Key milestone for logistics major as Durban office opens

With Durban being a very important location in South African forwarding and clearing terms, opening an office in Durban is a key milestone in the continued growth of a hartrodt South Africa. According to managing director Gerald Rowe, through this venture the company intends to build up its client base in sea and air forwarding, both import and export in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. The office was officially opened in March this year and is managed by Marco Zachow, whom Rowe specially brought out from the parent company in Germany to head up the new venture. “Whether we talk about general cargo or project cargo, import and export, it must be remembered that from a worldwide trade perspective Durban is the largest and busiest South African port, not to mention that it is also the main port of entry for freight into Johannesburg as well as our northern neighbours. It also seems that in the future the ship repair and spares business may play an increasingly important role in Durban. It therefore makes absolute business sense for us to have our own presence in this important port,” said Rowe. And with the new King Shaka International Airport due to open within the coming year, he believes there will be new airfreight opportunities through additional direct flights to and from this new international airport. He sees the possibility of further opportunities being provided through the new airport and vicinity being incorporated into a proposed new Free Trade Zone. The ongoing and very visible infrastructure investment being made into the road systems and port facilities of Durban and surrounds will definitely make for increased ease of movement for both cargo and personnel in the area, said Rowe. “We are extremely happy to be investing in a city that has such great business potential, potential that we believe can only help us in increasing our southern African footprint.”