SAMSA to undertake an investigation into sinking of dredger
23 January 2012
Following the successful refloating of the dredger, the Jin Tai, which sank at the beginning of January in Nqgura harbour, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), has announced that an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking will be undertaken once it is deemed safe to go onboard.
Defence minister denies plans to acquire warship
22 January 2012
Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, has described allegations that South Africa was to procure a warship as wrong, unfair and unethical. She said, "I know nothing about the procurement of a warship," referring to media reports and adding that she expected an apology from the newspaper involved.
DAFF seeks company to monitor confiscated stock
20 January 2012
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is seeking to appoint a company to effectively and efficiently report and monitor the release and processing of confiscated abalone and shark fins. A briefing session will be held on the 3rd February 2012.
New strategic partner in Maputo Coal Terminal
18 January 2012
Grindrod Limited and the Vitol Group have entered into an agreement effective January 1 2012 where Vitol will acquire a 35 percent interest in the company which owns the Maputo Coal Terminal concession. In addition Vitol and Grindrod will enter into a partnership to combine their sub Saharan coal trading businesses.
DAFF defends fishing rights allocation process
17 January 2012
The Department of Agriculture, Forestryand Fisheries (DAFF) has issued a statment in response to criticism of their rights allocation process. DAFF alleges that there is no "looming crisis" and that they will be able to deliver a seamless, transparent, fair and open process.
Department of Transport awards bursaries
17 January 2012
As part of its contribution to the transformation of the transport sector, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport has awarded 29 bursaries to youth of the province in this academic year. These include two bursaries for maritime engineering.
Lobster recreational season not extended
16 January 2012
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Acting Deputy-Director General Sue Middleton has decided not to extend the west coast rock lobster recreational season. Middleton cited ecological considerations; the higher demand for permits as well as the increased number of fishing days in the season as the major reasons for her decision.
Eight South Africans survive cruise ship disaster
16 January 2012
According to the government news agency "about eight" South Africans at a hotel in Italy after the 290 metre long cruise vessel, the Costa Concordia, hit a reef tearing a 70m crack in its hull. The ship reportedly titled 80 degrees to one side, leaving it half submerged in shallow waters near the Gigilo Island.
Five new SAMSA bursary recipients enrol at Lawhill Centre
13 January 2012
The new school year saw five new SAMSA bursary recipients report to Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simons Town for the beginning of the new school year. A total of 54 applications were received from all areas of the Eastern Cape and will now have a significant access to a better education and career path.
New CEO for Safmarine
10 January 2012
Safmarine has announced the appointment of Grant Daly as its new CEO, effective February 1, 2012. South African-born Daly, currently Safmarine's Head of MPV (Multi-Purpose Vessel) unit, replaces Tomas Dyrbye. He has been with the company for 17 years and graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor of Economics degree.
Minister of Transport sets the record straight
10 January 2012
Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, has vowed to take action against "defamatory and false allegations" published in newspapers relating to alleged traffic fines that have been run up. According to the government news agency, the vehicle in question was sold to a moter vehicle dealership in 2010.
Android e-shipping application launched
10 January 2012
The release of a new Safmarine shipping application for all mobile devices using Android operating system will allow Safmarine customers to access and download essential shipping information anywhere and at any time of the day.
Fish and Marine Africa postponed
07 January 2012
Organisers of the Fish and Marine Africa expo have announced the postponement of the event which was scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 March in Cape Town. Exhibition Management Services say that they are still committed to the fishing and maritime industries and "believe in the value of the exhibition".
Work continues to refloat dredger in Ngqura
06 January 2012
Following the removal of the bulk fuel onboard the Chinese dredger which sank in the port, preparations are underway to refloat the vessel and more her alongside in a safe condition. The work is expected to take three weeks.
Dredger sinks in Ngqura
01 January 2012
The South African Maritime Safety Authority has reported the sinking of a dredger in the port of Ngqura. It appears as if a cable supporting one of the spud legs parted causing the dredger to list. SAMSA also reports a hole in the hull. The owners have been instructed to remove all pollutants on the vessel.
SAMSA to undertake an investigation into sinking of dredger
23 January 2012
Following the successful refloating of the dredger, the Jin Tai, which sank at the beginning of January in Nqgura harbour, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), has announced that an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking will be undertaken once it is deemed safe to go onboard.
Defence minister denies plans to acquire warship
22 January 2012
Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, has described allegations that South Africa was to procure a warship as wrong, unfair and unethical. She said, "I know nothing about the procurement of a warship," referring to media reports and adding that she expected an apology from the newspaper involved.
DAFF seeks company to monitor confiscated stock
20 January 2012
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is seeking to appoint a company to effectively and efficiently report and monitor the release and processing of confiscated abalone and shark fins. A briefing session will be held on the 3rd February 2012.
New strategic partner in Maputo Coal Terminal
18 January 2012
Grindrod Limited and the Vitol Group have entered into an agreement effective January 1 2012 where Vitol will acquire a 35 percent interest in the company which owns the Maputo Coal Terminal concession. In addition Vitol and Grindrod will enter into a partnership to combine their sub Saharan coal trading businesses.
DAFF defends fishing rights allocation process
17 January 2012
The Department of Agriculture, Forestryand Fisheries (DAFF) has issued a statment in response to criticism of their rights allocation process. DAFF alleges that there is no "looming crisis" and that they will be able to deliver a seamless, transparent, fair and open process.
Department of Transport awards bursaries
17 January 2012
As part of its contribution to the transformation of the transport sector, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport has awarded 29 bursaries to youth of the province in this academic year. These include two bursaries for maritime engineering.
Lobster recreational season not extended
16 January 2012
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Acting Deputy-Director General Sue Middleton has decided not to extend the west coast rock lobster recreational season. Middleton cited ecological considerations; the higher demand for permits as well as the increased number of fishing days in the season as the major reasons for her decision.
Eight South Africans survive cruise ship disaster
16 January 2012
According to the government news agency "about eight" South Africans at a hotel in Italy after the 290 metre long cruise vessel, the Costa Concordia, hit a reef tearing a 70m crack in its hull. The ship reportedly titled 80 degrees to one side, leaving it half submerged in shallow waters near the Gigilo Island.
Five new SAMSA bursary recipients enrol at Lawhill Centre
13 January 2012
The new school year saw five new SAMSA bursary recipients report to Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simons Town for the beginning of the new school year. A total of 54 applications were received from all areas of the Eastern Cape and will now have a significant access to a better education and career path.
New CEO for Safmarine
10 January 2012
Safmarine has announced the appointment of Grant Daly as its new CEO, effective February 1, 2012. South African-born Daly, currently Safmarine's Head of MPV (Multi-Purpose Vessel) unit, replaces Tomas Dyrbye. He has been with the company for 17 years and graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor of Economics degree.
Minister of Transport sets the record straight
10 January 2012
Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, has vowed to take action against "defamatory and false allegations" published in newspapers relating to alleged traffic fines that have been run up. According to the government news agency, the vehicle in question was sold to a moter vehicle dealership in 2010.
Android e-shipping application launched
10 January 2012
The release of a new Safmarine shipping application for all mobile devices using Android operating system will allow Safmarine customers to access and download essential shipping information anywhere and at any time of the day.
Fish and Marine Africa postponed
07 January 2012
Organisers of the Fish and Marine Africa expo have announced the postponement of the event which was scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 March in Cape Town. Exhibition Management Services say that they are still committed to the fishing and maritime industries and "believe in the value of the exhibition".
Work continues to refloat dredger in Ngqura
06 January 2012
Following the removal of the bulk fuel onboard the Chinese dredger which sank in the port, preparations are underway to refloat the vessel and more her alongside in a safe condition. The work is expected to take three weeks.
Dredger sinks in Ngqura
01 January 2012
The South African Maritime Safety Authority has reported the sinking of a dredger in the port of Ngqura. It appears as if a cable supporting one of the spud legs parted causing the dredger to list. SAMSA also reports a hole in the hull. The owners have been instructed to remove all pollutants on the vessel.