Airfreight service also on the cards
RAY SMUTS
CAPE Town-based Meihuizen International’s trade with Angola has been growing steadily for more than a decade, so much so the plan is to further intensify business with that oil-rich country.
Through its long association with Angola South Line which it represents in South Africa, Meihuizen continues to offer a direct multi-purpose service between Cape Town. Luanda and other Angolan ports with the 4 286dwt vessel Blue Sky. The service operates every 20 days on a six-day transit time to Luanda.
Says Meihuizen director Mark Kilbride: “Angola South Line sees itself as an alternative for project and breakbulk cargo as well as a reefer service (30 plug points) and cargo is across the board; oil well consumables, construction materials and perishables.
“The success of the operation is due entirely to our long-standing and substantial client base appreciating and supporting the need for a multi-purpose service.”
In Kilbride’s opinion, an advantage for Angola South Line is its flexibility in that when a port is congested it will not simply direct the vessel to sail on to the next port but will wait until a berth becomes available.
“The exporter and shipper need to be aware when booking with a line that it is not only the basic freight rate but add-ons to the rate that tend to occur. These add-ons may vary and it is important for the exporter and shipper to take into account the total cost of freight.”
Peter Meihuizen, MD and chairman, says Meihuizen International is anticipating introducing another vessel not only to cater for Angola but other oil exploring territories to the north, including Equatorial Guinea.
“A number of US oil companies have
moved in there which makes South Africa a prime contender to supply a wide variety
of commodities.”
Late last year, fellow Meihuizen director Gerald Hagemann told FTW about the likelihood of a scheduled Cape Town-Luanda air cargo service being introduced, and Meihuizen confirms this is likely to come about when volumes can be justified.
