Safmarine opens new reefer markets

Safmarine is opening up new markets for exporters of fresh goods through the ports of Beira, Maputo and Nacala through a greater focus on its reefer services. Newly appointed Mozambique country manager, Heinrich Els, identified the opportunity while part of the team focusing on regional commercial opportunities at the Safmarine head office. The line is able to help exporters to adapt to changing market demand. “We are able to help exporters now focus on Europe and America, apart from the historical trade to and from the Far East and Middle East,” he says. The M Express service offers dedicated services between the Far East, the Indian Ocean Islands and Mozambique, calling on Maputo, Beira and Nacala. This service is supported by a feeder service which calls fortnightly on Maputo, Beira, Durban and Cape Town. “It’s through this feeder that we link the Americas and Europe via South Africa,” he says. Reliability is assured as Safmarine has secured preferential berthing windows in Maputo, and also operates a direct call on Beira and Nacala. According to Els there is demand for reefer cargo into and out of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. “We have done some trial shipments to support the expected growth in reefer cargo from Zimbabwe to Beira, and based on the success of this we will now see what further investments will be required to ensure a possible ongoing and sustainable product offering,” he says. Safmarine is able to offer a through bill of lading from source to destination. The line’s offices in the region will help plan the supply chain between the vessel and the point of origin or destination, he says. Els has been visiting growers in Mozambique and neighbouring countries in order to explore further opportunities and to understand the challenges facing the exporters. He is particularly upbeat about prospects for the deep-water port of Nacala to the north. “There are no draught restrictions, and the capacity of the port is being increased. “APMM is already moving hundreds of containers of bananas through the port.” This provides the base on which exporters and importers in the region can build their business,” he says. INSERT & CAPTION We are able to help exporters now focus on Europe and America, apart from the historical trade to and from the Far East and Middle East. – Heinrich Els