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
