Heavy lift specialist strengthens foothold in Africa

SAL Heavy Lift is about to open its first office on the African continent in Lagos, Nigeria. According to Jürgen Kuntz, head of SAL’s Africa Desk, the company has seen tremendous activity in West Africa in the heavy lift and project cargo sectors, while Nigeria remains a hub for the oil and gas industry. “There is a very positive outlook for project cargo in Africa, both east coast and west coast. Not only is there a rapid uptake in the development of LNG fields and refinery plants, but general infrastructure cargo keeps us busy as well,” said Kuntz. “Mozambique has seen significant investments, especially in LNG, with the major Coral South Project and the upcoming investments from Anadarko. On the west coast, in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Angola we are seeing great potential in offshore oil and gas and onshore processing facilities along with heavy machinery and infrastructure cargo.” The move to open an office in Africa comes over a year after the company commenced a dedicated semi-liner project service between the north continent and West Africa and around the Cape. The Lagos office is the company’s 10th worldwide. “We are also looking at opportunities to invest in tonnage dedicated to our African service, but we are not yet at a stage where specifics
can be announced – it is all still early days.” SAL is however serious about extending its Africa presence. “Whether it is oil and gas or other cargo for infrastructure such as big harbour cranes, shiploaders, trainsets or heavy transformers, we are capable of providing shipping services,” said Kuntz.