Captains of industry networked with Captains of oceangoing ships, to ensure opinions were expressed and heard from every sector of the maritime community. “No cash MACN macaroons” with passion (fruit) flavour marked the start of the conference and the passionate drive towards greater compliance globally.

The post Insights from the MACN Conference 2024 in Copenhagen appeared first on OMA Group.

We were honoured to have the presence and contributions of our Group CEO, Mr. Gerrit Van Der Merwe, whose insights and leadership continue to inspire us all. The event’s success was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our group, showcasing the collective effort of every participant.

This year’s meeting focused on crafting our future by discussing strategies, setting goals, and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the path forward. Through a series of thematic sessions, workshops, open discussions, and even fun games, this created an ambiance filled with memorable moments, laughter, and, admittedly, a bit of pain as some challenges proved tough. Yet, it was the prevailing team spirit and a competitive yet fun mindset that carried us through to the end.

The different themes explored during the meeting, coupled with interactive workshops and open discussions, allowed us to dive deep into the complexities and opportunities within our industry. The inclusion of fun games helped break the ice, foster teamwork, and create an atmosphere where ideas could flow freely, ensuring that every moment was not only educational but also enjoyable.

As we reflect on the success of this gathering, we were reminded of the power of unity and shared vision. The discussions we had and the goals we have set pave the way for a future where we not only meet the challenges of the logistics industry but also redefine its standards.

This meeting was a reminder of what we can achieve together, and it’s with great anticipation that we look forward to the road ahead.

The post Crafting Our Future: A Look Back at the Annual Logistics Country Managers Meeting 2024 appeared first on OMA Group.

Recently, OMA Group expanded its African footprint by inaugurating operations in Namibia with the acquisition of one of the oldest Logistics and Shipping companies in Walvis Bay.

“This strategic move, driven by our existing customer base demand for services in Namibia, is underscored by our dedication to fostering growth and enhancing our service portfolio in Africa, with a one-stop-shop for existing and future customers, in various industries, at the highest service standards. We will also be looking at expanding our footprint within Namibia by opening offices in Windhoek and Lüderitz to meet customers’ requirements, ” said Gerrit van der Merwe, Group CEO of the OMA Group of Companies.

Our Walvis Bay establishment is not merely a new office, but a confluence of seasoned professionals following the acquisition. With a team of ten, we collectively bring together an impressive 120 years of industry expertise, averaging 15 years per individual. This depth of experience is pivotal as we offer a comprehensive range of services, encompassing general logistics, freight forwarding, ships agency, offshore oil & gas logistics support, and customs clearance brokerage, at the highest standard demanded by our customers.

The addition of a 650sqm dedicated warehouse, bonded and unbonded, and an open laydown area of 1,600sqm further demonstrates our commitment to delivering efficient and streamlined solutions to our clientele.

Under the leadership of Jacques Oosthuizen, the newly appointed General Manager with 10+ years’ experience in Shipping and Logistics in Namibia, we are confident that our customers will be very satisfied with our service offerings in Namibia.

As OMA Group Namibia charts its course in this new territory, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards of service excellence and corporate integrity.

The post OMA Group Namibia: Embarking on a New Strategic Venture appeared first on OMA Group.

The government imposed a curfew from 2100hrs to 0600hrs and all operations at the airport and seaport were initially halted, leading to flight cancellations and a temporary pause in port activities.

The curfew has been adjusted, allowing the reopening of the port, and operations have resumed. Flights to/from Freetown International Airport have also resumed.

For further updates on the situation in Sierra Leone, please contact shipagency.sl@omagroup.com

The post Sierra Leone Nationwide Curfew appeared first on OMA Group.

Meet Neale Proctor, Group Sales & Commercial Director of OMA Group in Africa

We asked him a series of questions, to better know his company and its views on European Projects.

To see the Africa Shipping Line booth in person and get 25% off your tickets, use Neale’s code: BBEUNEWNP

Register now through the link below:

https://lnkd.in/dNmEBdqY

The post Breakbulk Europe 2023 appeared first on OMA Group.

The Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority has issued revisions to the port tariffs for Tema and Takoradi which will come into effect from March 2021.

All vessels calling at Tema and Takoradi will be charged as per the new tariffs and you can download copies of the new tariffs here:

GPHA – Port Tariffs Mar21 – Part 1
GPHA – Port Tariffs Mar21 – Part 2
GPHA – Changes to the Revised Tariff Mar21

 For any questions please email OMA Ghana.

The post Port Tariff update – Ghana appeared first on OMA Group.

The timeline for implementation is:

• 15 July              Implementation with period of grace until end of August
• 31 August         Grace period ends
• 1 September     Implementation of penalty for non-compliance – US$15,000

IMO 2020 is a term used to describe the implementation of the Regulations to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). MARPOL is one of the most important international marine environmental conventions and IMO 2020 aims to improve air quality and protect the environment by reducing the Sulphur Oxide (Sox) produced by ships.

Source: Sierra Leone Ports Authority IMO 2020 Implementation
More information on IMO here

The post Sierra Leone Ports Authority – IMO 2020 appeared first on OMA Group.

• Effective from May 1st, corporate organisations must impose a 1% levy on the supply of goods and services in the country (other than exempted goods and services) and the import of goods and services (other than exempt imports).
• The Levy also applies to the supply of goods subject to the VAT Flat Rate.
• The COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy is not allowable as an input tax deduction

Therefore, the new rate for VAT in Ghana is 19.25% effective 1st May, 2021.

The breakdown is as below:

Please download the official announcement here:  2021 LAWS AND AMENDMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

The post 1% VAT change in Ghana with immediate effect appeared first on OMA Group.

Awards co-ordinator Katherine Benton commented:

“2020 marks the fifth year that MEA Markets Magazine has hosted the MEA Business Awards. It has also been one of the most challenging years the region has faced, with little in the way of precedence to guide solutions. In the circumstances businesses of all sizes found themselves in, this vast region’s entrepreneurial spirit took hold, acting as a guiding light when other options were lacking. It is with this in mind that we organised the 2020 awards.”

You can read the full article below here: Best Ship Agency & Logistics Business West Africa

The post Benin wins Best Ship Agency & Logistics Business appeared first on OMA Group.

Dedicated to overcoming the crisis in crew changes and repatriation of crew members at the end of their contracts of service, The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change defines four main actions to facilitate crew changes and which ultimately, keeps global supply chains functioning:

• Recognizing seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines;
• Establishing and implementing gold-standard health protocols based on existing best practices;
• Increasing collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes; and
• Ensuring air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.

“We are proud to support this campaign which is committed to the safety and wellbeing of seafarers, on whom so many people and industries depend.” said Gerrit Van der Merwe, OMA Group CEO.

Below is the full declaration:
The-Neptune-Declaration-on-Seafarer-Wellbeing-and-Crew-Change

The post OMA Group Signs Neptune Declaration appeared first on OMA Group.