Ship’s agent provides range of critical data

Accurate “on the ground” news of developments in the Angolan economy can assist customers to make business decisions by arming them with the “where and when” data needed for shipping. The sea freight shipping agent African Steamship Angola (www.hullblyth. com) ensures that its customers know such critical data as the wait times for ships in port, industrial activity and economic indicators. Information about Angola can be spotty, and exporters into the country value timely and accurate guidance, says Edgar Espinosa, managing director of African Steamship Angola, a member of the Hull Blyth Group. “African Steamship appreciates the distinction between the different services required by our various principals, which is why the ship’s agency aspect of our business has been split into three: liner agency (container carriers), ro-ro (rolling cargo/vehicles, project cargo) and general cargo agency (bulk, product/chemicals),” said Espinosa. African Steamship Angola is currently the agent for OACL (Ocean Africa Container Lines), which serves the ports of Luanda, Lobito and Namibe. “In addition to OACL, we also serve other important entities based in South Africa,” said Espinosa. “As container carriers, we represent Hamburg Süd and Maruba. With respect to ro-ro freight, we are the Angolan agents for the Daewoo service, which is managed by the KTSL office in Durban. On the bulk side of the business, we serve Mainport Africa Shipping, also based in Durban. “Along with our South African principals, we also represent a number of other carriers from all regions of the globe in the container, ro-ro, general cargo and product/chemical market,” he said. To serve a country that has a far-flung ports systems one capital city headquarters isn’t enough, says Espinosa, which is why the company also has offices at the key ports and oil/gas terminals of Lobito, Namibe, Soyo, Malongo, Cabinda, Girassol, Kuito, Lombo and Palanca.