MACS streamlines service

THE ADDITION of two vessels by multi-purpose operator MACS on the SA – Europe service last year increased sailing frequency to 8-10 days providing the necessary slack to cope with congestion-related delays. “In Durban we use the Multi Purpose Terminal for discharge and loading which allows us greater flexibility – we also avoid congestion at the Durban Container Terminal and the impact of the dreaded southeaster in Cape Town which often brings operations to a standstill,” a spokesman told FTW. For imports, MACS uses Cape Town as its discharge port, offering a saving of two to four days. As an additional bonus to shippers, the line substantially subsidises the railage to Johannesburg. Last year saw the introduction of extra stacks in Johannesburg for export customers. “This allows an extra loading window in addition to Durban,” the spokesman said. “Open rolling stacks have been successfully implemented in Cape Town.” In a separate development MACS has made successful inroads into the reefer market, concentrating on the direct route from Cape Town and Walvis Bay to Vigo/Lisbon and Rotterdam ports. “Transit times as fast as 11 days are being achieved,” he said.