Namdock wins Angolan Navy Maintenance Contract
In September 2019, in a milestone agreement, Namdock concluded a contract to maintain and repair the vessels of the Marinha de Guerra Angolana (MGA), the Angolan Navy.According to Namdock’s Commercial and Operations Manager, Willie Esterhuyse, although the contract has been concluded, the exact date when the vessels will be arriving in Walvis Bay has not been finalized, it is anticipated that this will be early in 2020.In terms of this agreement, Namdock will take two Angolan Navy vessels into its dry docks initially.
Privinvest Forms Shipbuilding JV in Angola
Middle East based shipbuilding group Privinvest announced the start of a major shipbuilding and maritime economy program with the Republic of Angola that will initially see the shipbuilder provide a range of vessels for the Angolan Navy. In parallel, Privinvest together with Simportex, will develop and operate a shipyard in Angola to build new ships, service ships and provide a wide range of servicing facilities for the existing fleet, Privinvest said. In addition to supplying a number of ships, Privinvest will be provide a Transfer of Technology to enable the construction of naval vessels in Angola. According to Privinvest, the initiative is a component of its investment strategy in Angola and the strengthening of business relations between Privinvest and the Republic of Angola…
Liberia Wraps up Kerala Hijacking Investigation
The Liberian Registry has concluded its investigation into the pirate-hijacking of the product tanker Kerala off Luanda, Angola, on January 18, 2014. The Liberian investigation is based on evidence gathered by an INTERPOL-led multinational Incident Response Team as well as findings of its own investigative efforts. The Liberian Administration is currently in the process of publishing its report into the hijacking of the Liberian-flagged vessel. Liberia requested the attendance of the INTERPOL Incident Response Team in Tema…
Hijackers Release Tanker, Dynacom Says
The oil tanker reported missing on January 18 at Angola, Luanda Anchorage was allegedly released by hijackers, according to a statement from the vessel's owner, Greece-based Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd. The Liberian-flagged MT Kerala was hijacked by pirates who stole a large amount of cargo before leaving yesterday, Dynacom said, adding that it was able to reestablish contact with the ship’s master, and all crew members are alive and accounted for. One injury has been reported. “Representatives of international law enforcement and intelligence agencies that are experienced in dealing with piracy incidents will be attending on board…
Missing Tanker Found; Account of Pirate Attack Disputed
M/T Kerala vanished on January 18 off Angola; Angolan Navy says hijacking faked. The Angolan Navy is claiming that the crew of an oil tanker reported missing off its coast on Jan. 18 were part of faked pirate attack. Separately, a regional security expert who declined to be named for the purposes of this report, expressed doubt as to the accuracy or motives of the Angolan Navy statements. The Sonangol time-chartered vessel was eventually located in Nigerian waters. Previously, the crude oil tanker was reported missing from Luanda anchorage and thought to be hijacked by pirates. All communications with the tanker had been lost. On 26 Jan 2014 the Master made contact with the owners reporting that the tanker had been released and that the pirates had stolen a large amount of cargo.
