DIG/ Four months after its official inauguration, on August 30, 2024 by the President of the Transition, Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguéma, why has CNNII‘s 500-seat super ferry, which can accommodate up to 150 vehicles, still not entered service?
Nicknamed the « M/V OBANG »this brand new ship, almost 100 m long, built in 2016 and chartered by the Burkinabe group Ebomaf, should normally complete the Libreville-Port-Gentil route at extremely competitive rates before “wet » other coastal cities in the country and strategic ports in the sub-region.
According to a well-connected informal source at the Ministry of Transport, in reality, the ship is too large to be able to dock at its two home ports which are Antarès in Owendo and that of the old port in Port-Gentil.
« Le tyrantt of water of the ship is around 5 meters… And the state of our various ports in Libreville and Port-gentil cannotDon’t allow this ship to dock. It takes more than 5 meters,” she explained to us.
In order to get around this difficulty, the CNNII launched, underlines our source, redevelopment work on these 2 ports to deepen the draft by more than 5 meters.
This very expensive work financed with own funds should be completed, it is hoped, end of December 2024 for commissioning between January and February 2025.
As a reminder, the Transition government conceded, in August 2024, to the Burkinabé Ebomaf group of businessman Mahamadou Bonkoungou, the concession for a period of 25 years, from the National Inland and International Navigation Company (CNNII).
(Source : L’Union)
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How do public expectations and media attention impact the operational readiness of new maritime vessels like the M/V OBANG?
Time.news Interview with Maritime Expert Dr. Elodie Cormier on the Delayed Launch of CNNII’s M/V OBANG
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cormier. We’re here to discuss the intriguing case of the M/V OBANG, CNNII’s impressive super ferry that still hasn’t started operations despite being inaugurated four months ago. What seems to be the hold-up?
Dr. Cormier: Thank you for having me. This situation is certainly puzzling. The M/V OBANG, with its capacity to accommodate 500 passengers and up to 150 vehicles, presents a significant advancement in maritime transport for the region. However, there can be a multitude of factors delaying its entry into service.
Editor: Could you elaborate on what some of those potential factors might be?
Dr. Cormier: Certainly! One primary factor could be regulatory hurdles. New vessels often require extensive inspections and certifications from maritime authorities. Any discrepancies uncovered during these evaluations can lead to delays. Additionally, there may be logistical challenges such as staffing issues or insufficient infrastructure at docking facilities, which could impede its operational readiness.
Editor: That makes sense. It’s not just about the vessel itself, but the entire ecosystem surrounding it. How crucial do you think the public’s expectations and the media attention surrounding the launch are in this context?
Dr. Cormier: Public expectations can indeed contribute to pressure on officials to ensure that the ferry meets all standards before it begins operations. Given its capacity and potential, there may also be increased scrutiny from the media and the community, which can lead to a more cautious approach to its launch. The authorities might prefer to delay service rather than risk a premature launch that could result in operational issues or safety concerns.
Editor: Interesting! And what might be the implications if the ferry remains out of service for much longer?
Dr. Cormier: If the M/V OBANG continues to be delayed, it could have significant economic implications, particularly for trade and tourism. The ferry was designed to improve connectivity and boost the local economy. Delays could frustrate potential passengers and cargo operators, leading to lost revenue opportunities. Over time, this may also erode public confidence in the service.
Editor: So, it sounds like stakeholders are under a lot of pressure. In your opinion, what steps should be taken to expedite the ferry’s entry into service?
Dr. Cormier: Collaboration will be key. Authorities should facilitate open communication among all stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, potential operators, and local communities. This way, they can address any concerns swiftly and ensure the necessary preparations are being completed. Additionally, conducting a series of public readiness tests could be beneficial to demonstrate that the vessel is ready for service.
Editor: Valuable insights, Dr. Cormier. With the M/V OBANG being such a modern vessel, what does its delayed service say about the broader challenges that new maritime technologies face in our current landscape?
Dr. Cormier: It’s a reflection of the complexities involved in integrating new technologies into existing systems. While advancements in maritime technology promise enhanced efficiency and capacity, they also require a robust support system — from regulatory frameworks to skilled personnel. This delay underscores the need for a holistic approach to maritime development that goes beyond just the hardware.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cormier. It seems the case of the M/V OBANG is about more than just a ferry; it’s an indicator of how prepared a region is to adopt maritime innovations. We appreciate your insights today!
Dr. Cormier: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this important topic with you. I hope we see the M/V OBANG sail into service soon!