Kalmar’s latest order from Transnet Port Terminals advances hybrid cargo handling, boosting efficiency and sustainability across South African ports. (Image source: Kalmar Global)

Kalmar has strengthened its sustainability-driven partnership with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) through a major order for 16 hybrid straddle carriers

The agreement, recorded in Kalmar’s Q4 2025 order intake, will see the machines delivered to TPT’s Cape Town and Port Elizabeth container terminals by Q2 2026.

TPT, a key provider of integrated and cost-efficient cargo-handling services across Southern Africa, manages 16 sea-cargo terminals situated in Durban, Richards Bay, East London, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Saldanha. Its extensive equipment portfolio includes diesel-electric straddle carriers, RTGs, reach stackers, empty container handlers, forklifts, and terminal tractors.

The newly ordered hybrid straddle carriers mark a regional milestone, as they will be the first of their kind to be deployed in Southern Africa. Of the 16 units, 12 are designated for the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, while the remaining four will operate at the Cape Town Container Terminal.

Dean Moodley, general manager of capital projects at TPT, said, “We are committed to continuously improving efficiency and sustainability at all our port terminals, and hybrid straddle carriers have an important role to play in supporting this commitment. The new machines will enable us to significantly reduce fuel consumption, noise and carbon emissions all while enhancing operational excellence. Kalmar continues to be one of our valued partners in the renewal of our cargo-handling fleet.”

Karri Keskinen, head of global sales, horizontal transportation at Kalmar, added, “Kalmar is a true partner for TPT, supporting their journey towards more sustainable and cost-efficient cargo handling operations. We have built a strong supplier-customer relationship over many years of working together. We are delighted that TPT has chosen our proven hybrid technology to future-proof their port terminal operations.”

Enhancing trade efficiency and digital transparency across East Africa. (Image source: DP World)

DP World has initiated the rollout of its advanced Port Community System (PCS) in Kenya, marking a significant step forward in enhancing trade efficiency and transparency in the region

The Port of Mombasa, serving as a key gateway for over a dozen landlocked nations in East and Central Africa, handles a substantial portion of regional imports and exports. Strengthening its digital capabilities is therefore essential to boosting Africa’s trade competitiveness.

The PCS was developed in partnership with EMEA Port Logistics and implemented with support from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Government of Kenya. While DP World does not operate the port, the system provides all port users, public and private, with improved cargo visibility, enhanced operational efficiency, and faster clearance processes.

“Digitisation is no longer optional; it’s essential for unlocking the full potential of African trade. By introducing this platform in Kenya, we are connecting Africa’s ports to the digital economy and setting a new regional benchmark for digital integration and transparency,” stated Mahmood Albastaki, chief operating officer of Digital Trade Solutions at DP World. 

The PCS offers importers, exporters, freight forwarders, transport companies, and customs agents access to a comprehensive suite of digital tools, including cargo tracking, gate booking, billing, payments, and real-time status updates.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to reduce cargo clearance times by up to 30%, improving turnaround for more than 3,000 port users annually. For the Kenya Ports Authority, the PCS will facilitate smarter gate management, better control over cargo movements, and shorter dwell times, reinforcing Mombasa’s status as a leading maritime hub connecting East and Central Africa to global markets.

Jack Rono, Director of EMEA Port Logistics, added, “This partnership with DP World marks an important step in advancing Kenya’s logistics capabilities. Together, we’re creating a connected and transparent ecosystem that benefits all players in the trade chain.”

The Kenya PCS complements DP World’s expanding digital trade network across Africa, linking key corridors from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans to inland logistics hubs. It also supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 objectives to modernise trade infrastructure and foster a digitally enabled economy.

The PCS builds on DP World’s recent collaboration with the Government of Kenya via the eCitizen platform, which promotes the digitalisation of customs and government services, driving a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven trade environment.

Orange Marine expands its eco-efficient fleet with two cutting-edge vessels to secure and modernise global subsea networks. (Image source: Orange Marine)

Orange Marine, a subsidiary of Orange specialising in submarine cable operations, has announced the construction of two advanced cable ships to boost the resilience of undersea communication networks across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

With these additions, the Orange Group will possess one of the world’s most technologically advanced and modern maintenance fleets. In total, four vessels will serve key maritime regions, including the Atlantic, the English Channel, the North Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. Together, they will ensure the continuity and protection of critical submarine cable systems that connect continents. In addition, Orange Marine and its Italian subsidiary, Elettra TLC, operate two cable-laying vessels and one reconnaissance ship used for marine surveys.

“As a leader in global digital infrastructure, Orange manages over 450,000 km of undersea cables connecting all continents. This strategic investment in our fleet of cable ships will be a key to ensuring the resilience and security of the global Internet. It demonstrates our confidence in Orange Marine's prospects and the expertise of its teams,” said Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale.

Expanding capabilities with cutting-edge technology

The two new sister vessels, modelled after the Sophie Germain launched in 2023, will primarily perform submarine cable maintenance but will also have the capacity to lay connecting segments of up to 1,000 km. They are set to replace the Léon Thévenin (1983, based in South Africa) and Antonio Meucci (1987, based in Italy), which currently handle maintenance across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Red Sea.

Construction of the new ships has been awarded to Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka, a shipyard recognised for its expertise and the successful delivery of the Sophie Germain. This project reflects Orange Marine’s focus on industrial excellence and global collaboration, with delivery planned for 2028 and 2029.

A sustainable and innovative fleet

In line with Orange Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the two vessels will feature technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to current ships.

Key sustainable features include:

* A streamlined hull that cuts fuel consumption by up to 25 percent

* A hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system with onboard power generation and battery storage

* Azipod main thrusters to enhance manoeuvrability and reliability

* Shore power connection capabilities to reduce emissions while docked

Both ships will be equipped with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), developed by Orange Marine, allowing for precise underwater cable cutting, inspection, and burial operations.

Didier Dillard, President of Orange Marine and Elettra TLC, said, “The aging of the cable ship fleet is a major concern for all players in the submarine cable industry. Building these new ships will enable Orange Marine and Elettra to have the most modern fleet in the world, serving all our clients globally, with an optimized environmental footprint.”

Powering trade through maritime corridors

Comoros has launched its ‘maritime corridor’ project after receiving financial support from a range of multilateral donors, including US$137mn from the African Development Bank (AfDB)

The project aims to modernise port infrastructure that is essential to the economic development of the islands of the Comoros, facilitate trade and strengthen regional connectivity, the AfDB noted in a statement.

Specifically, it aims to boost capacity and efficiency of the ports of Moroni and Boingoma to meet current and future needs, reduce transport costs and facilitate inter-island and regional trade.

The hope is that it will enable the Indian Ocean archipelago to capitalise on its strategic geographical position in the Mozambique Channel and become a logistics hub between Africa and Asia.

The island chain is situated between the northern coast of Mozambique and the north-west coast of Madagascar.

“The maritime corridor we are launching today is an eloquent testimony to our ability to build a resilient nation, fully integrated into regional and continental dynamics,” said President of the Union of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani, at a launch event in Moroni, the capital.

“It is a living symbol of our openness to the world, a bridge between people, a vehicle for trade, cooperation and shared prosperity.”

Other partners supporting the scheme include the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the French Development Agency, the European Union and the European Investment Bank, which together have provided a further US$110mn in additional funding.

The Global Centre for Adaptation has also provided support for the assessment of climate risks to port infrastructure and adaptation options to be considered in the design of the structures.

An AfDB official said the maritime corridor — the flagship project of the Comoros Emerging Plan 2030 — will contribute to developing ‘value chains’ in agriculture and fisheries, while creating economic opportunities for young people and women.

Since the beginning of its cooperation with Comoros in 1977, AfDB has financed nearly 40 projects and initiatives worth US$530mn, across sectors including transport, energy, agriculture and governance.

Comorian Minister of Maritime and Air Transport, Yasmine Hassane Alfeine, thanked the bank and other lenders for their support.

“We are taking a new step in the modernisation of our port and maritime infrastructure, with the prospect of creating a special economic zone.”

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