This month saw the launch
by Deutsche Afrika Linien
of an extension to its
Mediterranean service which
now offers a dedicated feeder
from Algeciras to Alexandra
in Egypt.
It’s in line with the DAL
philosophy of consistently
expanding its port portfolio,
says DAL Agency managing
director Ron Frick.
But launching a new
service is a bit of a chicken
and egg situation. “If you
have the service, business
will hopefully follow,” said
Frick. “DAL expanded into
North Africa last year with
some success so we’ve taken
another leap of faith.”
While it’s early days, there
has been a lot of interest
which now needs to translate
into firm bookings.
Significant volumes of
tobacco – mainly from
Malawi – are moving to
Egypt while ceramics,
building materials and
foodstuffs make up the bulk
of cargo imported into South
Africa.
And while diversification is
key in static economic times,
DAL has recorded a slight
increase in liftings on its
traditional routes for the first
half of the year, according
to Frick. “The market hasn’t
grown but we have managed
to increase our market
share particularly into the
Middle East and on the
Europe route in both
directions.”
INSERT & CAPTION
DAL expanded into
North Africa last year
with some success so
we’ve taken another
leap of faith.
– Ron Frick
