SALCS slot charters as new ship is awaited

THE FUTURE of SA Liner Container Services (SALCS) as a ship-operator is dependent on the arrival of a new vessel, but in the interim period it is proposed to continue the line’s service on a slot-charter basis, according to Gerald Hagemann of the Cape-based agents, Meihuizen International. This, he told FTW, was decided after a meeting with the line’s shareholders Makana Investment - who are currently restructuring the service - last week. SALCS executive, Dave Crossley, confirmed the intention to slot-charter, and told FTW that the new vessel - planned to be a similar 750 TEU capacity ship to the previous MV Encounter used by the line on its first voyage - was expected to arrive in service about end-October.