SDV strengthens Namibian presence

SDV IS set to further entrench its presence in Namibia with the appointment of its own representative in September this year. SDV Namibia was set up last February through a partnership link-up with a local forwarding company. “The idea is to try to encourage shippers in the DRC and Zambia to look west rather than east,” said SDV’s Johannesburg-based customer service manager Peter Sands. “We’re involved in a lot of mining projects in the DRC and Zambia and it would make sense to use Walvis Bay as an alternative port to Durban for the export of copper and cobalt and the import of chemicals and machinery.” And there are plenty of good reasons for making the choice, according to Sands. “For cargo from Europe and the Americas, transit time can be cut by up to nine days compared to Durban – and there’s far less congestion. Sands believes the port is well set up to handle project cargo – and big expansion plans are in the pipeline. According to Sands, a French SDV staff member from West Africa who is able to speak German will take up the Namibian post, concentrating on the Caprivi and Trans-Kalahari corridors. “Through our profile and credentials in South Africa and Namibia, we believe we are well placed to grow our project market in Namibia.” In addition to forwarding and logistics, the company is also involved in some ship’s agency work in the country.