The 12 108-TEU MSC Aino made history last Friday when it became the first MSC container vessel to be named in the Port of Durban. The ceremony coincided with an announcement by MSC chairman Captain Salvatore Sarno of the formation of a new training facility in the port city, the Shosholoza Ocean Academy, which will begin operating in November. “Our intention is to actively demonstrate our confidence in the country, and by extension the economy, as we have put plans in place to train and create jobs for 5000 people on both our cruise and container vessels.” The academy has been set up as a non-profit company. “Managing director Rosario Sarno met with the Department of Trade and Industry to formulate its development and we have the full backing of government going forward,” said Sarno. The KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (KCT) – a partnership between MSC Cruises and African Armada, a black empowerment company headquartered in KZN – was recently awarded the contract for the development of a new passenger terminal. The academy will be housed in this building. According to Sarno, training will be provided by qualified personnel in fields relevant to the cruise and container and cargo sectors. Details of recruitment and enrolment will be made available shortly.
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