Rising Vessel Fires Claim Eight Seafarers in 2025, Sparking Safety Concerns Eight seafarers have lost their lives in vessel fires since June, highlighting mounting concerns within the maritime sector about the growing scale and complexity of onboard fire risks. The most recent fatality occurred last weekend, when a delivery ship captain died at the Port of Yeosu in South Korea. Container shipping has accounted for most of the recent casualties,
Category: Shipping News
Explosion on Cargo Ship Halts Traffic at Baltimore Port
Baltimore Cargo Ship Explosion Shuts Port Channel, Sparks Investigation US investigators are probing the cause of an explosion aboard a coal-carrying cargo ship that shook the Port of Baltimore on Monday evening as the vessel set sail for East Africa. The blast lit up the night sky with flames and a thick plume of smoke over the Patapsco River, forcing the closure of the port’s main shipping channel. No injuries
South Africa’s Container Ports Exceed Weekly Throughput Expectations
South Africa Ports See 14.7% Weekly Container Throughput Growth, Port Elizabeth Leads South Africa’s container ports outperformed anticipated throughput targets during the week of August 4–10, according to the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU). Compiled from data by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity South Africa (Busa), the CMU shows an average of 13,121 TEUs handled daily, representing an increase of 1,683 TEUs per 24-hour
DP World Reports Strong H1 2025 Results Amid Global Trade Challenges
DP World H1 2025 Revenue Surges 20% Driven by Ports, Terminals, and Acquisitions DP World has reported robust financial and operational results for the first half of 2025, demonstrating the resilience of its integrated global trade platform amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The results, released on August 14, 2025, show a 20.4% year-on-year revenue increase, reaching US$11.244 billion, fueled by strong performance across Ports & Terminals and contributions from
Japan Pledges Stronger Economic Ties with Africa and Indian Ocean States
Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba Calls for Deeper Africa–Indian Ocean Cooperation with New Investments Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has urged closer cooperation between Africa and Indian Ocean states, pledging greater investment and improved connectivity to stimulate economic growth. Speaking at the Indian Ocean–Africa Economic Partnership Forum, held alongside the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Ishiba highlighted the region’s young population, abundant natural resources, and vast growth potential. The
South Africa’s Container Ports Show Strong Growth Despite Ongoing Challenges
South Africa’s Ports Record Strong Container Growth in August Despite Operational Hurdles South Africa’s container ports delivered stronger-than-expected performance during the week of 4–10 August, according to the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU) compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity South Africa (Busa). The data shows that the country’s ports handled an average of 13,121 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per day over the seven-day
Lobito Atlantic Railway Transports 15,000 Tons of Sulphur to DRC
Lobito Atlantic Railway Strengthens Africa Mining Logistics with 15,000-Ton Sulphur Shipment to DRC The ANEMON vessel recently docked at the Lobito Mining Terminal (TMPL) carrying 15,000 tonnes of sulphur bound for Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This shipment brings Lobito Atlantic Railway’s (LAR) total sulphur transport to over 36,000 tonnes, cementing its reputation as a reliable logistics partner for Africa’s mining sector. After unloading at the port, the
South Africa Denies Russian Navy Vessel Docking Amid U.S. Trade Tensions
South Africa Blocks Russian Navy Ship Docking as U.S. Trade Talks Intensify South Africa’s refusal to allow the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet training vessel, Smolny, to dock in Cape Town for restocking and resupply has sparked diplomatic tensions. Sources indicate that last-minute trade negotiations with the United States played a key role in the decision. The move comes as the South African government works to avoid the 30% unilateral tariffs
South African Exporters Hit Hard as Maersk Ends Direct US Shipping Route
Maersk Cuts Direct South Africa–US Cargo Link, Driving Up Costs and Delays for Exporters South Africa, Africa’s largest economy, is facing a fresh blow to its trade sector as Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it will halt direct cargo services between South Africa and the United States from October 1. The decision, communicated to customers this week and reported by News24, will force South African exports to be rerouted through
MSC Launches Major Feeder Fleet Renewal with 120 New Vessels
MSC Replaces Ageing Feeder Fleet with 120 New Ships in Major Modernisation Push The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has embarked on a major feeder fleet renewal programme, ordering 120 new vessels with capacities of up to 5,000 TEUs, according to a report from Braemar Shipping Services. The large-scale investment is aimed at replacing MSC’s ageing short-sea fleet, many of which are over 22 years old. This move reflects MSC’s broader