Nigel Sargent … ‘There has already been quite a stir of interest amongst potential users.’ ALAN PEAT THE DURBAN ships agency, Mitchell Cotts Maritime, has now signed up its deal with the Societe Nationale Malgache De Transports Maritimes (SMTM) – Madagascar’s national carrier – and is to start a regular multi-purpose service calling Durban for Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar. The start-off call in Durban is due for November 25. The first vessel has been chartered from Denmark-based Clipper Elite Carriers. The CEC Vision was launched in late 1994 with a deadweight tonnage of 5 400-tons, a container capacity of 350-TEU (including 50 reefer slots) and has two 50-ton cranes. SMTM intends to place a further two vessels of similar capacity on the trade. Although the service details have just been finalised, there has already been quite a stir of interest amongst potential users, according to Nigel Sargent, Mitchell Cotts GM. “We have received numerous enquiries from shippers and receivers wishing to place cargo with SMTM,” he said. Troy Summerford in Durban and Proshon Mohanlal in Johannesburg are handling enquiries for the new service.
