In a strategic move designed to enhance trade connectivity and cater to the growing demands of the region, Land and Sea Shipping has successfully developed its East Coast African service. The company now boasts frequent sailings that connect this region to key markets, significantly boosting trade and commerce.The expanded service was particularly beneficial for landlocked countries in Central and East Africa, addressing logistical challenges and opening up new avenues for economic growth, said managing director Siva Pather.The company has seen notable growth in both container and breakbulk solutions through the East Coast of Africa. This growth underscores the increasing demand for reliable and efficient shipping services in the region. By offering tailored solutions for different types of cargo, Land and Sea Shipping aims to meet the diverse needs of its customers and foster long-term partnerships."Recognising the challenge of securing return loads into Africa, we've strategically redirected a substantial portion of our cargo through East Africa. This shift has demonstrated significant gains in both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency for all participating carriers," he told Freight News.When questioned about challenges within the sea freight sector, Pather expressed concern over ongoing issues at the Port of Durban.“The recent delays experienced in Durban have had a cascading impact on South African cargo, causing substantial delays and, consequently, triggering a ripple effect on global maritime operations. These delays not only disrupt the timely movement of South African goods but also contribute to an increase in overall shipping costs on a global scale."Despite the challenges, Pather is upbeat about the future of logistics in Africa, highlighting the sector's continuous evolution and improvement. "The sector is progressing positively, and in Africa, there is significant potential to advance sea freight solutions that align seamlessly with the landside industry, fostering a more streamlined process," he said.Emphasising collaboration, he added, "As an industry, it is imperative that we collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure collective progress, thereby positively impacting the overall African economy."He said he continued to see opportunities across the sea freight sector. “Given the diverse nature of our business at Land and Sea Shipping, we engage with a spectrum of shipowners – from roll-on/roll-off vessels to multipurpose vessels.”
