Specialist NVOCC caters for out-of-gauge cargo

India-based specialist NVOCC Sarjak Container Lines has launched a concerted marketing drive to grow its African footprint. The company, which specialises in containers for the movement of overdimensional and out-ofgauge cargo, has identified Africa as a significant growth market. In South Africa recently to promote the concept was business development manager for Africa of SARJAK Lines, Arun Kumar Jaiswal, who told FTW that since his last visit in February this year there had been a 300% increase in product sales, indicating fast-growing industry awareness and demand for the special equipment. SARJAK’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of open tops, f lat racks and GP boxes while its super specials include 20’ and 40’ high cube hard top open top boxes and superracks, capable of accommodating a 44mt payload. The company’s main target markets are the mining, power, oil and gas, sugar and chemical industries. “SARJAK’s f leet of special equipment can accommodate small and medium-sized break bulk cargoes on all trade lanes,” said Jaiswal. While the company has had a presence in South Africa for approximately four and a half years, it only started aggressively marketing the product last year and has seen a significant increase in market share, he said. “Most shipping companies don’t have special equipment to supply to shippers,” said Jaiswal. “Since SARJAK can provide a range of equipment, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved in the supply chain.” “Also fewer and fewer ship owners are offering break bulk services to East and West Africa and to other parts of the world,” Helen Martens of local agents Seaclad Maritime told FTW. “ But with Sarjak’s own f leet of f lat racks and open tops, even if the cargo is over dimensional, SARJAK can carry heavy parcels to most parts of the world,” she said. SARJAK operates to all major global destinations. It has approximately 7000 containers scattered around the globe, with more than 200 special containers in South Africa, and plans to expand the fleet in the future. INSERT & CAPTION 1 Even if the cargo is over dimensional, SARJAK can carry heavy parcels to most parts of the world. – Helen Martens INSERT & CAPTION 2 Since SARJAK can provide a range of equipment, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved in the supply chain. – Arun Kumar Jaiswal