US ports count the cost of 25% tariff on STS cranes
NewsOne port operator claims the “pending tariff decision halted our procurement process”, while another says it has explored the possibility of cancelling crane contracts.
African cyber security plea
The Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has called on African nations to work together on introducing measures and upgrading systems that will enable their maritime industries to deal effectively with any possible cyber security attack.
Given that 90% of Africa’s trade is moved by ship and considering the significance attached to the AfCFTA (see article above), the ISS’s latest advice is particularly relevant.
A report entitled Maritime Cyber Security – Getting Africa Ready pointed to cyber security breaches elsewhere in the world, including the one in 2017 that disabled Maersk’s liner shipping and port operations, claiming that a similar breach in Africa could be catastrophic.
“Given the highly interconnected and networked nature of African and international economies and transport systems, the impact of maritime cyber security threats may have a devastating effect on the stability and wellbeing of African nations,” the report stated.
However, it said most of the 55 countries in Africa are not dedicating sufficient resources to address current, let alone future, cyber security challenges. The ISS stressed: “African governments need to follow best practices with regard to ensuring the cyber security and safety of their port infrastructure, and ensure compliance with the latest IMO guidelines for cyber-securing vessels.
“Cyber security, including in the maritime space, cannot be achieved in isolation. The African Union and regional economic communities have a central role to play regarding adoption and harmonisation of national policies and laws.”
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This complete item is approximately 230 words in length, and appeared in the November 2020 issue of WorldCargo News, on page 15. To access this issue download the PDF here
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