MAY 15 was a propitious day for all things South African. The launch of the 750 TEU Encounter in Harlingen, Rotterdam coincided with the news of South Africa’s successful 2010 Soccer World Cup bid, sparking spontaneous bursts of the national anthem as the ceremony got underway. FTW was there to witness the ‘christening’ of the Dutch-flagged vessel by Debbie Wicks, wife of South African Liner Container Services (SALCS) CEO Ian Wicks. The Encounter will initiate the SALCS service of the first black-owned South African shipping line, trading between Europe and South Africa. As a result of damage during her sea trials, the vessel will leave Europe in early June.
