Ebola will impact lines' 'parcelling' possibilities

Africa could very well evolve as one of the world’s leading energy producers in the coming decades, according to Benjamin Nobel, senior chartering broker and market manager for Africa at BBC Chartering. “There are some major developments under way on the continent that bode well for Africa’s future,” he told FTW. “These include the plans by ENI and Anadarko to build the world’s second largest LNG Plant in Mozambique. We believe this will trigger significant activity in the project shipping industry over the next few years.” Plans by companies such as Indorama, who are set to create Africa’s largest petrochemical hub within the Eleme complex in Port Harcourt in Nigeria, are further confirmation of Africa’s growing role in the energy producing sector. “This is an IEFCL project and comprises an ammonia plant, a urea granulation plant, associated infrastructure and utilities as well as a gas pipeline.” Nobel said staying on top of market developments would become increasingly important in the African environment. “We also are aiming to develop closer local ties that help to further establish our brand in the African market,” he explained. Africa, however, is not without challenges - with Ebola currently top of mind. “It continues to determine much of the activities, leading to less parcelling possibilities – ie, fewer voyages that combine cargoes from Europe or Far East that would normally call multiple countries that are now designated Ebola countries,” he said. “We expect to see a tailback resolution of cargoes held up due to Ebola factors during 2015.” Another challenge was that South Africa’s importing activities were below average due to its weak rand and that was also affecting shipping he said. “But Africa’s opportunities are growing. There are ongoing oil and gas development projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and Nigeria, while mining developments in Liberia and Mauretania are also impacting positively. The LNG processing facilities in Mozambique will bring significant benefit.” INSERT & CAPTION We expect to see a tailback resolution of cargoes held up due to Ebola factors during 2015. – Benjamin Nobel