Growing volumes on European routes have created further opportunities to launch new direct services, according to neutral consolidator CFR Freight.
“For NVOCCs, the general market will always dictate the volume of overflow and underflow that is available to ship,” said Nicholas von Flemming, key accounts manager, who is upbeat about future growth in the sector.
“The European continent has always been the stronghold of our company. We run just under 40 direct port to port services between the two continents both south and northbound,” he added.
“We continue to prioritise direct sailings and optimal transit times to ensure we remain a neutral extension of our clients’ own businesses.”
Turkey and Poland have been identified as markets of potential growth. “Through the regional insight of our partners in the WorldWide Alliance (WWA), we’re able to tap into these new markets.
“We have also followed Brexit closely – and the commercial implications and various threats and benefits it brings. South Africa has close relations with all parties in the old EU and this has huge implications for future trade negotiations. With our size and scope in Europe, we are very well positioned.”
He said a major challenge was getting different markets to understand the operating procedures in different countries.
“Europe, while falling under the EMEA region, works very differently from our market. Procurement, business culture and client relations are totally different. Through the WWA we have the benefit of regional expertise to facilitate the smooth flow of cargo.”
And that expertise would become increasingly crucial, said Von Flemming, as Europe realigned itself and individual countries sought revised trade deals.
“Our logistics network is well positioned to serve our customers across our continent either through South Africa as a gateway or via our network of African partners.”
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The European continent has always been the stronghold of our company. – Nicholas von Flemming
