Durban has welcomed the first container vessel to arrive on as new MIAX (Middle East-India-Africa Express) service introduced by Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express (ONE).
The service will which will provide direct connections and fast transit times between South and West Africa, the Persian Gulf, India, Colombo (Sri Lanka) and La Réunion, according to the shipping companies.
Hapag-Lloyd entered the African market about twelve years ago and has since then seen steady and significant growth in transported volumes to and from Africa, it says.
The first of nine 2 800 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent) vessels to call on Durban was the MV New Jersey Trader.
“Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) looks forward to supporting Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express through this new venture. The Ports of Durban and Cape Town will play a key role in regional integration through the lines’ existing global network,” said Durban port general manager Moshe Motlohi.
Hapag-Lloyd said it was excited to open new doors and trade opportunities for South Africa in the Middle East and the larger subcontinent.
“Our new MIAX will connect the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to South Africa and West Africa with a quality service. We are very excited and look forward to growing in South Africa and Africa as a whole,” said Hapag-Lloyd in a statement.
