Faster delivery equals big savings

Cargo owners have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars in finance and other charges by switching to Walvis Bay, according to Dries Oberholzer, managing director of Maersk Namibia. One of the main export commodities from Namibia’s hinterland neighbours is the highvalue copper products. Shippers from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo save at least four days by switching to Walvis Bay from the more traditional routes through Durban, Beira and Dar es Salaam, he says. Importantly, having weekly export sailings ex Walvis Bay prevents cargo being delayed in ports, negatively affecting the customer’s cash flow. Furthermore, security costs on the other corridors are another expense that can be mitigated when using the Walvis Bay Corridors where cargo owners can be assured of safe transit of their goods. Walvis Bay is well connected to the main trade routes to Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as the East. There is a Maersk vessel in port on most days. Maersk Line has been part of the growth of Walvis Bay. The line celebrated its 15th anniversary late in 2012, making it the longest-serving shipping line in the Namibian market, he says. With Walvis Bay being well connected to the rest of the world, the immediate challenges and opportunities lie on the landside, he believes. “Growth out of the hinterland is encouraging, but we would like to see it growing faster. “The real issue is the availability of road transport. The corridor is doing well, and the border posts have become much more efficient, but we need to balance the flow of freight,” he says. “It is imperative that shipping lines play their part in trying to make this happen, as opposed to waiting for it to happen. Everyone along the supply chain wanting to develop and benefit from the Walvis Bay Corridors needs to put up their hand and be counted.” CAPTION Dries Oberholzer … ‘The real issue is the availability of road transport.’