Additional muscle sets K&S on growth path

KING AND Sons are no newcomers to the Mozambican freight scene, having had a continuous operating presence in Maputo since 1971, and until now sharing in name only with the Durban-based King and Sons
But this has now all changed says MD of the Mozambican company Liam Mckenzie. Following recent shareholding changes, King and Sons Mozambique is now fully incorporated in the southern African network of King and Sons and enjoys the full backing of the Grindrod group, which Mckenzie says is something to celebrate.
“With our head office in Maputo, we operate full branches in Beira and Nacala and provide the full spectrum of freight and ships agency services. Growth is number one on our agenda and with Grindrod’s regional muscle we foresee great opportunities.”
A recent event of note for King and Sons and indeed the local shipping fraternity was the handling of the stricken laden Capesize bulker CSK Tribute, which sprang a hull leak in the Mozambican channel en route from Brazil to the Far East and sought refuge in local waters.
“In a co-ordinated operation over a full month involving the deployment of the largest salvage tug in the world, the vessel was towed stern first from just north of Maputo into the bay of Nacala for successful repairs conducted by Dormac. This was also a first for the port of Nacala, being the largest vessel ever to enter the port,” said McKenzie.
King and Sons is currently heavily involved in the citrus export season underway in Maputo and indications are that after a quick start in May, 2004 will be a good season.
“The pooling co-operation agreement in place between Seatrade and LauritzenCool in
the South African ports has been extended to Maputo under our agency, and the market is already seeing the benefits of this,”
said McKenzie.
“Dedicated full loaders are
lifting up to 4500 pallets departing Maputo direct to the European NWC. In addition the same service recently loaded the first containers of palletised fruit departing
Maputo direct for the NWC.
“With terminal productivity
on the up and the proactive management approach of FPT Maputo, the scene is set for
a great season.”
Mckenzie also reports that stringent Zero Damage Control procedures are being applied to shipments ex Maputo in order to ensure excellent outturns in Europe.