Unions are welcoming a decision from the EU maritime watchdog which avoids up to 50,000 Philippines-certified crew being barred from working aboard European-owned ships.  This was reported by the ITF on 14 April.

In March the Port of Los Angeles reported that it had processed 487,846 TEU in February, a 43% decrease from the previous February’s all-time record.

A new guide to support countries to put in place port reception facilities to receive marine plastic litter from ships has been published. Plastic litter has devastating effects on oceans, marine life and human health. Some scientists warn that, by 2050, the quantity of plastics in the sea will outweigh fish.

The South African chapter of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC SA) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the 35th  PIANC World Congress from 29 April – 03 May 2024, in Cape Town.

The congress will include presentation of technical papers in research and development within the waterborne transportation environment.

On 10 March the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Roads and Transport of Kenya reported that Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority for a period of three years with immediate effect.
The position of Managing Director at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had been

Due to environmental aspects, lack of available typical onshore marine facilities like harbours, docks or quays, risk-related issues or other cost and schedule constraints, locations of oil and gas, solid bulks and even passenger terminals can be in isolated areas requiring the use of Single or Multi Point Mooring (SPM or MPM) terminals located offshore close to the coastline. Vessels can connect to these facilities for the loading/offloading of goods and passengers.

Strengthening port security in Madagascar was the focus of a training workshop held in Antananarivo, Madagascar  from 6 to 10 March.

This event brought together 24 participants, including Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) from various ports in Madagascar as well as representatives of the Designated Authority (Agence Portuaire Maritime Fluviale (APMF)).

‘On 8 March every year, UN Women and the entire United Nations system celebrate International Women’s Day.

‘This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.

‘This has great relevance for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) family.