Ocean freight's largest line by capacity has announced it is launching an additional direct export cargo service from South Africa’s Port of Ngqura near Gqberha (Port Elizabeth) to Northern Europe.
The new service by Mediterranean Shipping Company from the deep-water port will add tremendous cold-chain value for citrus exporters from Sunday’s River Valley during the high season.
MSC said: “This service will operate every Tuesday from week 22 to week 36 to accommodate your European, Mediterranean and Canadian cargo.
“This will offer additional sailings to our existing network, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable shipping experience.”
Coming as it does at a time when fruit shippers face mounting challenges to get fruit from South Africa to Europe in time, an additional direct service is expected to secure enthusiastic support from the market to sustain the country’s position as the second-biggest citrus exporter in the world,
The service’s announcement also comes on the eve of the Fruit Logistica fresh-produce convention in Berlin from February 7-9.
MSC has said there couldn’t be a more auspicious occasion for introducing this service, free of transhipment, to the market.
* Since this post was uploaded yesterday, it has been updated. MSC has stated that its new "additional direct service" from the Port of Ngqura is a "shipping platform", tailored to meet trader requirements.
