New Europe shipping line to take on another vessel next month

Mystery surrounds identity of owners ALAN PEAT THERE IS some mystery over the identity of the owners and management of the newly-launched SA-Europe container shipping line, SA Independent Liner Service (Sails). Despite an in-depth investigation, FTW has been unable to confirm very much about the line – although it has placed an advert detailing a three-month schedule for the ship MV Berta on the two-way trade between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in SA and the ports of Rotterdam, Felixstowe, Bremerhaven and Antwerp in Europe. One thing we have confirmed is that, although the advert names the agents as “Antler Shipping – a division of Rennies Ships Agency” – this is not the case. On questioning Rennies management, Durban-based executive, Tony Kee, told us that “Rennies are definitely not the agents for this line”. They had investigated the possibility of taking over Antler Shipping, and of acting as agents for Sails. “But,” said Kee, “after further consideration we finally decided not to proceed with either.” Meantime, other FTW sources had indicated that the cargo space for the line was being sold by Ian Wicks – who launched SA’s now defunct first black-owned shipping line, SA Liner Container Services (SALCS), in 2004. In this latest case, Wicks has told FTW in a telephone call that he sells cargo space for Sails, and also that he is “a consultant” for the line. He did confirm that the line’s charter, the Berta, had already conducted one southbound voyage, and, with part of its cargo load being on contract, had now set sail on the northbound leg back to Europe – and that another vessel was to join the fleet in July/August. “The line is registered in SA,” Wicks added, “and it has SA-based shareholders and investors.” Although he would reveal no names, they were “a group of retired bankers in SA” he told FTW. “At this point in time they don’t wish to say anything,” he said, stressing that he was not empowered to talk on behalf of the line.”