MACS commits to growing Zambian business

With a foot already in the door, MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping is set to increase its presence in Zambia in the coming years. According to Markus Popken, MACS container manager, being a developing and landlocked country offers much opportunity. “From a shipping company’s point of view it is obviously not a large part of our business, but it is definitely a place in which we want to increase our foothold. The expansion of current operations is not in relation to volume gained, but rather our way of getting additional business.” MACS connects the USA and Europe with Southern Africa, operating a fleet of ships designed specifically for the requirements of the Europe-Southern Africa trade. “The lack of infrastructure, communication and volumes remain problematic, but we believe there are promising developments in the mining and agricultural sector that will affect imports and exports.” According to David Chimfwembe of Manica Zambia, who acts as agent for MACS in Zambia, the commitment from the shipping line to the country has been welcomed. “We have seen some shipments come in already and although it is not huge business mostly due to the economic downturn, it is good to have alternative business that rivals the normal routes. Competition is good,” says Chimfwembe. Popken says much emphasis is being placed on Walvis Bay as an alternative route into Zambia as the port has been upgraded allowing for speedier logistics. “It is a developing corridor that is very good to use if going to Zambia. We call there a lot and it works well.” For Popken there is no denying the importance of Zambia, where the closing down of mines has affected business negatively during the global economic downturn. “But copper has continued moving, even if it has been very limited, and that is a positive sign for the country where we will maintain our presence.”