Total costs should dictate choice of ports

Total transport costs should be taken into consideration when selecting a port, says Richard Powell of CML Zambia. Shippers and cargo owners are sometimes put off by the relatively high road transport costs through Walvis Bay, but these can be offset by the efficiencies in the port and its proximity to European markets. “Cargo from the United Kingdom can be delivered to the Copperbelt within 30 days of shipping,” he says. Volumes along the corridor to Walvis Bay would be growing faster if the hauliers were more competitive. Other ports serving the region are adding to the choice as they become more efficient. “Dar es Salaam has improved, and a lot of nitrates are moving through the port,” he says. CML has a network of 14 offices in Zambia, with representation in Beira, Durban, Walvis Bay and Dar es Salaam.