Maritime Week Africa 2025 Examines Port Louis as Bunkering Hub Along Cape Route
In the last decade, the volume of bunkering at Port Louis, Mauritius, has more nearly tripled from 284,000 in 2014 to 929,000 tonnes in 2024, thus making Mauritius shine on the world bunkering map. Analysts pointed out that the #RedSeaCrisis is forcing ships to avoid the Suez Route and take the Cape Route for safety reasons.
The Maritime Week Africa 2025 (#MWAF2025) took place at the Hilton Hotel in Mauritius from 25 to 27 March 2025. This edition of the event is organized by Ship Energy in collaboration with the Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDBmu) under the theme of “Embracing Change and Planning for the Future.”
During his opening remarks, Mauritian Minister of Blue Economy underscored that Mauritius is emerging as a Bunkering Hub in the region. He added that he hopes that Mauritius will be able to develop the full potential of its large #EEZ and the #BlueEconomy.
Kenyan envoy Nancy Karigithu also noted that the Blue Economy represented an immense potential for Kenya, and to Africa in general. So far, the Blue Economy in most African countries is mostly untapped and represents a great economic driver in terms of job and wealth creation.
Indeed, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is advocating for the #decarbonization of the shipping industry. The plan would require an investment of at last USD 1.6 trillion to retrofit ships with less polluting or renewable energy sources.
During the recent visit by Indian PM Modi to Mauritius, he upgraded India’s strategy for the Indian Ocean from #SAGAR to #MAHASAGAR, which can be translated as Great Ocean Strategy. Thus, India is working to improve port infrastructure and enhance maritime connectivity in the Indian Ocean.
Based on its geostrategic location along one of the key maritime routes, Mauritius has the potential to develop into a Maritime Hub offering #transhipment services. In addition to bunkering, Mauritius also developing into a cruise ship destination and an important fishing port.