Although the Bridge Shipping
Group handles a variety
of cargoes in a number
of African regions, agricultural
and mineral products have
been the stars of the show in
African business in recent times,
according to group sales manager,
Quinton Giles.
“Our tobacco movements have
been robust from Malawi and
Zimbabwe over the past two
years, adding to our investment
in Beira to handle the exports
moving through that port,” he told
FTW. “More recently, we have
taken on additional warehousing
in Johannesburg to allow for
larger than normal agricultural
type cargo tonnages which will
be under our control during the
2012/13 season.
“Our copper movements from
DRC/Zambia slowed down
towards the third quarter of 2011.
However, we are now back to
tonnages experienced mid-2008.”
This, he added, is extremely
rewarding for the group, ensuring
that the majority of the capacity
utilised southbound is sent back to
DRC/Zambia with the same road/
rail capacities.
The country where the growth
has been the most significant – the
DRC/Zambia combined – is the
one to note, said Giles. “Growth
in the copper sector has been a
major boost. This not only for the
movement of copper through our
Ndola/Durban facilities, but the
fact that we are able to utilise the
same capacity northbound, which
has allowed for a renewed focus
to ensure the majority of capacity
under our control is utilised on a
bi-directional basis.”
Recent developments include
investment in warehousing
in Beira and the extension of
Bridge’s service offering in
Tanzania. Giles said this had
allowed the company to diversify
its cargo outflows as well as in
inflows, from both a pricing and
risk perspective.
“By offering our clients the
opportunity of moving their
cargoes through Dar es Salaam,
Durban or Beira,” he added, “we
feel that we are well positioned in
the coming years to ensure route
to market for our clients.”
One of the biggest challenges
Bridge has faced in its dealings
with Africa is cargo imbalances
– where, at any given time it can
have more cargo flowing in one
direction than the return leg. This
limits capacity, availability, as
well as the ability to turn road or
rail trucks under its control.
Another challenge is the
vastness of the region. “To
meet this,” said Giles, “we
have invested in our offices in
Mozambique, Tanzania and
Zambia. This provides us with
an additional platform, to get
closer to the source of the cargoes,
thereby limiting the risks that our
client may face.”
Among opportunities in the
year ahead, Giles was of the firm
opinion that the growth being
experienced in DRC/Zambia
– with copper prices still at
relatively high levels – remained a
massive opportunity for the group.
“Not only does the increase
in copper volumes offer an
opportunity,” he added, “but the
requirement for raw material
inputs assists in generating
additional capacity and tonnage
for the group.
“By diversifying our options
in terms of port offerings, we are
poised to take a larger share of a
growing market in this region.”
CAPTION
Quinton Giles … cargo imbalances one
of the biggest challenges.
