Shipping company invests in Eastern Cape

CMA CGM Group has opened offices in Port Elizabeth to serve clients making use of two new services through the port of Ngqura. “With SHAKA Express and SEAS 2 services, CMA CGM now provides direct services linking Port Elizabeth to Asia and South America, allowing the group to meet the growing demand of its customers on these strategic trades,” says Arnaud Thibault, regional director southern Africa, CMA CGM and DELMAS. The main commodities being carried include exports of citrus, minerals, wool, hides and fish, with imports of chicken, meat and auto parts from South America. Thibault says the new services add to the reefer capacity through the port of Ngqura – “a very important strength on these trades where refrigerated goods represent an important part of the volumes”. Thibault says CMA CGM has “real expertise” in refrigerated transport, with a network of specialists in over 70 countries. The new offices will also test the new Ngqura port. CMA CGM Group has been present in North, West and East Africa for more than 30 years, while its subsidiary DELMAS has been serving the sub-Saharan market since 1875. With the acquisition of DELMAS in 2006, the CMA CGM Group has a network covering the African continent, in addition to linking Africa to the rest of the world, he says. The Port Elizabeth office is headed up by branch manager Tracy Lovemore, who is supported by Aimee Le Roux and Jo-Anne Osborn. Lovemore has worked in the industry for the past 11 years, joining it “fresh from studying”. She has experience in groupage, clearing and forwarding, and liner services. Responsible for internal sales, Le Roux has five years’ experience in airfreight, logistics and reefer exports. Osborn has spent 19 years in the industry, with experience across a range of disciplines. All three are well known in the local industry and are out to set new standards for personal service, according to Lovemore. “The opening of the office is good timing and is another illustration of the Group’s determination to reinforce its presence in South Africa,” says Lovemore.