Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news 24 March 2025
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FIRST VIEW: twin sisters in port – MSC LETIZIA & MSC SOFIA CELESTE
Both ships were built in 2015 at the Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in Geoje, South Korea for their owner and operator, Mediterranean Shipping Company, and both sail today under the flag of Portugal, being registered in Madeira.
The ships have a length of 300 metres and width of 48 metres and each can carry a nominal load of 9,400 TEUs. Their deadweight is 127,447-tons.
Incidentally, there are no less than eleven ships of this class in service with MSC, all built between 2015-16, thus improving the odds of once again having two of these sister ships together in one of our South African ports.
MSC Sofia Celeste, with MSC Letizia behind her at Durban’s DCT2 North Quay. Picture by Jumaine Kruger
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Historic deep-water port set to revolutionize trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo
This partnership signals a transformative leap forward for the DRC, a nation eager to cement its status as a pivotal trade hub in Central Africa.
Nestled along the Atlantic coast in Kongo Central province, the Banana Port is more than just a construction project—it’s a lifeline for a country seeking to streamline its trade and bolster its economic sovereignty.
As the DRC’s first fully-equipped maritime gateway for containerized cargo, the port promises to slash transportation costs, turbocharge trade efficiency, and provide a vital boost to industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing.
For a nation long reliant on less efficient trade routes, this development is nothing short of revolutionary.
The port’s development will unfold in phases, with the first stage set to welcome the world’s largest vessels. Featuring a 600-metre quay, a handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs annually, and a sprawling 30-hectare storage area, the initial phase alone is a game-changer.
Future plans are even grander, with a second phase extending the quay by over two kilometres, amplifying the port’s capacity to meet growing demand.
Backed by DP World and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance powerhouse, the project represents a monumental investment in the DRC’s future.
Beyond its logistical might, the Banana Port is a catalyst for opportunity. Construction will rally a coalition of companies, including local firms, and create thousands of jobs—both direct and indirect—breathing new life into communities and empowering Congolese workers and businesses.
Centralized administrative and customs operations will also enhance government oversight of foreign trade, a critical step toward economic independence.
Leading the charge is Mota-Engil, a firm with a storied legacy of delivering massive infrastructure projects across Africa.
Known for its expertise in port development and transportation solutions, the company brings a blend of innovation and sustainability to the table—qualities that dovetail seamlessly with DP World’s vision.
“The Banana Port is a transformative project that will reshape the trade and logistics landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.
“By partnering with Mota-Engil, we are ensuring that this world-class infrastructure fosters economic growth and creates new opportunities for the Congolese people.”
For the DRC, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With its strategic coastal location and cutting-edge design, the Banana Port is poised to unlock unprecedented access to global markets, reduce reliance on neighbouring countries’ ports, and fuel long-term prosperity.
As construction gears up, the promise of a stronger, more connected DRC is coming into view—one ship at a time.
The Banana Port is poised to become a catalyst for national and regional economic expansion, reinforcing the DRC’s position as a strategic hub for global commerce.
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U.S. Coast Guard scores major drug bust in Arabian Sea
The bust underscores the power of international maritime cooperation in disrupting drug smuggling networks.
A team from the Sentinel-class fast-response cutter, USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145), boarded the suspect vessel and discovered 200 kilograms of methamphetamine and 60 kilograms of heroin. After securing the narcotics, the crew documented and disposed of the contraband, striking a significant blow to illicit trafficking in the region.
Royal New Zealand Navy Capt. Dave Barr, deputy commander of CTF 150, hailed the operation as a testament to the skill and dedication of the U.S. Coast Guardsmen operating in challenging waters far from shore.
“The waters in this area are teeming with legitimate fishing and trading vessels, so it’s crucial to accurately identify potential smugglers,” said Barr.
“This operation not only removed a significant quantity of illegal drugs from circulation but also reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring safe and secure maritime trade.”
This latest seizure is part of an ongoing multinational mission to curb the flow of illicit substances in key waterways.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the world’s largest international naval partnership, continues to play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security across 3.2 million square miles of Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
The Emlen Tunnell is currently forward-deployed to Bahrain as part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), operating alongside regional and U.S. naval forces.
CTF 150, one of five task forces under CMF, is focused on disrupting the ability of non-state actors to transport weapons, narcotics, and other illicit goods.
This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of the combined efforts of partner nations in safeguarding international waters against illicit activities.
As smuggling networks evolve, so too does the resolve of the multinational forces patrolling these vital shipping lanes, ensuring they remain open and secure for legitimate trade.
Added 25 March 2025
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Piracy: The Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow Al-Hidaya has been released
EUNAVFOR reports that on 20 March, the hijackers of the fishing vessel abandoned the dhow in the vicinity of Dhinowda, which is to the south of where the vessel was boarded.
On the following morning, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA conducted a friendly approach to assist the crew and to gather information from the fishing vessel.
All eight crew members are reported to be safe, and evidence of the hijacking were gathered.
This was the fourth piracy-related case involving fishing vessels in the area during 2025 – three of them involving Yemeni-flagged craft and a fourth being a Chinese fishing vessel.
EUNAVFOR said the commitment and effectiveness of its ATALANTA forces and their regional and international maritime security partners are essential in resolving these incidents hampering maritime safety and freedom of navigation in the region.
See that report here
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Drydocks World secures FPSO Baobab Ivoirien refurbishment and Life Extension contract
The project, set to commence in May 2025, will span eight months and involve extensive structural and operational enhancements.
The refurbishment will include 1,000 tonnes of steel renewal, 250,000 square metres of tank coating, and 11,500 metres of new piping, ensuring the vessel’s continued efficiency and safety in deepwater operations.
Additionally, crew living quarters will be upgraded, and advanced technologies will be integrated to enhance overall performance.
Upon completion, the FPSO’s operational lifespan will be extended by 15 years, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s growing energy demands.
Drydocks World, a DP World company, has an extensive track record in vessel refurbishments, life extensions, and conversions, having completed over 50 similar projects, including more than 30 FPSO upgrades.
The FPSO Baobab Ivoirien is a vital asset in Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore production, boasting a processing capacity of 70,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 75 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
Additionally, the vessel can inject 100,000 bpd of water and store up to two million barrels of crude oil.
Currently operating at the Baobab oil field, 25 km off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire, the FPSO will be transported to Drydocks World’s Dubai facility for its scheduled refurbishment.
The contract signing ceremony, held at Drydocks World, was attended by Capt. Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, and Gary Kennedy, President of MODEC Management Services Pte. Ltd.
“This agreement with MODEC underscores our expertise in executing complex FPSO refurbishment and life extension projects,” Capt. Rado Antolovic said.
”Our extensive experience in large-scale offshore engineering makes us the ideal partner to enhance the vessel’s longevity, efficiency, and operational safety. We are proud to support MODEC in ensuring the long-term reliability of this vital asset for West Africa.”
Gary Kennedy, President of MODEC Management Services Pte. Ltd., added that the selection of Drydocks World for this critical project had followed a rigorous evaluation process.
”Their proven track record in FPSO upgrades, commitment to quality, and emphasis on safety made them the ideal choice,” he said.
”Given the deepwater nature of the FPSO’s operations, precise refurbishment and life-extension measures are essential to maintaining efficiency and long-term safety.”
Originally converted in 2003 from an Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC), FPSO Baobab Ivoirien was designed with expandable topsides to maximize offshore production capacity.
FPSOs like this play a pivotal role in deepwater oil and gas processing, allowing production at sea before transferring resources to tankers or pipelines.
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Dangote plans Nigeria’s largest seaport in Ogun State’s Olokola Free Trade Zone
This ambitious project marks a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure and economic development.
Dangote made the announcement during a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, highlighting that the favourable business climate and government policies have encouraged him to revisit the Olokola Free Trade Zone.
“We earlier abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but because of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s policies and investor-friendly environment, we are back. Plans are underway to construct Nigeria’s largest port,” he stated.
Although details of the seaport project are yet to be fully disclosed, its strategic location is expected to enhance maritime trade, streamline supply chains for Dangote’s businesses, and ease congestion at Nigeria’s existing ports, particularly the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The new port could also create competition for the Lekki Deep Sea Port, inaugurated in 2023, but may ultimately alleviate pressure on Nigeria’s overstretched port infrastructure.
Dangote Group’s growing reliance on maritime transport has been evident, especially following the completion of its 650,000-barrel-per-day petroleum refinery in Lekki.
The company has emphasized the need for efficient shipping and distribution channels to support its industrial operations, including cement and fertilizer production.
The planned seaport, if executed, will solidify Ogun State’s position as a major industrial and trade hub, complementing the state’s thriving manufacturing sector.
The state, already home to the 12-million-metric-ton-per-annum Dangote Cement Plant in Ibese, is also witnessing the ongoing construction of a new 6-million-metric-ton-per-annum cement factory in Itori, scheduled for completion by November 2026.
This major port project aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader initiative to expand and modernize the nation’s port infrastructure.
Last year, authorities announced plans to invest over $1 billion to boost capacity at existing ports, tackling longstanding congestion and inefficiencies.
With Dangote’s renewed commitment to Ogun State, the new seaport could be a transformative development for Nigeria’s logistics and trade sectors, reinforcing the country’s status as a key player in regional and global commerce.
The state of Ogun wraps around the state and city/ports of Lagos while its west-facing border is met by the neighbouring country of Benin. Although Ogun state envelops Lagos state in this fashion, Ogun has only a small section of seacoast in the east, which is where the new port is being considered.
The Olokola Free Trade Zone, covering an area of 10,500 ha is situated on the border between the states of Ogun and Ondo
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New PIANC publications: The Planning of Fishing Ports; Mooring of large ships at quay walls
Overall, it is an update to account for changes, more than 25 years later, including updates to previous sections on fishery resources, planning, technology, use of IT and auction halls.
There are new chapters on Disaster Resilience, and Maintenance. The volume covers both new fishing ports as well as updates or improvements to existing fishing ports.
The working group comprised fishery ports, national fisheries organisations, consultants and universities, with 21 members from 15 countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, UK and USA).
The Planning of Fishing Ports starts with the development of fishing port and resource planning policies before focusing on the planning principles. Disaster resilient ports, institutional arrangements, cost benefits are covered before then covering auction hall layouts, ICT/IoT utilisation in depth as well as maintenance, training and the environment.
The main text is of some 171 pages. The appendices totalling 113 pages cover case studies (planning, resilience, maintenance and institutional arrangements) as well as regulations and standards on fishery products.
Finally, the publication will be of interest to those involved in the planning, design, maintenance and operation of fishing ports of all types, including greenfield ports as well as for continuing evolution of existing ports.
Orders may be placed on the PIANC publications portal of the organisation’s website
here.
Another recent publication from PIANC is issued in January.
With the constant increase in ship sizes, more mooring incidents are occurring. Sometimes these are due to overloading of bollards and often as a result of overloaded mooring lines or the brake holding capacity of the winches. Mooring line strength is increasing more rapidly than the capacity of existing bollards.
Often the presence of cargo handling equipment, such as a crane track, can result in bollards having to be located close to the berthing line. Consequently they are not often in the ideal situation for effective mooring, which results in relatively short mooring lines and steep line angles.
The WG 186 guideline helps in understanding the mooring issues that berth owners and operators may face, especially for container and cruise vessel berths.
WG 186 guides the reader through the mooring issues that may affect safe mooring, including the Safe Working Load of future bollards. All the aspects that need to be taken into account in executing a mooring assessment are dealt with in Chapter 3, with some case studies included, showing the effects of a passing ship, time-varying wind loading and waves acting on a moored ship.
Chapter 4 provides information on a range of measures that can be used to assist in the safe mooring of large vessels, when conventional mooring arrangements are not adequate.
For more see here.
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WHARF TALK: offshore wind farm cable layer – NDURANCE
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The passage of these vessels, most of them going east to west, as they position from the builders and manufacturers of the Far East, mainly back to northern Europe, is now set to continue with the telegraphed breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire, and the resumption of hostilities between the belligerent parties. One vessel type not always considered for offshore wind farm construction is the one that connects all the wind turbines, and gets their combined power back to shore, and into the national electricity grid. It is the humble cable layer.
On 10th March, at 08:00 in the morning, the offshore wind farm cable layer ‘Ndurance’ (IMO 9632466) arrived off Cape Town, from Algeciras in Spain. She entered Cape Town harbour, and rather than proceeding into the Duncan Dock for a short logistic call, she instead proceeded into the Ben Schoeman Dock, and went alongside the Dormac maintenance berth at Quay 502, indicating a shoreside engineering requirement might be part of the reason for her call.
Built in 2013 by ZPMC Zhenhua Heavy Industries at Shanghai in China, ‘Ndurance’ is 99 metres in length, and has a deadweight tonnage of 12,285 tons. She is a diesel-electric vessel and power is provided by two MTU 12V4000M generators, and two MTU 16V4000M generators, providing a total of 7,280 kW for propulsion and domestic requirements. Unusually, she has two separated engine rooms for redundancy.
Her auxiliary machinery includes a single emergency generator providing 220 kW. Power from her generators is transferred to two stern Azimuth thrusters, providing 1,250 kW each, and two forward Azimuth thrusters, providing 1,000 kW each, to give her a transit service speed of 11.5 knots. Despite having four azimuth thrusters, for that little extra added manoeuvrability she also has a single bow transverse thruster providing 550 kW. The mix of thrusters gives ‘Ndurance’ a dynamic positioning classification of DP2.
For her cable laying operations ‘Ndurance’ is fitted with a cable turntable, with a 26 metre diameter cable drum capable of holding up to 5,000 tons of heavy duty electric cable. Cable is deployed over her stern sheave using a Caley ‘A’ Frame, which is capable of lifting up to 70 tons. The Caley frame is fitted with an anti-pitch system, mounted on the frame crossbeam, to ensure that the cable is not subject to undue stresses during cable laying operations.
Her working deck covers an area of 2,100 m2, and for trench ploughing operations when burying cables she has a seven point mooring system. Deck operations are supported by a deck crane with a lifting capacity of 25 tons. Her hull was designed to allow ‘Ndurance’ to beach herself when conducting near shore export cable hook-up operations. She is capable of laying cables at a rate of 1,000 metres per hour.
She has accommodation for up to 98 persons, and she is one of two sisterships. She is owned and operated by Royal Boskalis Westminster NV, of Papendrecht in Holland, and she is managed by BW Marine Cyprus Ltd., of Limassol in Cyprus. In 2018, at the IHS DPC Innovation Awards ceremony, held in London, ‘Ndurance’ won the innovation award in the ‘Dredging Support Vessel’ category.
The Boskalis Group specialise in maritime infrastructure construction and improvement services. These activities are broken down with 53% covering maritime infrastructure construction, 42.5% covering offshore maintenance services in the energy sectors, and 4.5% covering towage and transportation services.
Since her introduction to service ‘Ndurance’ has been kept extremely busy in the wind farm construction sector worldwide. Her first contract, not wind related, was in early 2014 when she laid two electricity cables in Indonesia, from Ketapang on the island of Java, across to Gilimanuk on the island of Bali. The electricity supplied from Java was to overcome critical power shortages on Bali, and to assist with development of the island tourist industry.
Later in 2014, she positioned back to Europe to undertake her first wind farm contract by laying the export cables from the Luchterduinen wind farm field. This field lies in the North Sea, some 13 nautical miles off the Dutch town of Noordwijk, and produces 129 MW of power. The field consists of 43 Vestas V112 wind turbines, each producing 3MW, and provides electricity to 135,000 homes in Holland.
In 2015 she laid the export cables for the Gwynt y Môr wind farm field, which provides 576 MW of power, and lies in Liverpool Bay, off the coast of North Wales, where ‘Gwynt y Môr’ means ‘Sea Wind’ in the Welsh language. The field consists of 160 Siemens SWT107 wind turbines, each producing 3.6 MW, and provides electricity to 400,000 homes in North Wales.
In 2017 ‘Ndurance’ laid the export cables for the Galloper wind farm field, which provides 353 MW of power, and lies in the North Sea, 17 nautical miles off the English county of Suffolk. The field comprises of 56 Siemens SWT154 wind turbines, each producing 6 MW of power, and providing electricity for 444,000 homes in East Anglia.
In 2018 she began work laying the three export cables on the Hornsea 1 wind farm field, which at the time was the largest wind farm in the world, being the first to ever produce in excess of 1 GW of power. The field lies in the North Sea, 65 nautical miles off the coast of East Yorkshire, and produces 1.2 GW of power, comprising of 174 Gamesa SWT154 turbines, each producing 7 MW each, and providing electricity for no less than 1 million homes in the North of England.
In early 2020 ‘Ndurance’ moved to the Hornsea 2 wind farm field to lay the field export cables. This field consists of 165 Gamesa 167DD wind turbines, each producing 8 MW of electricity and capable of providing power to an even more impressive 1.3 million homes in England. The total output of the Hornsea 2 field is 1.4 GW, which makes it the largest wind power field on Earth.
Later in 2020 ‘Ndurance’ began laying the two export cables of the 857 MW Triton Knoll wind farm field, which also lies in the North Sea, 18 nautical miles off the coast of Lincolnshire. This field comprises of 90 Vestas V164 wind turbines, each producing 9.5 MW, and produces electricity for 935,000 homes in central England.
In 2023 ‘Ndurance’ was back in Dutch North Sea waters, 13 nautical miles off the Dutch port of Vlissingen, and started laying the two export cables, and the field interconnector cables, of the Borssele I and Borssele II wind farm fields, which together produce 752 MW of power. Power comes from 94 Gamesa SWT154, each producing 8 MW of power. She then moved to the adjacent Borssele III and Borssele IV wind farm fields, which produce 731 MW of power, and where she laid the two export cables. This combined field comprises 77 Vestas V164 wind turbines, producing 9.5 MW each.
In 2024, prior to her positioning voyage to Cape Town, ‘Ndurance’ completed the laying of the two export cables, and interconnector cables, of the Hollandse Kust wind farm field, which lies 29 nautical miles off the Dutch town of Egmont aan Zee. The field produces 760 MW of power from 52 Vestas V236 wind turbines, each producing a whopping 15 MW each, and providing electricity to 1 million homes in Holland.
The stay of ‘Ndurance’ in Cape Town was not long, and after just 15 hours alongside, her bunkers, stores, fresh provisions, and maintenance requirements were all completed. At 23:00 in the late evening of 10th March, she sailed from Cape Town, with her next destination, as per her AIS, given as Singapore, likely to be a final logistic stop for bunkers and other needs. That she is heading East is possibly a clue as to where she is ultimately heading to for her next cable laying contract.
Boskalis are well known for announcing new contracts, but not identifying where the contract is to be carried out. They currrently have a number of contracts about to start, where one of them is in Taiwan, and is connected to the new 920 MW combined Changhua 2B and Changhua 4 wind farm fields, which lie 19 nautical miles off the coast of Changhua County, facing the Taiwan Strait, and comprises 66 Gamesa 236DD wind turbines, each producing an impressive 14 MW of power. The field operator announced that the laying of field interconnector cables would be commencing in 2025. Is this the destination of ‘Ndurance’?
Having written about all of these large offshore wind farm fields around the world, in the UK, Holland, and Taiwan, and of which they only represent a small number of the operational fields, a look at the equivalent South African wind power production gives some perspective.
In 2024, South Africa operated a total of 41 wind farms, of which the largest was the Impofu wind farm field, located in the Eastern Cape. It operated 57 wind turbines, producing a total of 5.8 MW of power. The total output of all 41 wind farms in South Africa came to a total of 109 MW. Compare this to just two fields, one in Holland, and one in the UK, as per this article.
The total output of the Borssele field in Holland is 1,483 MW, which is 255.7 times greater than that of the output of the Impofu field, or 13.6 times greater than the total of the whole wind power output of South Africa. The total output of the Hornsea field in the UK is 2,600 MW, which is 448.3 times greater than that of the output of the Impofu field, or 23.8 times greater than the whole wind power output of South Africa.
Europe, as with South Africa, also produces power from Coal, Gas, Nuclear, Solar and Wind facilities. That said, Holland produces 12,000 MW of power solely from wind farms, both onshore and offshore, which provide 18% of the total power requirements of Holland. This figure is still 110.1 times greater than the total output from the wind farms of South Africa.
In the UK, 15,000 MW of power comes from offshore wind farms, and 16,000 MW from onshore wind farms. This 31,000 MW of renewable wind power only represents 5% of all UK energy requirements and is an eye watering 284.4 times greater than the total output of all wind farms in South Africa. The comparison of how some nations are moving steadily ahead in this sector of the energy industry brings into focus how far South Africa is falling behind in harnessing free, renewable, pollution free, power.
For the nomenclature aficianado, it is not a spelling mistake to think that the ‘E’ has been missed in error when mentioning ‘Ndurance’, but this is the strange corporate marketing ploy of Boskalis, of deliberately misspelling Endurance. It is the same with her sistership, which is named ‘Ndeavour’, rather than Endeavour. The grating spelling errors are, sadly, deliberate.
For buffs of exploration history, and as many maritime historians know, ‘Endurance’ was the famous lost vessel of the great Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and ‘Endeavour’ was the even more famous vessel of the greatest explorer of all time, that of Captain James Cook, on his first circumnavigation, and a voyage of which he called at Cape Town in 1771.
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The Blue Economy: The Horn of Africa, Nile Valley and the African Great Lakes
These are: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. It has its headquarters in Djibouti.
Earlier this month IGAD issued a policy brief with the title: Anchoring Blue Economy in IGAD Region and Member States.
The IGAD region holds vast Blue Economy potential with:
Furthermore, members of IGAD have been given a chance to enhance regional integration and cooperation on Blue Economy initiatives. An effort has been undertaken to conduct plastic pollution campaigns, media advocacy training, and gender-focused workshops.
In order to answer the question What’s next? The answer is reported to be the mobilization of resources to sustain these achievements and expand Blue Economy opportunities.
Since July 2021 the Agriculture and Environment Division of IGAD has been implementing a project Enhancing Blue Economy in the IGAD Member States for Biodiversity Conservations and Livelihood Diversification financially supported by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
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COSCO Shipping names new dual-fuel car carrier Wenjingkou
The new car carrier, named Wenjingkou, is a LNG-dual-fuel vessel and COSCO’s most environmentally advanced vessel. Construction time was an impressive 200 days from hull assembly to commissioning on 20 March 2025.
Equipped with an electric RoRo system, she is capable of achieving a 27% reduction in carbon emissions when compared with vessels using standard marine fuels.
The ship also complies with IMO’s stringent environmental recommendation standards.
The vessel has a length of 200 metres and width of 38m and has 14 decks of which 5 are adjustable. Deck space is equal to 75,000m2 with a maximum height of 6.5m for rolling on train sets or oversized vehicles. Her stated vehicle capacity is 8,600 motor cars.
A heavy-duty 250-ton stern ramp plus a side ramp helps enable fast and flexible loading and discharging of passenger vehicles, engineering equipment, buses, lorries and MAFI cargo.
Wenjingkou’s maiden voyage will be between China and northern Europe on COSCO’s Europe liner service. Reports indicate she will be carrying more than 5,700 commercial vehicles for European destinations, including Bristol in the UK and Zeebrugge in Belgium. A number of these vehicles are likely to be new-energy vehicles (NEVs).
Wenjingkou has a stated range of 28,000 nautical miles and is unlikely to call in a South African port if forced to divert around the Cape.
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RFA responds to EMPD officer unrest and calls for urgent resolution
Reports indicate that EMPD officers are demanding salary adjustments, a revised overtime system, improved working conditions, and greater recognition for their role in crime prevention. Their grievances stem from a recent decision by the City of Ekurhuleni to adjust the salaries of VIP Protection Unit members from R37,039 to R44,486 per month, along with a 10% discrepancy benefit.
This development has sparked widespread discontent among general EMPD officers, who argue that they face significantly higher risks in their line of duty without receiving equivalent benefits. Their complaints include the absence of danger allowances, night shift allowances, and disparities in working hours compared to their counterparts in Johannesburg. The officers compiled a formal memorandum outlining their demands, citing salary discrepancies, capped overtime, and alleged unfair labour practices as key concerns.
Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association, has strongly criticized the disruption caused by the strike, highlighting its negative impact on businesses, commuters, and essential services.
“The Road Freight Association (RFA) reminds the EMPD of their mandate and duty to ensure that citizens and businesses within their area of influence can conduct their activities safely and without disruption.
“It is deeply concerning that discussions on employment matters have escalated into actions that affect innocent civilians and businesses,” said Kelly.
“The RFA emphasizes the severe consequences of such strikes on the logistics sector, which operates on strict schedules. The blockage of roads has led to delays in perishable goods, manufacturing supply chains, shipping schedules, and retail logistics, significantly harming the economy. Additionally, workers relying on public transport, including taxis and buses, were unable to reach their workplaces, exacerbating the economic strain on businesses and employees alike.
“A particularly alarming concern is the potential obstruction of emergency services, including ambulances, fire and rescue teams, police vehicles, and essential medical deliveries such as blood and organ transport. Any delay in these services could have life-threatening consequences.”
“While the RFA acknowledges the importance of employer-employee negotiations and fair labour practices, it urges both parties to resolve their differences through structured dialogue rather than disruptive strike actions. The association calls on the relevant authorities to address the grievances of EMPD officers swiftly to prevent further unrest and restore stability in the region.
“It is imperative that all discussions regarding labour disputes take place in appropriate forums rather than on the streets, where they disrupt livelihoods and create safety risks. We call for an urgent resolution to prevent further harm to businesses, workers, and the general public,” concluded Kelly.
“The RFA remains committed to advocating for smooth and uninterrupted freight and logistics operations across South Africa and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
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Wallenius Wilhelmsen reports record-breaking financial performance for 2024
The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of USD 1.901 billion for 2024, marking a significant increase from USD 1.807 billion in 2023.
Net profit rose to USD 1.065 billion, up from USD 967 million the previous year.
This strong financial performance was driven by robust earnings across all segments, despite ongoing challenges such as capacity constraints caused by vessel rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope.
“2024 has been a strong year for Wallenius Wilhelmsen,” said Lasse Kristoffersen, President and CEO. “Our safety statistics have improved, customer satisfaction has increased, and our global team is more engaged.
Additionally, we have continued to reduce emissions while achieving the best financial results in our history.”
Total revenue for 2024 reached USD 5.308 billion, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the previous year.
Shipping revenues rose by 1% to USD 3.937 billion, despite an 8% drop in transported volumes due to capacity limitations. However, increased average rates helped offset lower volumes.
The Logistics segment saw a 5% revenue increase, reaching USD 1.205 billion, as supply chain disruptions eased.
Meanwhile, government-related revenue surged by 32% to USD 427 million, driven by heightened U.S. flag cargo activity.
In line with its robust earnings, Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced the highest dividend payout in its history. For the second half of 2024, the Board approved a dividend of USD 1.24 per share, bringing the total annual payout to USD 1.85 per share, amounting to USD 524 million.
“Our strong financial position has enabled us to invest heavily in our business while rewarding our shareholders with record dividends,” said Kristoffersen. “We remain committed to creating long-term value by balancing investments and returns.”
Wallenius Wilhelmsen continues to strengthen its position in the industry through major contract renewals and sustainability efforts. Key highlights from 2024 include:
Securing USD 8.9 billion in contracts exceeding USD 100 million in value.
Renewing a five-year contract with Hyundai/Kia worth approximately USD 4.2 billion, increasing its share of the automaker’s export volume to 50%.
Validating its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Expanding its Shaper Class newbuild program to include seven 9,300 CEU and seven 12,100 CEU vessels, set for delivery between 2026 and 2028.
Reducing Scope 1 shipping emissions to 4.162 million metric tons CO2e in 2024, a 1% year-over-year decline and a 7% reduction since the base year.
Looking ahead, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is poised for another strong year, leveraging its solid financial position, substantial book of business, and strategic partnerships.
“Thanks to the outstanding achievements of our team, we are uniquely positioned to lead the way in connected, sustainable supply chains,” said Kristoffersen.
“We aim to remain our customers’ first choice by offering integrated solutions, advancing towards net-zero emissions, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”
With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Wallenius Wilhelmsen says it expects continued success in 2025 as it navigates evolving market conditions and global challenges.
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Industry Titans chart the future of shipping at TPM25
Two of the most talked-about sessions featured executives from Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC, each presenting their distinct strategies for improving schedule predictability and efficiency in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
As an attendee, it was clear that while these companies are charting different courses, their end goals align: transforming container shipping into a more resilient, predictable, and sustainable industry.
During the session titled How Gemini Is Shaking Up the Schedule Reliability Game, APM Terminals’ Global Head of Hubs, Lars Mikael Jensen, joined Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen and industry analyst Lars Jensen to discuss the ambitious Gemini Cooperation.
This new alliance between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd aims to break free from the industry’s historical struggles with schedule reliability, which has hovered around the mid-50% range for years.
Jensen and Jansen made a compelling case for the hub-and-spoke model—a departure from the traditional direct-service approach.
By reducing the number of port calls per service and leveraging dedicated hub terminals and shuttle services, Gemini aims to push reliability above 90%.
The key to success, they emphasized, is the efficiency of hub terminals, where real-time operational control can keep cargo moving on schedule.
APM Terminals, a critical player in the Gemini strategy, has already invested $3 billion in infrastructure improvements to support this shift, with plans to expand hub terminal capacity by 40%.
The early results are promising; one example shared was the Maersk Antares arriving at Pier 400 in Los Angeles 54 minutes ahead of schedule—a small but significant victory for a network that hopes to redefine industry standards.
While Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are betting on cooperation, MSC is charting a different path—one of independence and direct port access.
CEO Soren Toft took centre stage in a keynote interview with CNBC’s Lori Ann LaRocco, where he reinforced MSC’s confidence in its standalone East-West network.
The company is leaning into its vast fleet—now at 900 vessels and a combined 6 million TEU capacity—to offer a streamlined service model tailored to customer needs.
MSC’s presence at TPM25 was impossible to miss, with 119 representatives engaging in discussions across a suite of 24 meeting spaces. Their approach centres on reliability, but with a distinct focus on customer-centric solutions.
Unlike the hub-and-spoke structure of Gemini, MSC remains committed to its direct-service model, emphasizing flexibility and personalized logistics.
Beyond operational efficiency, MSC also placed a strong emphasis on digital transformation. Elizabeth Shepard, MSC USA’s Digital Growth Manager, joined the TPM Tech panel to discuss the growing adoption of electronic Bill of Lading (eBL).
She highlighted how eBL is streamlining transactions with enhanced security, faster processing times, and reduced environmental impact.
Digitalization, in MSC’s view, is as critical to reliability as infrastructure investment is to the Gemini network.
While Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC may be taking different routes to the same destination, the message from TPM25 was clear: the industry is moving toward greater predictability and efficiency.
The Gemini Cooperation banks on network rationalization and strategic hubs, while MSC is doubling down on its independence, fleet size, and customer-centric innovation.
Both strategies are in their early stages, but one thing is certain—change is underway, and shippers are poised to benefit from more reliable, transparent, and resilient supply chains.
As TPM25 wrapped up, the question remained: which model will set the new standard? Only time will tell, but for now, industry stakeholders will be watching closely as these strategies unfold on the high seas.
Added 20 March 2025
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WHARF TALK: passenger ro-ro ferry – VOLCAN DE TAUCE
And yet here we are, with the recent arrival of an older Japanese passenger car ferry heading to Greece for a new commercial life, and now one heading in the other direction, also for a new lease of life, albeit one with a twist. Irrespective of it being new or old, the casual maritime observer always gets excited with the arrival of any passenger car ferry, for no other reason than they simply do not ply any regular ferry route that takes in a South African port.
On 16th March, as the early morning fog started to burn off at 09:00, the passenger ro-ro ferry arrived off Cape Town, from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. She entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock and going alongside at the Landing Wall, which gave some indication that her arrival was for more than just a simple bunker uplift call.
Built in 1995 by Astillero Hijos de J. Barreras SA, at Vigo in Spain, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ is 120 metres in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 9,807 tons. She is powered by two Deutz TBD 645L6 six cylinder, four stroke, main engines producing 8,872 bhp (6,616 kW) driving two controllable pitch propellers for a service speed of 18 knots.
Auxiliary machinery includes two Caterpillar 3308 generators providing 1,000 kW each, and a single emergency generator providing 386 kW.
She has a single Alfa Laval Aalborg CHR exhaust gas boiler, and a single Alfa Laval Aalborg CHM oil fired boiler. She has an Aquamar AQ-10/12 water maker, with fresh water capacity of 200 m3. For added manoeuvrability ‘Volcan de Tauce’ has two bow transverse thrusters.
As a roll-on/roll-off vessel ‘Volcan de Tauce’ has a vehicle deck capacity of 12,015 m3, which provides 1,023 lane metres for up to 320 motor vehicles, or 62 heavy goods vehicles. With a passenger capacity of a maximum of 347 passengers, and designed solely for short sea ferry routes, she provides basic facilities of a self-service restaurant, café, bar, lounge, duty free shop, and an airline style passenger seating lounge.
Built as one of two sisterships, with an operating crew of just 29 persons, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ was previously owned by the Armas Trasmediterránea Group, of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, and both operated and managed by Armas Naviera SA, also of Las Palmas. She was the oldest vessel in the Armas Naviera SA fleet, and when she first entered service she was one of the first Armas vessels offering passengers services on their inter Canary Islands routes.
Throughout her almost 30 year career plying Spanish waters, Volcan de Tauce’ operated on the short sea routes on the inter-island routes within the Canary Islands, as well as the short sea Mediterranean routes from Spain to Morocco, and to the Spanish enclaves in North Africa. In her career she sailed between Tenerife-La Palma, Tenerife-Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria-Lanzarote, Algeciras-Tangier, Motril-Tangier, and Motril-Melilla.
She was retired from service in Las Palmas on 10th January 2025, when she entered into a period of maintenance. In February it was announced that ‘Volcan de Tauce’ had been sold on to Al Wathba Investment LLC, of Dubai in the UAE and, somewhat bizarrely, would be operated by Emirates International Air Cargo, of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, with rumours that she will be converted into a Hospital Ship. Despite her sale to new owners, she still displayed the name of Armas on her hull, and still proudly displayed the Armas houseflag on her funnel.
It is not known if the conversion to a Hospital Ship is to be for future use as a naval military purpose, or for a civilian purpose, similar to that of Mercy Ships. Her conversion will include the fitting of more auxiliary machinery to enable domestic power for all onboard hospital services, and will include her receiving two additional Caterpillar 3512B generators, providing 1,056 kW each, plus an upgrade to her fresh water making capabilities.
Her time alongside at the Landing Wall took almost two and a half days, which indicated that she needed some local engineering and maintenance support, in addition to her logistical requirements of bunkers, stores and fresh provisions. At midday on 18th March, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ sailed from Cape Town, but only as far as the Table Bay anchorage, where she went to anchor for a short period of time.
Whatever the need for the short period of anchoring, it had been resolved after seven hours, and at 1900 in the evening of 18th March, she sailed from Table Bay, with her AIS suggesting that her next logistical stop was to be Port Louis in Mauritius. With her ultimate destination having been promulgated as being Dubai, it would seem that in order to avoid any pirate infested waters off the northern part of the East African coast, that ‘Volcan de Tauce’ would be taking the longer route around the outside of Madagascar, enroute to the Persian Gulf.
Back in March 2009, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ made the news when she was on one of her regular voyages on the Gran Canaria-Lanzarote route between Las Palmas and Arrecife. She took an unexpected list of over 40 degrees, which could not be corrected, and she limped into Arrecife, where the 80 passengers aboard were allowed to disembark, but their vehicles had to remain in the vehicle deck, as there was no way to get them off safely via the stern ramps.
In November 2023 the management of Armas Naviera SA was disciplined by the Spanish Labour Directorate, as a result of investigations that showed the company had breached labour agreements that covered crew working practices, including working hours and overtime. The company had failed to pay overtime to members of the crew, had made them work hours in excess of their working hours by reducing their rest periods, and not fulfilling the weekly time off allowance.
As she neared the end of her career with Armas Naviera SA, it became obvious that maintenance, and operational, budgets for her had been cut, as passengers began lodging complaints about the overall condition, and state, of the vessel, and the reduced onboard service provision, especially with reduced catering arrangements.
With the history of Armas Naviera SA being firmly linked to the Canary Islands, and for the Canary Islands themselves to be known worldwide as being both volcanic, and actively so, the vessels of the fleet have always traditionally been named after local volcanic peaks found throughout the Canary Islands. For the nomenclature aficionado, ‘Volcan’ is Spanish for Volcano, and Tauce lies on the slopes of the dormant volcano, Mount Teide on Tenerife.
Added 20 March 2025
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Royal Navy seizes £5.4m of class A drugs in Middle East bust
In its first successful drug bust of 2025, the Portsmouth-based frigate launched a coordinated operation involving drones and helicopters to track and stop smugglers in the dead of night.
The breakthrough came when operators of one of the Navy’s new Peregrine remote-controlled mini-helicopters spotted suspicious activity aboard two vessels at sea.
With the Peregrine providing crucial surveillance, HMS Lancaster deployed its Wildcat helicopter for a closer look.
Crew members observed packages being transferred from a small fast boat to a dhow, a type of fishing and cargo vessel commonly used in the region—clear signs of a smuggling operation.
As the illegal exchange continued, HMS Lancaster moved in at full speed. The smugglers, rather than surrender, attempted to dispose of their cargo, throwing the illicit packages overboard.
However, the Royal Navy crew, aided by aerial monitoring, quickly retrieved the dumped drugs and transported them back to the warship for testing.
The seizure is part of the Royal Navy’s ongoing efforts to disrupt international criminal networks, prevent illegal substances from reaching global markets, and reinforce maritime security in the region.
Added 20 March 2025
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Mozambique and Zimbabwe strengthen railway cooperation with new agreement
Signed on 14 March, 2025, in Maputo, the agreement enables CFM to operate on Zimbabwean railway lines, fostering stronger bilateral cooperation and enhancing the efficiency of cargo transportation between the two nations.
The agreements cover two major railway corridors:
This partnership is set to streamline freight movement between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, offering more reliable and cost-effective railway services to businesses and stakeholders reliant on cargo transport.
The signing ceremony was attended by top officials from both entities. Representing CFM were Chairman of the Board of Directors, Eng. Agostinho Langa Júnior, and Executive Director, Eng. Cândido Jone. NRZ was represented by its Board Chairman, Advocate Michael Madiro, and General Manager, Ms. Ainah Dube-Kaguru.
Under the agreement, CFM assumes responsibility for providing well-maintained locomotives, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations on NRZ lines. Additionally, CFM will supply fuel and essential consumables to support at least two daily trips and provide the necessary train crew for operations within Zimbabwe.
In return, NRZ commits to maintaining sufficient traffic volumes and ensuring that railway tracks remain in optimal condition for the safe passage of CFM locomotives.
This strategic collaboration is expected to strengthen regional integration, boost trade efficiency, and contribute to the economic development of both nations.
CFM has been actively enhancing regional rail connectivity through strategic partnerships. In addition to its recent agreement with NRZ, CFM entered into a landmark collaboration with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) of South Africa in April 2023.
This agreement facilitates seamless cross-border train operations between South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and the Port of Maputo in Mozambique.
The initiative allows trains to operate without the need for locomotive changes at the border, significantly reducing transit times and improving efficiency. The initial phase of this collaboration led to a 23% increase in magnetite volumes transported for export.
Building on this success, the agreement was expanded in September 2023 to include chrome and ferrochrome flows, with a commitment to operate three trains daily.
This expansion is expected to add approximately 230,000 tonnes to the rail freight volume, further underscoring the effectiveness of such cross-border collaborations.
Under this agreement, CFM freight trains operate as far as Belfast in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This initiative has significantly improved freight logistics in the region, reducing congestion on roads and increasing the competitiveness of rail transport.
Both the CFM-NRZ and CFM-TFR agreements exemplify a concerted effort to enhance regional integration, streamline cargo transport, and bolster economic development across Southern Africa.
Added 19 March 2025
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IMO moves forward with global maritime digitalization strategy
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has embarked on a significant initiative to develop a comprehensive global strategy for , aiming to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in international shipping.
This effort took a major step forward during the 49th session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL), held in London from 10 to 14 2025.
During the session, the Facilitation Committee outlined a structured work plan for the development of the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization. The strategy is expected to be formally adopted by the IMO Assembly by the end of 2027.
It will serve as a cross-cutting framework, integrating various aspects of IMO’s work to create a fully interconnected, harmonized, and automated global maritime sector.
To drive the initiative forward, the Committee established a Correspondence Group tasked with defining the scope, objectives, and implementation framework of the strategy. Over the next year, the Group will identify existing and emerging technologies, standards, and methodologies that support digitalization in maritime operations.
This effort will ensure consistency across IMO’s different committees and workstreams.
The Facilitation Committee has invited the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to encourage Member States and international organizations to participate in the Correspondence Group.
A report on the Group’s progress will be presented at the next session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) in 2026, with a final proposal to be submitted to the Assembly in 2027.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous navigation. However, he also highlighted associated challenges such as cybersecurity risks and the global digital divide.
“The IMO Maritime Digitalization Strategy is a game-changing effort to make smooth, seamless, smart shipping a reality. It will help integrate vessels and ports, improve logistics, and optimize routes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We must work together to ensure the strategy serves all,” said Dominguez.
The new digitalization strategy builds upon previous milestones, including the 2023 introduction of mandatory Maritime Single Window (MSW) regulations, which require ships and ports to use a unified digital platform to streamline information exchange and port call procedures.
At the recent session, the Facilitation Committee also advanced several key digital initiatives:
• Updated IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business: A newly approved version includes additional datasets to improve standardization and interoperability across maritime IT systems.
• Enhanced Maritime Single Window (MSW) Guidelines: Amendments were made to introduce verification functions, reducing manual administrative tasks and eliminating redundant checks by various authorities.
• Cybersecurity for Maritime Single Window: A new initiative was introduced to develop cybersecurity measures that protect MSWs and digital maritime operations from cyber threats.
• Electronic Certificates Guidelines: The Facilitation, Legal, MEPC, and MSC Committees approved joint guidelines on electronic certificates, which will now move forward for final endorsement.
The success of the IMO’s digitalization strategy will rely on collaboration with Member States and international organizations. Their input, particularly on safety and environmental protection considerations, will be crucial to shaping a secure and effective digital maritime landscape.
A detailed summary of the Facilitation Committee meeting will be released in due course, providing further insights into the next steps for this landmark digital transformation initiative.
Added 19 March 2025
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DP World and Maersk expand maritime services in Brazil with long-term agreement
Africa Ports & Ships
DP World and Maersk have signed an eight-year agreement to enhance maritime services at DP World’s terminal in the Port of Santos, Brazil. The partnership aims to increase container-handling capacity and boost vessel calls to support the country’s growing trade demands.
Under the deal, Maersk will introduce six new services with eight weekly calls in the first year, expanding to seven services and 10 weekly calls by 2026 following DP World’s planned capacity expansion. Currently handling 1.4 million TEUs annually, DP World is investing R$450 million to raise capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and an additional R$1.6 billion to reach 2.1 million TEUs by 2027.
“This agreement reinforces DP World’s presence at the Port of Santos and accelerates new expansion opportunities in Brazil,” said Márcio Medina, Commercial Vice President at DP World in Brazil.
Paulo Ruy, Maersk’s Regional Head of Terminal & Port Procurement for Latin America, highlighted that the partnership secures long-term service capacity at the port, ensuring reliable and efficient operations.
In 2024, DP World set a record for container-handling volume at the Port of Santos, surpassing 1.25 million TEUs—a 14% increase from the previous year. The company recently invested $50 million in advanced port equipment as part of an $85 million expansion project.
Additionally, DP World has partnered with Rumo, Brazil’s leading railway operator, to develop a new terminal for grain and fertilizer shipments, adding 12.5 million tons of capacity annually.
As DP World continues modernizing infrastructure and expanding trade opportunities, this agreement strengthens Brazil’s position as a key logistics hub in Latin America.
Added 19 March 2025
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West Africa emerges as key trade route for global shipping
Africa Ports & Ships
West Africa is rapidly becoming a crucial trade route for global shipping, with major carriers deploying increasingly larger vessels to the region.
According to a report by Port Technology International, maritime analytics firm Sea-Intelligence has highlighted significant vessel developments on Africa-bound services, underscoring the continent’s growing role as a maritime hub.
MSC, one of the world’s leading shipping lines, has announced the deployment of 23,000-TEU vessels on its Asia-West Africa (WAF) ‘Africa Express’ service. Previously, the largest vessel operating on this route had a capacity of 16,600 TEU, with an average vessel size of 14,465 TEU. The introduction of these ultra-large container ships represents a 50 per cent increase in nominal capacity on the service, a significant expansion.
The first of these new deployments, the 23,964-TEU MSC Diletta, was reassigned from the Asia-North Europe ‘Lion’ service, where it was replaced by a smaller 15,500-TEU vessel.
Commenting on this shift, Sea-Intelligence CEO Alan Murphy noted, “This is a remarkable development given that the reverse tendency has been observed in recent years, with smaller vessels on Asia-North Europe being replaced by larger vessels.”
Since June 2022, the average vessel size for deep-sea services to West Africa has grown by 50 per cent. In just over a year, 26 vessels of 15,000 TEU or more have been deployed on trades connecting to West Africa, with three of the four services being MSC standalone operations. This trend highlights MSC’s strategic focus on strengthening its network in the region.
“Africa’s population reached 1.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, increasing its share of the global population to 28 per cent,” Murphy added. “West Africa alone accounts for 30 per cent of Africa’s population, making it a key area for future shipping expansion.”
As global trade patterns evolve, West Africa’s growing prominence in maritime logistics is set to play a pivotal role in the expansion strategies of major shipping lines.
The fact of a number of West African ports having undergone recent upgrades to enable these larger vessels to dock, has obviously also contributed in no small measure to this nonetheless surprising development.
Acknowledgements to PTI, Sea Intelligence and Shednet.
Added 18 March 2025
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Carrier fleet modernisation underway at MedPort Tangier
Africa Ports & Ships
MedPort Tangier is set to undergo a significant upgrade as APM Terminals partners with Kalmar to modernise 32 straddle carriers at the transshipment facility.
The modernisation programme, scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025 and conclude by the end of the first quarter of 2026, aims to enhance equipment performance, safety, and reliability.
The agreement, recorded in Kalmar’s Q1 2025 order intake, falls under Kalmar Modernisation Services, a midlife refurbishment initiative designed to extend the service life of port equipment.
The upgrade aligns with APM Terminals’ commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and delivering world-class customer service at one of Africa’s key shipping hubs.
Located at the Tanger Med 2 port complex, APM Terminals MedPort Tangier opened in 2019 and plays a crucial role in global trade, serving major routes between Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Far East.
The terminal complements APM Terminals Tangier at the nearby Tanger Med 1 complex.
Keld Pedersen, Managing Director of West Med Hub Terminals at APM Terminals, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Kalmar at MedPort Tangier has strengthened over time, and the straddle carrier fleet has been instrumental in the terminal’s development.
“This modernisation programme reinforces our dedication to continuous improvement and service excellence.”
Kalmar Services President Thomas Malmborg also underscored the significance of the project, saying, “Reliability, safety, and productivity are central to Kalmar’s equipment, and this modernisation will ensure the fleet continues to support APM Terminals’ operations effectively.”
The refurbishment of the straddle carrier fleet is expected to further optimise MedPort Tangier’s operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a critical gateway for global maritime trade.
Added 18 March 2025
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