Namport is preparing the Port of Lüderitz Bay to support investments in green energy, oil, and gas. The planned infrastructural developments aim to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate current and future cargo volumes, as well as emerging industries such as green hydrogen, oil, and gas. “The port’s strategic location makes it an ideal hub for oil, gas, and green hydrogen production in Namibia, which is expected to attract more
Category: Shipping News
Global Container Ship Fleet Grows by 11% in H1 2024
The global container ship fleet has expanded by 11% in the first half of the year, reaching a total capacity of 29.5 million TEU, according to the latest report from the Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco). This marks the fastest growth in 15 years, with 264 ships totaling 1.6 million TEU delivered from shipyards during this period—two-thirds more than in the same timeframe last year. “The capacity has risen
Cameroonian-Flagged Ship Accused of Transporting Stolen Ukrainian Grain for Russia
The Cameroonian-flagged vessel Usko Mfu has been implicated in transporting grain for Russia to the Middle East, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The ship has reportedly made multiple trips to the Crimean port of Sevastopol since last year to load several tonnes of what is described as “looted” grain. Sevastopol is a crucial military hub for Russia on the Black Sea. To evade detection, the SBU claims
MPDC Initiates Tender for Maputo Port Container Terminal Expansion
The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has launched a public tender to engage engineering, procurement, and construction firms for the first phase of expanding the Maputo port container terminal, operated by DP World, a multinational logistics company based in the UAE. This expansion, announced in February following the extension of MPDC’s concession contract, aims to double the terminal’s capacity from 255,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 530,000 TEUs. According to
SOLAS Amendments Set New Standards for Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has enthusiastically endorsed the recent amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) adopted by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee. Effective January 1, 2026, these amendments will mandate the reporting of all containers lost at sea, setting a new benchmark for maritime safety and environmental protection. “The new regulations, specifically amending SOLAS Chapter V Regulations 31 and
Cyprus to Re-Tender $1.3 Billion Larnaca Port Project After Terminating Concession
Preparations are underway to re-tender the development of Larnaca Port after Cyprus terminated a $1.3 billion concession agreement. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced that Qatar, along with other investors, had expressed interest in the port. The re-tendering process might be delayed by potential legal actions from the previous operator, Kition Ocean Holdings. Kition Ocean Holdings, a joint venture between Israeli investor Eldeman Holdings BV and Cypriot firm Alexandrou Corporate Services
Singapore Expands Port Capacity to Reduce Congestion
The Port of Singapore is increasing its capacity and reopening older berths to alleviate congestion at the world’s largest transshipment hub. Container ships arriving at the typically efficient Port of Singapore have faced berthing delays of up to seven days, with total capacity waiting at dock reaching 450,000 TEU, according to analyst Linerlytica, as reported by Seatrade Maritime News earlier this week. The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Maersk ups full year earnings forecast as port congestion grows
AP Møller – Maersk expects a stronger financial performance in the second half of the year as container spot rates hit their highest level since August 2022. The Danish shipping company has upped its full year 2024 EBIT forecast to $1 – $3 billion from negative $2 billion – $0 previously and its full year EBITDA forecast to $7 – $9 billion from $4 – $6 billion previously. “On the
Major Progress Made in Cleanup Efforts Following Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore
The Unified Command for the Key Bridge Response, led by the US Coast Guard, reported significant progress by the end of May, announcing the clearance of a 400-foot-wide swath of the federal channel on May 20, facilitating the transit of pre-collapse, deep-draft commercial vessels to the Port of Baltimore. Efforts to remove sections of the wreckage are ongoing, with the Unified Command aiming to fully restore the Fort McHenry Federal
Turkey-Flagged Tanker Boarded and Robbed Off Cape Verde: Heightened Piracy Concerns in West Africa
In a significant escalation of piracy incidents off the coast of West Africa, a Turkey-flagged product tanker was boarded and robbed southwest of Nova Sintra, Cape Verde, early on Friday morning. According to British maritime security consultants Ambrey, the tanker was boarded by 10 armed suspects wielding AK-47s. The assailants reportedly damaged communication equipment, seized control of the bridge, and confined all crewmembers. A report from the International Chamber of