Durban shipping companies merge

TERRY HUTSON
TWO WELL-established Durban companies, Panafco Maritime and Seacargo, merged their interests last week (October 1) to form a combined ships’ agency services and clearing and forwarding business named Panargo Shipping.
According to Peter Syrris, MD of the new company, Panargo is able to harness the combined experience of two powerful forces in the shipping industry which effectively brings over 100 years of experience under one roof.
“We felt it important to retain our independence in the market by offering a top-class alternative to the large corporate agencies. Although we will now provide greater breadth, we intend continuing to run our businesses in the committed ‘hands-on’ way that we always have - both organisations see things similarly, which made it a natural fit,” he told FTW.
He said Panargo intends completing the package in the near future by pursuing a BEE partnership.
The company’s head office is in Durban with full service offices in Richards Bay, Cape Town and Saldanha Bay. Roy Hirst, Geoff Peatling and Paul Rose complete the board of directors.