MSC to launch South America-Far East service

June this year will see the launch of a new ocean freighter service by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) between South America, via South Africa, and on to the Far East – the latest in a number of changes the company has made over the past few months. Managing director Rosario Sarno told FTW this new weekly service, named the New Ipanema Service, would see the first vessel arriving in South Africa on June 11 this year. Sarno added that this addition followed the success of the introduction of a new trade route between South Africa and West Africa in December 2012. “We also opened an MSC branch in Walvis Bay, Namibia, officially launched on May 1 this year, to accommodate the growing trade through that hub,” said Sarno. Other recent expansions include the opening of two new depots – one at City Deep, Johannesburg and another in Durban. “We are proud to be the number two sea freight carrier in the world, especially for a familyrun business, and we continue to experience phenomenal growth,” said Sarno. He attributes this success to a very hands-on management approach. “All the MSC directors are involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, which means we can make timeous, strategic changes as soon as a challenge or opportunity arises,” he said. CAPTION'S Rosario Sarno... hands-on management approach New trade routes for MSC.