‘Reduce berthing delays by using MPT’

… but be prepared to pay more
KEVIN MAYHEW
ALTHOUGH MORE expensive, Durban’s Multi Purpose Terminal (MPT) provides a more fluid berthing alternative than the container terminals, according to the country manager of Hull Blyth, Leigh Walker. “We find that there are fewer berthing delays and it works for us. However, the transhipment costs are higher due to the longer distance to Durban Container depot and Maydon Wharf where the feeders berth,” says Walker who opened a dedicated office for Hull Blyth in Durban last year. Previously he was based in Ghana and Nigeria with the company which is the biggest independent ships agency in West Africa. The Durban office was its first in South Africa. “Overall we have found the first year of operations very encouraging and the Hull Blyth name has made a significant difference,” he said. Hull Blyth has been in existence for 150 years. Asiatic Shipping uses Durban as a transhipment hub for its Luanda, Matadi, Point Noire and Libreville cargo. The first vessels from this line began arriving last year soon after the opening of the Hull Blyth office in Durban.