Durban retains status as preferred port of entry from Far East

KEVIN MAYHEW DURBAN’S INFRASTRUCTURE has maintained its status as the preferred choice for Far East imports into the continent – especially southern Africa – despite strong competition from Dar-es-Salaam, according to imports manager of Durban-based Viking Shipping, Naresh Maharaj. “Groupage still moves through Durban, from where it is shipped by road or rail to Johannesburg, consolidated and then sent on to overborder destinations. Alternatives such as Dar-es-Salaam do not have a trusted infrastructure for this type of cargo,” he said. Most of the products they handle are destined for South Africa, with a small percentage going across the borders. And this is largely due to volatile developments in Africa which influence routes and import demand. “Continued fuel shortages in Zimbabwe have forced re-routing to avoid that country while the present uncertainty in DRC, a country rich with import possibilities, has put a damper on demand for imports,” he said. Viking is aware of the emergence of India as a future powerhouse with vast interest in Africa, but the nature of its products for export are different from those available in China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. “India is more focused on heavy industrial equipment exports to this region whereas the other countries are moving their traditionally strong export products such as garments, jewellery and shoes,” said Maharaj. He expects continued growth of about 10% annually from the Far East in the next ten years, which is in line with the historic average. Viking Shipping has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as Durban.