CT-Angola ro-ro service launched

April 13 will see the launch of South Africa’s first weekly roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) ferry – the Colossus Valletta – between Cape Town and the port of Lobito in Angola. Transit Ferry Logistics has been appointed by Jay Management Corporation as the sole agent for the service. The ferry, which has capacity for 95 inter-linked trailers with or without mechanical horses, will embark on its maiden voyage tomorrow (April 13). “We expect the journey to last a maximum of five days, weather and other unforeseen circumstances permitting, with the first cargo arriving in Lobito on April 17,” said Robbie Forbes, executive member of Transit Ferry Logistics. The company will be managed and operated by co-directors, Alan Eksteen and Preggie Naidoo. Forbes told FTW that this service offered a faster, more cost-effective option for exporters who usually transported their freight by road from Cape Town to Luanda. “The trip between Lobito and Luanda is 700km, with no standing time, so goods will reach their destination in record time,” he said. The ferry service also offers a refrigerated freight option. “The inland infrastructure on the route is simply not conducive to the transport of perishable, fragile and abnormal loads,” said Forbes. The ferry can accommodate all types of vehicles – from abnormal load trucks, to trailers, utility vehicles, motorcycles, cars and more. “We are geared to handle abnormal loads at both Cape Town and Lobito harbours,” he added. The company will provide trailers and horses on both legs of the journey, should customers need them, or can accommodate their customers’ trailers and horses onboard if need be. Forbes says the ferry service will mainly cater for South African traders sending goods up to Angola. “Transit Ferry Logistics could even facilitate the return of empty containers to Cape Town should there be a need for that,” he said. “We will also offer block bookings for multiples,” he added. The company is exploring the viability of offering the service along the east coast of Africa as well. CAPTION Ro-ro sets sail for Angola The Colossus Valletta – a ro-ro cargo ferry with capacity for 95 interlinked trucks – will make its maiden voyage from Cape Town to Lobito in Angola on April 13. This weekly service, a first for South Africa, is offered by Transit Ferry Logistics.