GetCTN Monthly Newsletter - July
Aug 06, 2024 11:11 am
Madagascar hosts regional workshop on Port Facility Self-Evaluation and Audit
From 15 to 19 July 2024, Madagascar hosted the Regional Workshop on Port Facility Self-Assessment and Audit. Sixteen (16) national officials from the Agence Portuaire Maritime et Fluviale (APMF) and the ports of Antsiranana, Toamasina, Ehoala, Toliara, Mahajanga, and Nosy-Be, which are open to international traffic, as well as eight officials from the Union of Comoros, took part in this workshop.
This was the fifteenth activity organized in Madagascar as part of the Port Security and Navigation Safety Programme (PSP). The PSP is a project of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), funded by the European Union and implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). The program aims to build the capacity of the responsible authorities, ensure the availability of the relevant legislation and compliance framework, and implement a regional information sharing mechanism and a cargo and passenger data exchange system within the Southern and Eastern Africa and Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) region.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL are also providing essential technical support for the SPP.
In the maritime transport sector, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is the reference regulatory framework for guaranteeing the security of ports, cargoes, ships, and the crew on board. It came into force on 1 July 2004 and is mandatory for all contracting states, including Madagascar. The ISPS Code is part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which Madagascar ratified in 1976.
Port facilities are vital to the economy, exposed to numerous threats, and difficult to secure due to their size, complexity, and the volumes of goods that pass through them. To achieve the objectives of the ISPS Code, governments and port authorities appoint Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) for each port facility. PFSOs are responsible for defining, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving effective plans to deal with potential security threats, hence the importance of self-assessments and audits. Aspects relating to the development of regional cooperation were also examined during the meeting.
In addition to the ongoing efforts to enhance port security, it is essential to note that Madagascar also mandates the use of the Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons (BSC) Certificate for all shipments entering the country. This certificate ensures that cargo complies with Malagasy regulations and helps streamline customs clearance. Compliance with this requirement is critical to avoid delays and penalties in the clearance process.
Guinea: Port of Conakry welcomes CMA CGM’s first LNG-fuelled container ship
On Wednesday 31 July 2024, the CMA CGM Group’s first liquefied natural gas container ship, TIVOLI, docked at the Port of Conakry in Guinea. Fatoumata Binta BARRY, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Transport, presided over the reception ceremony for this environmentally friendly 2,000-container ship.
‘This reception ceremony for the liquefied natural gas-powered vessel in the CMA CGM Group fleet is in line with our ambition to make the Port of Conakry a competitive and attractive port in the West African sub-region and worldwide. For this first trial at the Port of Conakry, we are honored to be included in this privileged list of major international shipping lines in which CMA CGM is a major player,’ said Mamadou Biro Diallo, Managing Director of the Port Autonome de Conakry.
‘This noble commitment by the CMA CGM Group, aimed at passing on a healthy and liveable planet to future generations, is fully in line with the Guinean Government’s vision, in line with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030,’ said Mrs. Fatoumata Binta BARRY, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Transport.
To tackle climate change, the Ministry of Transport is encouraging its partners to opt for an environmentally-friendly solution by commissioning new-generation ships using renewable energy.
On a related note, shippers should be aware that Guinea Conakry mandates the use of an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) certificate for all imports. This document is essential for ensuring that cargo is properly tracked and documented before entering the country. Failure to obtain the ECTN certificate can result in significant delays and penalties, emphasizing the importance of compliance for all shipping activities destined for Guinea Conakry.
Shaping the Future of Cameroon’s National Blue Economy Strategy
From July 29 to 31, 2024, Yaoundé hosted a Stakeholders Consultative Workshop to develop Cameroon’s National Blue Economy Strategy. Funded by Norway’s support to AU-IBAR, the event focused on identifying priority issues, addressing challenges, and establishing governance mechanisms. Mr. Georges MBA ASSEKO of the AU Commission emphasized aligning Cameroon’s strategy with regional frameworks and enhancing coordination among national agencies.
The workshop featured presentations on the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and sector-specific information about Cameroon’s blue economy, highlighting institutional arrangements and the potential of blue economy resources. Discussions addressed key issues such as maritime safety, plastic pollution, and the role of the blue economy in Cameroon’s structural transformation.
Participants included representatives from various ministries and organizations. Working groups identified key objectives, including restoring aquatic ecosystems, enhancing education, developing fisheries and aquaculture, and investing in infrastructure. The workshop concluded with a plan to disseminate the National Blue Economy Strategy Outline for feedback and finalize the strategy, reaffirming Cameroon’s commitment to a sustainable blue economy aligned with regional and continental goals.
In addition to these developments, it's important to note that Cameroon requires a mandatory BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) Certificate for all shipments entering the country. This certificate is crucial for tracking cargo and ensuring compliance with import regulations. Failure to do so can result in significant fines or delays at the port of entry.
Development of the Environmental and Social Impact Study for East Mole Terminal in Pointe Noire
AD Ports Group has completed an environmental and social impact study for the New East Mole Terminal in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo – Brazzaville. This study is part of their 30-year concession agreement with the Congolese government, aiming to manage and operate the terminal.
Conducted in line with national regulations and international standards, the study provides recommendations to improve the project's social, communal, and environmental performance. A public consultation in May 2024 engaged key stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and port operators, to inform them about the project's development.
AD Ports Group will equip the new terminal with advanced technology and digital services to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The company is committed to urban planning, safety, security, and sustainability throughout the concession.
Regional CEO Mohamed Eidha Tannaf AlMenhali emphasized the group's dedication to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into their business practices. Under the agreement, signed in June 2023, AD Ports Group will invest over $500 million, with $220 million earmarked for the first phase, expected to be completed within 30 months.
Pointe-Noire, as the Republic of the Congo's main commercial hub, will benefit from enhanced trade and connectivity through this project, supporting the nation's National Development Plan focused on economic diversification and growth.
Separately, it's important to mention that all shipments to the Republic of the Congo – Brazzaville must be accompanied by a mandatory Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) certificate. The CSC has noticed that some shipping companies are loading oil cargoes bound for the Republic of Congo without including the ECTN in their shipping documentation.
Consignees are reminded to ensure that the ECTN certificate is properly communicated to the shipping lines they represent.
Not including an ECTN can result in penalties for the shipping line under current regulations.
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