THE UNITED Arab Shipping Company/Clipper Shipping Lines joint venture is to take over the operation of Afris Lines' service between South Africa and the Arabian Gulf, India and Pakistan as well as its shuttle service between Mumbai and Port Louis.
The development coincides with the news that Afris Lines' port agents, Centromar Shipping, will be closing their doors from November 1.
According to regional sales manager for Centromar Shipping, Darren Lowe, clients should not worry. Afris Lines is continuing its liner services. He said that Afris.
The first Afris sailing under the control of UASC/Clipper was the Afris Pioneer voyage 95 which loaded Durban on October 20 accepting cargo for Dubai, Dammam, Doha, Karachi and Mumbai with other ports on inducement.
A combination of owned and chartered tonnage will be used to serve the trade offering a minimum twice monthly service in both directions.
While Marcol will continue as general agent for the Afris service in South Africa, in the rest of the world it will be represented by UASC/Clipper.
John T Rennie & Sons will continue to act as agents for the UASC/Clipper service between South America, South Africa and the Arabian Gulf, Pakistan and India.
* In the meantime it has been learned that former c.e.o. of Centromar Shipping, Peter Storm, has moved from Centromar to concentrate on his interests with Harbour Logistics.