New portal provides updates on status of Africa's container ports

Some Egyptian container terminals were closed last week as stormy weather with high-speed winds reaching 30 to 35 knots and 4-5m waves brought operations to a standstill. That’s the kind of information you’ll find on a new portal just launched by SeaIntel Maritime Analysis that provides up-to-date container port information for importers, exporters and traders from around the world who send cargo shipments to and from Africa. “It’s been designed to empower importers, exporters, traders and forwarders with information in order for them to take proactive decisions on how to move their cargo for their customers,” says SeaIntel CEO Lars Jensen. “Africa really has made some significant steps forward in opening its doors to international trade in the past decade,” he said. “We have seen an influx of international terminal operators, carriers, supply chain solution providers as well as a host of new entrepreneurs from all parts of the world. But,” says Jensen, “the logistical challenges facing the continent will remain significant over the coming years. Many ports face significant capacity challenges as well as the urgent need to improve hinterland connections to and from emerging markets.” Red, amber and green symbols for each port with short, to-the-point texts in multiple languages allow subscribers to use the information easily and immediately,” he added. Port Overview is co-owned by maritime market intelligence company SeaIntel and Appropriate Communications, a maritime and logistics PR agency focused uniquely on the emerging markets. The site can be accessed at www.portoverview.com Its launch follows two months of live operation, collecting status reports on Africa’s 50 most important container terminals and related logistics infrastructure. CAPTION The port of Walvis Bay... SeaIntel’s red, amber and green symbols provide speedily accessible information on the status of Africa’s container terminals.