Nigeria’s recent election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council represents a pivotal moment for its maritime sector. Securing a seat in Category C for 2026–2027, the nation reaffirms its position as Africa’s largest blue economy. Labor unions and media celebrate this achievement, crediting strategic leadership and inter-ministerial collaboration.
Danish Shipping has launched a program to enhance maritime skills among African cadets, focusing on West Africa. Collaborating with major Danish shipowners like Maersk and Norden, the initiative aims to provide world-class training. Since 2019, 18 students have been sponsored, with more set to join in the coming years.
The world’s oceans, covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, hold immense potential for clean marine energy through powerful currents. Unlike solar or wind, these currents are consistently moving, offering a reliable renewable energy source. Researchers identify Africa’s eastern and southeastern coasts as prime locations for harnessing this energy for local electricity systems.
India is strategically enhancing its port infrastructure internationally, building on successes like Chabahar in Iran. Through Indian Ports Global LTD (IPGL), it targets African nations, especially Tanzania, for development projects. The goal is to elevate port capacity significantly, promoting India’s maritime presence while fostering global partnerships and cooperation.
Family members of crewmembers abducted from the product tanker BITU River off the west coast of Africa are pleading for help. Ten crewmembers were taken by pirates while the vessel was en route to Cameroon. The families are seeking assistance from the Indian government to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
Sea-Intelligence predicts Africa will be a crucial expansion point for shipping lines due to population growth and economic improvements. MSC plans to deploy 23,000+ TEU vessels on their Asia-WAF ‘Africa Express’ service, increasing nominal capacity significantly. This shift towards larger vessels in West Africa reflects the region’s economic potential and growing demand for maritime services.
Companies going bankrupt and workers losing their jobs is common in capitalist societies. However, abandoned ships present a different scenario. When a ship is left in a foreign port with no support, dwindling supplies, and services shutting down, it signifies a complex situation. Crewmembers are left in uncertainty, relying on welfare agencies.
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has expanded its reach by opening a new Maritime Training Centre (MTC) in Ghana, offering courses for cadets, officers, ratings, and hospitality crew. This move strengthens BSM’s ties with the Regional Maritime University and demonstrates their commitment to developing African seafarers to meet the growing demand in the region.
Maersk, a container shipping giant, continues to divert vessels away from the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea despite reduced attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. Safety remains their top priority, opting to sail around Africa until security in the area is guaranteed. This cautious approach reflects their commitment to protecting crew, vessels, and cargo.
Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of APE owner V Group, unveiled a groundbreaking project focusing on solid waste collection from ships in waiting areas. The plan includes establishing a waste-derived fuel plant for green hydrogen production. A strategic partnership with key players in the sector highlights a holistic approach to sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
The council has updated Operation ATALANTA’s mandate to enhance maritime security in Somalia, the Gulf of Aden, the West Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. The goal is to combat piracy and illicit trafficking at sea by strengthening regional maritime security. Collaboration with Operation ASPIDES and rebranding the Maritime Security Center will further bolster these efforts.
An unidentified ship carrying Catholic devotees sank during a maritime procession, resulting in the loss of six lives and 17 rescued individuals. Search and rescue efforts continued with three people, including the captain, reported missing. The tragic incident left the community in mourning, awaiting updates on the recovery operation and supporting the survivors.
Nigerian stowaways were found on a vessel’s rudder in the Canary Islands after a dangerous journey from Africa. Detained by Salvamento Maritimo, they claimed to have boarded in Abidjan. Despite harsh conditions, they were in good health. Spanish authorities have seen an increase in migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands by sea.
Fincantieri, Vard Marine, and Sandock Austral Shipyards have come together to enhance maritime security in Africa through the Afrika Offshore Patrol Vessel. Sandock Austral Shipyards will exclusively market and manufacture the VARD 7 055 in sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing advanced technology to strengthen security efforts on the continent. This partnership signifies a significant advancement in African maritime security capabilities.
Officials provided an update on the salvage efforts for the grounded Ultra Galaxy cargo ship off the South African coast. Despite challenging weather conditions, teams continue to work on oil retrieval. The vessel broke into two, making the operation more difficult. Salvage teams face the task of locating and extracting remaining oil.
