Ed Richardson IN THE first direct call of its kind, Mitsui OSK Lines has delivered 78 Suzuki Grand Vitara and XLÐ7 derivatives to Port Elizabeth. In a departure from normal logistical routes, the Suzukis were transported on a Pure Car Carrier - the Palma - direct from the manufacturer in Japan to Port Elizabeth, with a short stop-over in Durban en route. "The first direct Suzuki Grand Vitara shipment and MOL's first PCC call into Port Elizabeth is an important phase in MOL's commitment and development in the Southern African region," says MOL South Africa managing director Dave Giraudeau. The R21.6-million cargo was the biggest single import delivery order of the popular Suzuki Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) to date, according to Delta's vehicle line platform management director Doug Harrison. "There are a number of reasons why the units were shipped directly to Port Elizabeth. Among them is the high volume of vehicles we imported, while another was the congested conditions at Durban port," says Harrison. Delta expects similar import volumes in the future, which could lead to more direct calls in PE. Despite lingering inclement weather and the national strike, the vehicles were off-loaded from the vessel in an incredible 45 minutes. This was done with good support from South African Port Operations. The MV Palma, built in 1983, has seven vehicle decks and a carrying capacity of approximately, 3000 vehicles.
