cutting and keel laying ceremonies for yno 321 and 320, respectively, were arranged at the Crist hull yard, Poland, on 30 January 2024. These Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) are characterised by the TWIN X-STERN feature, implementing fore and aft main propeller units for excellent dynamic positioning characteristics. Remarkable offshore vessels...

International charity, Mercy Ships returned to Madagascar to bring transformative surgical education and free, life-changing surgeries.   Freshly refitted hospital ship, the upgraded Africa Mercy® has arrived at the island nation to build on the charity’s long-standing collaboration and will provide specialised surgeries in various fields, including maxillofacial and ear nose and throat, general, pediatric specialised general, pediatric orthopedic, cataract surgery, and reconstru...

Major technological innovator, Yara Marine Technologies (YMT) has been acquired by Geneva-based Okapi Supply Trading Advisory SA (formerly Sarl) to expand its maritime solutions portfolio. With a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions for the maritime industry, this new relationship sets the stage for the green solutions provider to accelerate the reach and impact of its industry-renowned decarbonisation technologies, supported by Okapi’s resources and drive. Green technolo...

The very first Brunvoll BruCon DP2 dynamic positioning system has passed third party verification onboard the offshore vessel Stril Mar. The successful installation and testing of the BruCon DP2 system marks a new era for Brunvoll, and the BruCon DP2 system is offered to both new builds and as a retrofit solution. The BruCon DP2 installation was part of a larger power and energy management system upgrade onboard Stril Mar, delivered by SEAM AS. The upgrade and sea trial took place at Westcon Ya...

India’s shipyard, Cochin Shipyard Limited, bagged another prestigious international order with a European client for construction of hybrid Service Operation Vessels (‘SOVs’) for the offshore wind renewables market, with an option for one more. With attention turning towards sustainable & green energy solutions, there is a large global focus on the development of offshore renewable energy segment. The hybrid Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) are the workhorse of the growin...

German operator of oil/chemical tankers chooses MAN propulsion solution with main and auxiliary engines plus MAN Alpha propeller. MAN 10L32/44CR main engines Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding and Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry in China have ordered 4 × MAN 10L32/44CR main engines in connection with the construction of 4 × 41,000 dwt oil-and-chemical tankers for German Tanker Shipping (GTS). The construction of the 199 m Swedish Fartygskonstruktioner AB-designed newbuildings is set to start...

2023 has been a magnificent period for Newport Shipping in bringing new solutions to the market and growing its business for the needs of tomorrow's shipping industry. In 2023 Newport Shipping executed 36 drydocking projects at its Tuzla Bay yard in Turkey, with other projects being completed at its partner shipyards in China and the rest of the world. BWTS projects Since the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) has been ratified there has also been an increase in ballast water treatmen...

The first employees kicked off work for the New Energy Taskforce (NET) this January at the Port of Rotterdam, to support companies in tackling grid congestion. The Taskforce is led by Roger Knubben, who brings more than 25 years of experience in transition and strategy, including in the energy sector. New Energy Taskforce New Energy Taskforce is an initiative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority in collaboration with grid operators The New Energy Taskforce is an initiative of the Port of Rotte...

Babcock has been awarded a contract for additional work on the South Korean Navy’s submarine programme. The seven-year contract, awarded by Hanwha Ocean, is to manufacture and install the weapons handling launch system (WHLS) on Boat 6 of the Jangbogo-III class boat. Babcock secures WHLS contract Key elements of the WHLS will be designed and produced in the United Kingdom (UK) Boat 6, namely ‘Jangbogo-III Batch-II Boat 3’, along with the rest of the class, will use their pr...

Ireland’s largest bulk port Shannon Foynes and the port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest port – have signed an agreement with a view to developing a supply-chain corridor for exporting green fuels into Europe produced from the west of Ireland’s limitless wind resource. The agreement will focus on market and trade development for vast volumes of green hydrogen and its derivatives produced at the planned international green energy hub on the Shannon Estuary. The Memor...

Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation, one of the bulk shipping companies in Taiwan, strengthens its commitment to digitalising operations by installing NAPA's performance monitoring, voyage optimisation and navigational risk monitoring on eight vessels. With enhanced fleet monitoring and management, NAPA is supporting Ta Ho in minimising fuel consumption and emissions. Under the deal, NAPA, a global provider of maritime software and data services, is delivering its next-generation NAPA Fleet Intelligence...

NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Lisa Lyon to Webstone general manager, with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of operations for the Webstone business unit of NIBCO. “Lisa has been instrumental in aggressively expanding the Webstone product portfolio since NIBCO acquired the company,” said Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO. “She demonstrates great passion and knowledge for the industry, and we are confident that she will meet and exceed the goals establi...

P&I Club’s head of external affairs will discuss major events with pioneering experts in the weekly Alongside: Future Thinking podcast series. Pioneering P&I Club NorthStandard is launching a weekly podcast mini-series that will discuss the most pressing current geopolitical issues for the maritime industry. Key geopolitical developments NorthStandard Head of External Affairs, Mike Salthouse, will be hosting Alongside: Future Thinking, joined by experts from across the shipping...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the Digital Learning Management System (Ver.2) developed by MarinePALS, a unit of Maritime Knowledge Ltd. Digital Learning Management System is an education and training suite of micro-learning videos, gaming apps for learning and virtual reality programs, and mentoring online. Functions of management system ClassNK has verified the functions of the Digital Learning Management System. A comprehensive digital le...

Peel Ports Logistics has signed a deal to become renewable energy specialist Drax’s new shipping agency service provider for vessels importing biomass into Liverpool. The leading shipping and freight forwarder will support the arrival of all Drax’s ships from locations such as North America into the Port of Liverpool’s £100m biomass terminal. The renewable fuel is then transported to Drax Power Station, near Selby in North Yorkshire, the UK’s single largest genera...

The year 2024 marks a milestone in the acceleration of digitalisation in shipping – the mandatory ‘Maritime Single Window’. The requirement under the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL) requires Governments to use a single digital platform or ‘Maritime Single Window’ to share and exchange information with ships when they call at ports, since 1 January 2024. This will streamline procedures to clear the arrival, stay and departure of s...

As of 1 March, Hanna Stelzel will take on the role of Director Containers within the Commercial Department of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and is responsible for all activities within the container chain at sea, in the port and in the hinterland. Hanna Stelzel is the successor to Hans Nagtegaal. Stelzel has a background in the German automotive industry, logistics and digitalisation. She has worked at the Port of Rotterdam Authority since 2018 and has held various positions in which she made...

Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), the renowned global provider of Human Capital Management solutions for the maritime industry, has launched a tender boat operator e-learning course for the passenger ship industry. As the cruise sector grows, some cruise ships are unable to berth in ports due to their size. An increasing number of guests need to be transported between ship and shore in smaller boats, known as tenders. For safety purposes, cruise lines need to ensure that safety training extends t...

ABB and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) have signed a long-term partnership agreement to accelerate the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Targeting increased safety and efficiency, the agreement covers 14 existing ships and a further four vessels due for delivery from 2025 to 2028. The first phase of the partnership includes a 10-year Azipod® propulsion service agreement for the fleet, providing efficient preventive maintenance to support saf...

Pacific International Lines (PIL), SGTraDex, and KPI OceanConnect have achieved a significant milestone by completing full integration for worldwide transactions via the SGTraDex platform. Pacific International Lines (PIL) has successfully completed full integration with the Singapore Trade Data Exchange (SGTraDex) platform, making PIL the first shipping line to do so. This achievement, realised through a collaborative effort with KPI OceanConnect, signifies a transformative step towards global...

Crowley has accepted delivery of eWolf, the first all-electric, ship assist harbor tugboat in the U.S., a milestone advancing the company’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation. The tugboat, which was designed by Crowley’s engineering services team, will operate with zero emissions while providing the complete performance capabilities of a traditional tug. The eWolf represents a historic innovation through a collaboration among Crowley, federal, state and local governmen...

Brunvoll Mar-El has been contracted to deliver its standardised lightweight parallel hybrid solution for Rødne Fjord Cruise’s newest vessel. The vessel will be operating out of Bergen and offer guided tours in the area. Brødrene Aa, who also specialises in fast ferries, is chosen as both designer and constructor for this fjord cruise vessel, with final delivery in 2025. Brunvoll Mar-El has over the years and through a series of projects established good relationships with bo...

The incremental costs of diverting a tanker from Asia to NW Europe via the Cape of Good Hope is accounting for an extra $932,905 USD per voyage while increasing transit time from 16 days to 32 days according to a report by LSEG Shipping Research. These additional costs mostly account for extra fuel and increase costs for an Aframax tanker by 110%, while for a large container vessel, it increases by 35% for a voyage between Asia to NW Europe. Average monthly transits Transits through Suez have...

Last year, maritime shipping bunkered significantly less fuel in Rotterdam; 9.9 million tonnes in 2023 compared to 10.6 million tonnes in 2022. With that, the demand for fuel oil, marine gas oil and other fuels in 2023 was 6.7 percent lower than in 2022. Only bunkering of LNG (liquefied natural gas) rose significantly, from 406,599 m3 to 619,243 m3. This had everything to do with developments in the price of LNG. Biomethanol bunkered for first time on Laura Maersk The decline is mainly caused...

Technology group Wärtsilä and Carnival Corporation & plc have signed a one-year extension to the Performance-based agreement that has been in place since 2017. The agreement, which was due to expire in March 2029, will now be valid until March 2030. It covers the maintenance, technical support, optimisation and fuel-saving solutions for 57 cruise ships within the global Carnival Corporation fleet. The contract was signed in October 2023. By optimising the performance and effi...

Bennett Marine, a Division of Yamaha Marine Systems Company, needed a solution that integrated solar energy generation and mechanical upgrades to optimise both sustainability and working environment outcomes. However, adding the cooling capacity needed by a large warehouse, and the employees working there, during the long Floridian summers could significantly increase the utility load on the building. Solution Bennett Marine’s management approached its outsourced service provider, ABM....