Pirates Kidnap Crew of MV Bonita
Pirates have kidnapped nine crew members from a Norwegian shipping vessel named the MV Bonita off the coast of Benin in West Africa.MV Bonita was anchored and awaiting berth at the Cotonou port to discharge a shipment of gypsum when the pirates boarded, the shipping firm J.J. Ugland said in a statement Sunday.The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association said that it is in close contact with Ugland Shipping with a common and clear goal to bring the 9 sailors back to safety. The vessel and remaining crew are safely anchored in Cotonou and investigations are carried out. An emergency response team from J.J. Ugland is working with authorities on the case.The threat from piracy in West Africa has been high for years.
Antwerp to Manage Port of Cotonou
Port of Antwerp International (PAI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of Antwerp Port Authority, has been appointed by the Council of Ministers of the West African country of Benin to modernise the port of Cotonou. This port is the economic heart of Benin, handling an annual freight volume of around 12 million tonnes. In the longer term, the port authority wants the port to grow further, but both the infrastructure and the organization are outdated. The government therefore decided to temporarily outsource the management of the port. “We are delighted that the Benin government has opted for the expertise and knowhow of Antwerp,” says port alderman Marc Van Peel, who is also chairman of PAI.
CMA CGM Reorganises Its Asia - West Africa Services
In line with the West Africa market trend, CMA CGM Group adapts its service offering while continuing to improve its service reliability and cost efficiency. Withdrawal of WAX 2 service. WAX | Operated by CMA CGM with 12 vessels of 4,350 TEU, will discontinue South Africa and Nigeria calls. Instead, the service will add Abidjan Westbound to its current export call with an improved transit time up to 5 days. Abidjan from Shanghai will be reached in 37 days. ASAF | The sole product available on the market to West Africa South Range is operated with 12 vessels up to 9,350 TEU.
Russia Confirms Tanker Seized by Niger Delta Militants
Russia’s embassy in Nigeria confirmed on Thursday that the Greek-owned oil tanker Leon Dias has been hijacked in the Gulf of Guinea, reports TASS. There are reports that the oil tanker hijacked by suspected militants from the Niger Delta has been freed and is now located some 7.5 nautical miles near the Cotonou Port in Benin. The merchant ship, MT LEON DIAS that was allegedly hijacked by gunmen is current off the Coast of Cotonou in the Benin Republic. Nigerian military sources disclosed that the ship which is a chemical/oil tanker is currently under the custody of the Beninois Navy. "The name of the ship is MT LEON DIAS. An oil tanker…
CMA CGM Group Upgrades African Service
The CMA CGM Group announced changes to its African service, upgrading its EURAF 4 service to directly connect West Africa to the West Mediterranean markets each week starting July 18, the group announced. Up until now, the EURAF 4 service has been calling the following ports: Tangiers, Lome, Cotonou, Port Gentil, Libreville, Lome and Tangiers. The service upgrade will see added calls in Italy, France, Malta and Spain. Starting July 18, two vessels will be added to the EURAF 4 service so that a total of seven vessels between 2…
Restrictions for Vessels Calling at Cotonou
Port Authorities have informed that the completion of heavy works for the enlargement of breakwaters at the port of Cotonou is scheduled for end of July. - Overview: Vessels complying with mentioned particulars berthing or sailing subjected to favorable weather conditions. Minimum 1 bow thruster in good working condition required. - Overview: Vessels complying with mentioned particulars berthing or sailing subjected to favorable weather conditions. Minimum 1 bow thruster in good working condition required. - Overview: Berthing and sailing always subjected to good weather conditions. - Overview: Berthing and sailing always subjected to good weather conditions. - Overview: Vessels complying with mentioned particulars berthing or sailing subjected to favorable weather conditions.
Preventive Measures Against Ebola in Benin, Cotonou
1) For all vessels calling Cotonou port, the agent is required to send to the Harbor Master office a port of call list mentioning the last 10 ports of calls, three days prior to arrival. 2) All vessels arriving from or which have called at a ports in one of the countries infected by Ebola should have on board prevention equipment (gloves, masks, sanitizing gel, etc.). 3) All vessels arriving from or which have called at a port in one of the countries infected by Ebola, and which have prevention equipment onboard, must stay at anchorage and receive FREE PRATIQUE from port health authorities prior to pilot boarding. (Boat transportation cost for embarkation/disembarkation of port health authorities are on the vessel's account and same is to be arranged by the agent).
W. African Port Offers Anchorage Piracy Protection
The head of Benin army and navy has issued an official note to express the commitment of Benin Government to secure Benin Waters against sea crime. The protection, security and safety of Benin maritime space is a national priority for the government as it is considered vital in the economic and social development of the country. Apart from some important diplomatic commitments engaged in the sub-region and the writing of a national strategy of maritime protection and safety, the Benin government has adopted concrete and operational measures to maintain his maritime level at its best level. In the harbour of Cotonou port, Benin Government has created some security zones for vessels to anchor.
