Sharaf Shipping has opened new offices to support the lines which are expanding their services into the Mozambican ports. Currently it has offices in Maputo, Beira and Nacala, with plans later to have a presence in Pemba and possibly Palma in the extreme North, says Lionel Archer, regional manager of Sharaf Shipping Agency Mozambique, central and northern regions. Sharaf provides ships agency and local support to United African Feeder Lines (UAFL), Deutsche Afrika-Linien (DAL), It also handles the forwarding inland of cargo to Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Working in this region you need to be able to make a plan and achieve the seemingly impossible. The biggest issue is the poor quality and level of infrastructure, coupled with a very low standard of both public sector and private logistical support in the region. “There are also many unnecessary delays from regional customs and at many regional border posts. It takes 28 days from Beira to Lusaka and back on average, whereas the journey could actually be done in four,” he says. Sharaf also provides logistical support for project cargo into the region. According to Archer, the decision by Sharaf to open offices in Mozambique opens up many new opportunities for lines, importers, exporters and forwarders, as well as expanding intra-African trade. “Sharaf has possibly the best presence in Africa, than any other ships agency,” he says. Vessels handled by Sharaf through Mozambique carry tobacco to Europe, cashew nuts and pigeon peas to India, as well as cow peas, sesame seeds and ground nuts. Imports include consumer goods out of India (“there is a surprising demand for basic food, bicycles and bicycle parts”), used clothing, clothing and low-cost products from China, India and the rest of Asia, he says. “Close to” 20,000 containers of used clothing are also being imported by aid agencies such as Danida and used clothing dealers in the region through the ports of Maputo, Nacala and Beira. There is also rice from Pakistan and Thailand, and large quantities of cooking oil, biscuits, sweets and milk powder. Lines supported by Sharaf offer twice weekly services out of Beira, Nacala and Maputo, with calls in Pemba on demand. INSERT & CAPTION Sharaf has possibly the best presence in Africa than any other ships agency. – Lionel Archer
