Metso Opens Cape Town Regional Hub to Support African Ports, Localisation and Bulk Materials Handling Growth Global industrial technology group Metso has expanded its bulk materials handling network with the opening of a new regional hub in Cape Town, strengthening its operational presence and service capacity across Africa’s port and mining sectors. The Finnish company, which supplies technologies, equipment and services to the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries
Category: Shipping News
Hapag-Lloyd Suspends Africa–Upper Gulf Shipments Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Hapag-Lloyd Halts Africa-to-Gulf Cargo Bookings Over Security Risks in Strait of Hormuz German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has suspended cargo bookings from Africa to the Upper Gulf region, citing increased operational and security risks linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The decision follows recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. The attacks reportedly targeted senior Iranian leaders and triggered a
Transnet Launches Private-Sector Partnership for Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal
Transnet Seeks Private Partners to Boost Efficiency and Investment at Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal South Africa’s port and rail freight parastatal, Transnet, has officially issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to kickstart the selection of a private-sector partner for its Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal (RBDBT) Private-Sector Participation (PSP) project. The RFQ marks a key milestone in Transnet’s “Reinvent for Growth Strategy”, demonstrating the organisation’s readiness to engage the
Maersk Positioned to Take Control of Panama’s Port of Balboa
Maersk Set to Expand Influence at Panama’s Port of Balboa Following Supreme Court Ruling Against HutchisonMaersk, the Danish shipping giant, is poised to assume control of the Port of Balboa in Panama City, marking a significant expansion of its influence in global maritime trade. While Maersk may no longer hold the top spot as the largest container line by TEU capacity, gaining operational control at Balboa would give it sway
Lobito Atlantic Railway Launches First Ethical Copper and Cobalt Shipment from DRC to Global Markets
Lobito Atlantic Railway Facilitates First Copper and Cobalt Shipment from DRC to Global Markets In a landmark milestone for the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Trafigura announced the first delivery of copper and cobalt along the corridor linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Angola’s deep-water port of Lobito. EGC, a state-owned entity responsible for purchasing cobalt from artisanal producers in the DRC, has
Morocco to Launch Nador West Med Port as Second Major Mediterranean Deepwater Hub
Morocco Set to Open Nador West Med Port in Q4, Expanding Mediterranean Trade and Energy Capacity Morocco is preparing to bring its second Mediterranean deepwater port, Nador West Med, into operation in the fourth quarter of this year, marking a major step in expanding the country’s maritime and logistics capacity. The new port is designed to build on the global success of Tanger Med, which is currently the largest port
Madagascar and Mercy Ships Conclude Successful Africa Mercy 2025 Medical Mission
Mercy Ships Completes Africa Mercy 2025 Field Service in Madagascar After Ten Months of Life-Saving Care The Government of Madagascar and the international medical charity Mercy Ships have officially marked the successful conclusion of the Africa Mercy® 2025 field service, following ten months of close collaboration focused on strengthening surgical care and healthcare capacity across the country. The completion of the 2025 field service represents the end of a significant
South Korea Signals Interest in Maritime Transport Investments in Cabinda
South Korea Seeks to Invest in Maritime Transport and Agriculture in Cabinda, Angola The Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Angola, Kwangjin Choi, announced on Thursday in Cabinda that his country is interested in investing in the province’s maritime transport sector. Speaking to the press after a meeting with the Governor of Cabinda, Suzana de Abreu, the ambassador said South Korean companies are exploring opportunities to supply passenger
MSC Enhances Iroko Service with New Direct Call at Cape Town
MSC Adds Direct Cape Town–Asia Link to Iroko Service, Cutting Transit Times for Reefer and Dry Cargo Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced an upgrade to its Iroko service, introducing a new direct call in Cape Town as part of efforts to expand port coverage and strengthen trade links between South Africa and key Asian markets. “This strategic enhancement provides a direct connection between Cape Town and Asia, offering faster
MSC Halts Cargo Shipments to Mali Amid Rising Insecurity and Fuel Blockade
MSC Suspends All Cargo Services to Mali as Al-Qaeda-Linked Blockade Deepens Fuel and Security Crisis The world’s largest shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has announced the suspension of all cargo bookings and overland transport to Mali, citing escalating insecurity and a worsening fuel crisis triggered by militant blockades. The Swiss-based logistics giant said that growing security risks along key transport routes and a severe fuel shortage have made it