Full supply chain management for dangerous goods

Within a year of opening, Trade Ocean Shipping Namibia has handled the first two shipments of ammonium nitrate to be imported through Walvis Bay for the mining industry. The company has recently become a member of the “Dangerous Goods Logistics Network” in Namibia, according to marketing director Michelle Kirov. The company has the systems in place to handle the cargo through the full logistics chain, says Kirov. “We provide full supply chain management, with daily updates, including stock controls.” Being able to offer a total logistics service for anything from a small parcel to perishables to dangerous goods has seen the company grow and move to bigger offices within a year of opening. Kirov and fellow director Bogdan Kotchoubei, who handles the ships agency side of the business, launched the operation. He says there has been a steady increase in business as the Angolan oil industry increases its reliance on Walvis Bay for repairs and maintenance. There is a steady stream of support for the two floating drydocks, as well as regular calls by the fishing fleet. Kirov believes that one of the reasons for the success of the company is that representatives regularly visit their customers abroad to put a face to anonymous e-mails and to learn about the latest trends in logistics. It is a constant learning experience for the staff in the office, most of whom have more than 20 years’ experience in the shipping industry, she says. “Our focus is on the client and on service.” Part of the service is to provide an office for clients, such as ship’s representatives, ship owners or fish buyers “so they have access to the internet, make private calls and carry on with their business,” says Kirov.