CMA CGM launches Asia-SA service

In line with its clearly articulated objective of expanding its presence in South Africa, the CMA CGM Group on May 8 launched a new service linking Asia, Indian Ocean Islands and South Africa. Branded Shaka Express, this new weekly service will deploy six vessels of 4500 -6500 TEUs calling Fuzhou, Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Singapore, Port Louis, Durban, Port Elizabeth (Ngqura), Port Louis, Singapore and back to Fuzhou. A particular benefit, says Stéphane Courquin, deputy vice president Africa, Indian Ocean, Oceania Lines, is the additional reefer capacity for exports from Durban and Port Elizabeth (Ngqura) to Singapore and Hong Kong. “Refrigerated goods represent about 20% of the containerised volumes, in particular with the transport of citrus and bananas,” he said. The service connects with the Group’s global network of lines via Hong Kong for cargo from and to North China while north- and southbound calls in Port Louis allow for the relay of cargo to and from all Indian Ocean Islands via CMA CGM’s Mascareignes service (linking Gulf, Pakistan and Indian Ocean). “The CMA CGM Group is strongly determined to expand its presence in South Africa,” said Courquin. “We started by adding stopovers on our existing services but this new service marks another big step forward with a dedicated offering for the South African market,” he said. “CMA CGM now has four services calling South Africa every week.”