MITSUI OSK Line will open its own ships agency business in Richards Bay on April 1.
Initially the office will handle all MOL and Navix vessels, but the intention is to further expand its scope.
Heading up operations are Adrian Naidoo and Gayle Mommsen both well connected in Richards Bay shipping circles.
The opening of the office is in line with MOL's often-stated philosophy of moving decision-making closer to clients in order to shorten lines of communication. This was one of the driving forces behind the setting up of a South African MOL office a year ago to replace agents Ellerman & Bucknall.
And with the first anniversary coming up managing director Dave Giraudeau believes that the local operation has performed beyond expectation.
Not only have we created a successful interface with our clients, but we've put in place a user-friendly computer system with all the back-up required.
It's all part of a broader development within MOL to create what they've termed a Virtual Liner Company (VLC) which will operate as an entity on its own, says Giraudeau. Whereas previously all decision-making was directed through Tokyo, this has now changed and operational control has transferred to MOL's trade offices worldwide.
Giraudeau leaves for Hong Kong next month to attend a meeting which will finalise the structure of the VLC.
Closer to home, MOLSAF recently hosted an international sales conference in Cape Town for the line's five major regions.
One of the significant issues aired was how to improve the service to cater for peak season volumes in future.
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