Mer Austral sets up own agency

Looking to secure further principals MER AUSTRAL has set up its own agency in South Africa trading as Austral Maritime Services. The line has been represented by Bridge Marine since August 1997. The new agency will not be committed only to Mer Austral Line but will be looking to secure further principals in the future. A comprehensive agency structure will be in place by March 2003, with ‘dry runs’ to be conducted from mid-February 2003 to ensure a smooth transition. The decision to open the agency follows the establishment of various Mer Austral- owned agency structures in the Indian Ocean Islands over the last 3-4 years. “Obviously the magnitude of opening an agency structure within South Africa was far greater due to the volumes moving through the ports, so we had to ensure that Mer Austral Line was firmly established within the market prior to taking this step,” says Darren Lowe, owners’ representative in South Africa. “Owner Patrick Martin was also looking at exercising a firmer control over the financial aspects of operating a shipping line, including the general agency functions of marketing, operations and the like.” Mer Austral started services within the Indian Ocean Islands in June 1994 with one vessel and has expanded dramatically over the last five to six years, now operating a fleet of four vessels. The line currently offers a weekly service from Durban, as well as a comprehensive inter-island feeder service, dedicated to the Indian Ocean Islands trade. “Bridge Marine played a vital role in entrenching Mer Austral on this trade route, and for this we are eternally grateful,” says Lowe. “For any line wishing to establish themselves in a trade route involving South Africa, I would highly recommend Bridge Marine as a representative agency. Their efforts over the years have ensured that Mer Austral has been able to offer a level of service to their clientele which is to their satisfaction, and has greatly contributed to Mer Austral’s continual growth.” The finer details of the agency are still being finalised and notifications to the entire client base and service providers will be forwarded in due course, he said.