The introduction of larger
vessels by Mediterranean
Shipping Company (MSC)
on its Far East to West Africa
trade means “space is not an
issue” for South
African
companies trading with West
Africa, according to national
commercial director Glenn
Delve.
Efficiencies have also
improved with the use of the
port of Lomé in Togo as MSC’s
West African hub.
“Lomé is proving to be an
efficient hub port for MSC.
The connections are really
smooth.
“We have four feeders which
are offering a very good service
to the 16 points of delivery that
we call via Lomé,” he says.
Connectivity through
Nigeria is also improving.
“We are working more
closely with Sifax
Terminal in Nigeria
to provide solutions
for customers
wanting to use
Apapa as a point of
delivery.”
Delve sees
opportunities
for increased trade between
South Africa and the West
African region.
“The opportunities are
good given that these are
emerging
and growing
markets.
“However,
a shortage
of foreign
currency
remains
the biggest
challenge
for new and
prospective
shippers and
receivers.”
Another
problem that
shippers need
to plan for is that “customs
formalities and clearance in
West African ports are always
challenging.
“As a result there is a
constant request for extensive
free equipment demurrage,”
he says.
But, companies are
overcoming the challenges
and are trading successfully
with the
region.
“The trade
is stable, with
standard
and niche
commodities
moving both
ways.
“There is
an increase in
the volumes
of dry cargo
year-on-year
but reefer
exports
from South
Africa have dropped slightly
on account of reduced
availability of product –
mainly apples and pears,”
he says.
A shortage of foreign
currency remains the
biggest challenge for
new and prospective
shippers and
receivers.
– Glenn Delve
