MSC’s decision to open its own offices in Lusaka is already making waves in the shipping industry serving Zambia, according to Mesele Seyuba, who has returned to his home city to establish the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) corporate presence in the country. Born and raised in Zambia, Seyuba spent some time in minerals exploration after graduating from the University of Cape Town. MSC is building on the existing support network it had in Zambia before the opening of the offices, and is now in a better position to “ensure a smooth passage of cargo” in and out of the country, he says. “We opened the office in order to support the economic growth of Zambia. MSC can help bolster exports of both minerals and agricultural products by offering tailor-made solutions,” he says. The line works closely with forwarders in order to offer the best transport solutions to shippers. “We are not forwarders or clearing agents. What we are selling is shipping and ocean freight,” he says. Shippers and their agents are now able to liaise directly with the shipping line in Zambia. Working with sub-contractors, MSC is able to provide a through bill of lading from source to destination. “We have stringent arrangements in place with transporters to ensure that they are reliable and that the cargo is fully covered by insurance,” he says. Seyuba encourages clients to work closely with the shipping line so that the Lusaka office can ensure that “all relevant parties are correctly lined up. Full container loads are now accommodated, with the Lusaka office returning the empties into the MSC system through Beira and Dar es Salaam. Alternatively, containers can be destuffed in Durban and conveyed as breakbulk cargo. “What we offer is tailor-made solutions. We are responsive to the needs of clients and do our best to match the services we offer to their requirements. “We are also confident that we are in the best position to give the best rates,” he says. INSERT & CAPTION MSC can help bolster exports of both minerals and agricultural products by offering tailor-made solutions. – Mesele Seyuba
