Heer joins Century

HANS HEER today (February 1)
officially joins Century Ships Agents, recently established agent for
Seacape Shipping, the Panama-based line which this month launches a westbound breakbulk service from
Japan, Korea and South East Asia
to South and East Africa.
It's a gap left by the departure of Ahrenkiel Liner Service from the route and Heer, with partner Terry Harding, both ex ALS, believe that they now have the optimal recipe for this market niche.
The line operates westbound only and will maintain a purely breakbulk service, steering clear of container business.
Seacape carries a base load of earth-moving equipment and steel coils and is particularly keen to get involved in project cargoes.
With the first vessel due to arrive in February/March, a Durban agent will be appointed shortly. The line has maintained all ALS agents globally which Harding believes will provide the necessary continuity.
The new principals are however very flexible and ready to serve other niche markets where demand exists, says Heer.
It currently operates breakbulk services between the Black Sea and Mediterranean to East Coast Central and South America as well as the US West Coast.
"They're particularly interested in developing South East Africa business and onto the Red Sea and Persian Gulf region," says Harding. "They'll consider all viable options."
The new monthly service will call at Kobe, Yokohama, Busan, Kwang Yang, Inchon, Port Louis, Durban, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam with inducement calls at other ports. Chartered tonnage is used on the route and vessels are off-hired in East Africa.