Super GEX maintains 'official' silence

Alan Peat ALTHOUGH THERE is still a gag slapped on any "official" comment from the rumoured parties in the new Good Hope Express (GEX) shipping service between SA and the Far East (speculated to be NYK, Kien Hung Line and CSAV) Ð tit-bits of related information keep appearing on the Internet. The latest is a brief press release from Lykes Lines stating that its slot-charter deal with KHL terminates with the arrival of voyage 001 in Durban on November 3. The same release then names GEX sailings on which Lykes is presumed to have slot-chartered, something that FTW is trying to confirm with Lykes head office in Tampa, Florida. "Kien Hung's latest schedule shows the Northern Endurance now as part of the GEX schedule Ð whereas previously this was a Kien Hung vessel," according to an industry source. But, he added: "Perhaps we shouldn't jump to any conclusions....." Possibly not, because FTW has heard that NYK has chartered KHL ships. Not that that is any more "officially" confirmed/denied than the "rumoured" new Super GEX. Despite the many authoritative stories on the subject from the Internet, we can still tell you nothing that has been confirmed by any of the head offices of the lines. And, despite red-hot phone dials and regular conversations with the local parties in the supposed new GEX lines, FTW has been refused any "official" comment. "Our lips are sealed," said one, "on orders from Japan."