Thungela Says Coal Terminal Workers' Strike Not Impacting Exports
Thungela Resources, South Africa's largest shipper of thermal coal burned in power stations, said its shipments of the fuel have not been impacted by a workers' strike at the country's key coal export hub. Workers at Richards Bay Coal Terminal, which is owned by coal exporters including Thungela, Exxaro Resources, Glencore, and Seriti, have been on a strike for the past three weeks. A two-week strike at South Africa's state-owned ports and rail company Transnet last year hit coal shipments…
Two New Tugs for KZN Ports
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) celebrated a twin milestone for its KwaZulu-Natal ports as part of its R1.4 billion ($106.3 million), nine-tug construction contract. On Thursday, 22 August the new USIBA tug was christened and named ahead of its delivery to the Port of Richards Bay, while the Port of Durban took delivery of its Umbilo tug which had been launched and named in May. The vessels are the sixth and seventh respectively to roll off the production line on time and within budget. All nine tugs are being built by Southern African Shipyards in Durban.
Marine Firefighting at Sea: Training to Survive
Fire onboard a boat or ship is generally considered the most dangerous situation on the water. While advances in technology have helped to mitigate risk, consistently investing to upgrade a crew’s firefighting training, skills and equipment is the best means to keep crew, ship and cargo safe if disaster strikes. While innovative new fire-resistant materials and advanced fire suppression equipment onboard ships and boats has helped to improve fire security, technology alone is not a one-stop security blanket in the quest to keep crew and ship free from harm in the case of a fire.
Collaboration Key in MV Smart Wreck Removal
Titan Salvage, now a part of Ardent following completion of the merger of Titan and Svitzer Salvage, has completed the removal of the wreck of the cape-size MV Smart coal carrier in South Africa, an especially challenging project due to weather conditions that prevail on the South African coast, particularly during the winter period. The removal of the vessel, which was entered in North P&I Club by owner Alpha Marine, has been accomplished on time and on budget due collaboration with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Titan and North.
Total Sells ts Coal Mining Assets to Exxaro
Total has signed an agreement with Exxaro Resources Ltd for the sale of its 100% stake in Total Coal South Africa (TCSA), its coal-producing affiliate in South Africa. The consideration for the transaction is $472 million, with completion of the sale subject to approval by the relevant South African authorities. “This sale is part of the Group’s 2012-14 asset sale program and is in line with Total’s objectives to focus on its core activities and to actively manage its portfolio”, said Philippe Sauquet, President Gas & Power, Total. “While Total has made the necessary investments to position TCSA for growth in the medium term, Total believes TCSA will have the opportunity to maximize its long term potential with a new strategic coal investor.
Mzamo Named Port Manager at Port of Richards Bay
Hlubi Mzamo, new port manager of the Port of Richards Bay, did not expect to find himself at the helm of the port with the largest cargo volumes in South Africa when, he joined the National Ports Authority (NPA), as marine operations manager in Cape Town, 18 months ago. Mzamo had just settled down with his family in the Mother City, when the NPA, landlord and regulator of South African ports, informed him that he was being promoted to an even more responsible position. From sitting in his office, which overlooks the valuable Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), he modestly concedes that although the promotion was wholly unexpected, he is encouraged that his continuous hard work as marine operations manager was rewarded so quickly.
