‘Light at the end of the tunnel’

The global economic downturn may still be affecting the world, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Captain Bo Löfman, general manager for Eukor Car Carriers Middle East region, says there is a definite revival in the vehicle industry, albeit very slow. For the first time in months the line’s South African agent, Diamond Shipping Services, has seen orders come in again with at least 3000 vehicles already en-route to the country. According to Loefman there is no denying that it has been a tough nine months for most industries. Speaking at a function in Johannesburg recently, he told clients that it was important to focus on the positive and move towards increasing services in these times. “We don’t start a service because it is easy, but rather because it is difficult. We don’t shy away from difficult trading areas.” With services across the globe, operating 85 specialised car carrier vessels, and with an annual turnover of more than $1.5 billion, the company says that with good partners and an extended network, it is optimistic about the future.