Connections ensure good second hand container supply

Unitainer grows leasing business Kevin Mayhew STRONG LINKS with Ocean Africa Container Lines (OACL) have enabled Unitainer Namibia to switch its emphasis from the sale of scarce refurbished containers to leasing them. The scarcity of these containers has resulted from high steel prices which have forced shipping lines – the major source of second hand containers for refurbishing – to retain ageing stock for longer. Branch manager, Reinhardt Küsters, said its link with OACL – also part of the Grindrod stable – meant that it had the cabotage network for delivery of empty containers where they were needed for short or long term lease. “We intend to increase the lease component of our business from Walvis Bay by at least 20% by holding onto our container stock through leasing until the steel price has been stabilised and new containers become affordable again,” he explained. Big capital projects in mining and a steady demand from humanitarian agencies requiring customised converted containers have ensured that the conversion element of their business remains strong. Apart from more common general site office and ablution conversions, it is also providing customised units for container day care centres and clinics for humanitarian bodies, he explained.