Customer Business Seminar in South Africa

10.09.2018
Odfjell Mazibuko SA (OMSA) welcomed 20 representatives from ten local companies to a full day seminar, focusing on latest updates from Odfjell corporate, new ship regulations relevant for the tanker industry, and Africa’s economy and future prospects.


The seminar was officially opened by Commercial Manager of OMSA, Malcolm Chetty. He outlined the benefits by getting together to share knowledge between customers and partners. 

CEO/General Manager of OMSA, Gunnar Moen, continued by giving an overview of Odfjell SE and our company. The presentation also included a market outlook and an outline of the targets Odfjell has set for coming years. Gunnar underlined the current status of Odfjell, and that we are now standing on a solid platform and are leaner, smarter and more competitive – with expectations that 2018 will be a turning point for our markets. 

The seminar continued with Marine Engineer FiS-CMC Surveyor at DNV-GL, Albert Bertrand, and his presentation on IMO GHG emission regulations, Global Sulphur Cap 2020 -2050, and the IBC code Ballast Water Management Phase 2. 

Bertrand covered among the subjects the attractive prices in the Newbuild Tanker Market, the revision of IBC code, the MRV EU regulation towards the reduction of GHG emission 2023 – 2050, The Sulphur Cap 0.5% Sulphur 2020 and various compliance options, and the Ballast Water Management D-2 in 2022.

 

Mike Schussler (Economists.co.za), Wana Mkhuseli (PetroSA), Jay Koovarjee and Soogan Naidu (Masimochem), Ben Human (Sasol)


Economist Mike Schussler has been awarded the South African Economist of the Year award twice. As an entrepreneur and owner of Economists.co.za, the leading private economic research house in South Africa, he holds a renowned position in his field.

At the seminar, he covered the world trade and transportation prices, highlighting that world trade is growing, although at a vastly slower rate. From the African markets’ point of view, Shussler mentioned that East Africa looks better than West or even Southern Africa:

  • In West Africa, growth in the region is projected to strengthen to 3.1% in 2018 and to 3.5% in 2019, which is below its long-term average,  
  • Nigeria is anticipated to grow by 2.1% this year (2018), as a non-oil sector growth remains subdued due to low investments, and at a 2.2% pace next year, 
  • Angola, on the other hand, is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2018 and 2.2% in 2019, reflecting increased availability of foreign exchange due to higher oil process, rising natural gas production, and improved business sentiment. 
  • In the East Africa region, Ethiopia is expected to grow 9.7%, 
  • Kenya will manage 5.9% in 2019, 
  • Tanzania will grow at 5.8% in 2019, 
  • Rwanda and Uganda are expected to grow at 7.1% and 6% respectively. 


Following the presentations, a networking session and general discussions summed up the day.
 

Guy Barker (Amsol), Vuzi Mazibuko (Mnambithi), Darryl Jones (Mentor Shipping), Richard Lees and Berno Verwey (FR Waring)

 

The attendees represented the following companies:

Sasol South Africa Limited
Mentor Shipping Agency
PetroSA
Protea Chemicals South Africa
FR Waring
Masimo Chemicals
Engenoil
Mnambithi Group
Transnet National Port Authority
Amsol