We choose the sea and ships to make a living, not to make ourselves rich, but because we like the people. It is people that make the maritime industry happen - and in this issue it is about those involved in training and job creation, those in a salvage operation, those working in the ports and other land-based concerns, those aboard vessels, those in the service industry, and those who are trying to make a difference as South Africa transforms.

The road freight industry is faced with many challenges, least of all the fact that 650 million tonnes of freight is moved by road annually. It is why the ports, rail system, roads and air freight services need to work together more efficiently and effectively. Recently, a Road Freight Association convention was held at Sun City, and we hope that what came out of it, together with the story on what is happening in the Mozambican ports, makes for interesting reading.

As we went to press the news came through that legislation allowing the use of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) within the East London Industrial Development Zone is under review. Automotive suppliers are currently excluded from benefits offered by the MIDP which rewards automotive manufacturers who use local content with rebates because of parallel tax and customs arrangements operational within the Customs Control Area of the IDZ. Its good news for East London and could set a precedent for all four of the country’s IDZs, reasserting them as compelling investment locations.

We all know Cape winter storms bring drama and while the salvors wait in the wings to rush to the rescue of stricken ships such as the Kiperousa, we ask the question: Are abnormal waves predictable? Researching the subject was a strong reminder that the forces of nature are unpredictable no matter where you are in the world, whatever the size of your ship is, or how brave you are. After reading of some of the experiences of huge ships, some of which can take as many as 2000 passengers, all I can say is that I hope I never have the experience of being in the path of a monster wave!

South Africa is following the international trend of exploring how it can make use of its renewable resources instead of relying on fossil fuels. The government has set targets to introduce renewable energy in the next decade and this year and earlier this year a British company was in discussions with the Department of Mineral and Energy, the Central Energy Fund and the Energy Research Centre at UCT with a view to harnessing wave power and establishing wave energy farms on our coastline.

In conclusion and to remind you, I am always looking for news and photographs. You can send these to me at trachandler@telkomsa.net or contact me on 072 993 9585.

Until next time.
Editor


Cover story
This photograph of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen ro-ro vessel was taken in Port Elizabeth last year. The shipping line currently has about 60 vessels transporting vehicles worldwide and recently unveiled a design for a cargo ship using only the sun, wind and waves to power it. The environmentally sound design does away with having to carry ballast water.