The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is closely observing the ongoing developments in the Middle East concerning the rerouting of merchant vessels around the Good Hope.
SAMSA, as the country’s designated authority for maritime safety and environmental protection, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and assessing its potential impact on global shipping routes. Through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town, the Maritime Domain Awareness is on high alert to support the high-volume traffic. SAMSA anticipates a possible increase in maritime traffic along the South African coastline and the MRCC is well-positioned to monitor the movement of merchant vessels in real time.
The Safety Authority calls on ship operators to remain vigilant and stresses the importance of relying on verified, authoritative maritime safety information when making operational decisions.
“We stand fully prepared to support all vessels choosing to navigate past our coastline thereby providing the right of innocent passage as per The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said SAMSA’s CEO, Captain Dennis Mqadi. “We remain ready to provide navigational guidance, maritime domain awareness updates, and safety information to ensure secure and efficient passage for all ships.”
SAMSA reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety within South African waters. “We will continue working collaboratively with national departments, regional partners, and global maritime bodies to ensure that South Africa remains a safe, reliable, and strategically important route for international shipping,” said Mqadi.
For further information, please contact:
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
Email: mediaenquiries@samsa.org.za