Despite the challenges shipping lines deliver

Successfully servicing the African project sector means delivering customised solutions on a regular and frequent seafreight service at competitive rates. Arguably a big ask for shipping lines in the current economic environment, yet more often than not these briefs are met, according to Benjamin Nobel, senior chartering broker for BBC Chartering. “We are seeing developments in the east, west and south,” he said. “Equipment for the mining industry, the oil and gas sector and infrastructure-related projects seem to be the biggest requirements in the region.” He said the African market required a consistent service that often had to be customised as cargo was often time-sensitive, while minimum risk had to be ensured. “There are of course also challenges in African shipping such as the ongoing piracy issue in the Gulf of Guinea although our vessels for the most part are not the direct targets,” he said. Shipping experts maintain that servicing the project sector remains difficult in light of the challenges experienced at ports due to a lack of equipment or many ports just not being deep enough to accommodate vessels. While several ports on the continent have committed to upgrading and investing in equipment there are still areas where equipment is used beyond its maximum capacity, raising serious safety concerns. Regulatory environments are also very different between countries while there seems to be a definite move in several countries towards increasing regulatory procedures. INSERT & CAPTION Equipment for the oil and gas sector and infrastructurerelated projects seem to be the biggest requirements in the region. – Benjamin Nobel