French line expands service offering

Despite a decline in the throughput at the Port of Durban’s container terminal during the first quarter of the year, industry remains hopeful for a turnaround in the next few months. According to Esteve Servajean, managing director of CMA CGM South Africa, several factors have contributed to the decrease in container volumes. “It has mainly been due to a lack of customer confidence, which is not unexpected in the face of the interest rate hikes and the increase in the fuel price. The impact of the low rand has also played a role,” he told FTW. “In terms of exports the citrus season has got off to a very slow start because of bad weather in January in many of the growing areas, which has also impacted volumes.” But, said Servajean, with the country’s general election now something of the past, getting down to business will be high on the agenda – and that will create a stable environment that will impact positively on confidence levels. “We are very confident about the second and third quarters and anticipate a recovery, with volumes increasing,” he said. Delays at the port remain problematic, says Servajean, as vessels are held up. “With port refurbishment ongoing – as has been the case at berths 108 and 109 – we have had some concerns at times, but we realise this is necessary. If one looks at the plans set out by Transnet, one can only be optimistic about the future.” Over the past few months the line has started several new services, says Servajean, such as the Rhino Express that covers five ports from Durban to Mozambique. “We are soon going to be launching the Khulu Express linking to the USA.” At the same time, said Servajean, bigger vessels have been deployed on the services linking South Africa with the Middle East as well as the Shaka Service that links the country to the Far East region. “Ultimately bigger vessels allow for bigger allocation offerings to customers,” he said. “This will impact positively on the Durban Port and the South African economy in the long run.” INSERT & CAPTION We are soon going to be launching the Khulu Express linking to the USA – Esteve Servajean