Maritime Gala Dinner Launches In November

South Africas shipping industry leaders will get the chance to celebrate and connect at the inaugural South African Maritime Gala 2024 which takes place in Durban later this month.

The event, organised by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster EMC, in collaboration with the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents, will take place at the Nkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on November 25.

EMC said in a statement that the goal of the event was to establish a prestigious annual gathering, bringing together local and international maritime communities.

The gala event will offer an elegant yet relaxed environment where industry leaders and professionals can connect, share insights, and celebrate achievements within the maritime sector, EMC said.

We believe this gala will soon become a flagship event on the maritime calendar, driving both industry development and unity.

eThekwini Maritime Cluster managing director Zenzile Gwamanda said the event was being launched in KwaZulu-Natal because the province was home to two busy ports, Richards Bay port, which handles large volumes of bulk cargo, and Durban, which handles the most containers, ship calls and the highest aggregate tonnage of vessels.

She said EMTs management hoped the event would create a new platform for collaborative engagements in the maritime industry.

The event will bring together key players in shipping, logistics, and related sectors, providing an opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing relationships, she said.

The gala event aligns with our cluster objectives, and we hope it will foster networking opportunities that are essential for generating valuable collaborations within the industry. This will become an annual event, ending the year in a celebratory mood for the shipping industry, Gwamanda said.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and KZN Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, are among the guest speakers at the event.

EMC said it had invited maritime sector stakeholders who shared its vision of fostering growth and collaboration in the local industry to sponsor the event.

Sponsors include Sandock Austral Shipyards, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Linsen Nambi Bunker Services.