West African port upgrades welcomed as project volumes escalate

PROJECT AND non-containerised cargo volumes to West African destinations are rapidly increasing, according to Ivan Heesom-Green, CEO of the shipping line, Safmarine. This, he told FTW, is thanks to large-scale investments in mining and infrastructural projects – including much-needed investment in ports. “Investment in improving West African ports is a key step,” he added, “since on-going congestion is driving up shipping costs and impacting on schedule integrity and the timeous delivery of cargoes to final destinations.” One of Safmarine’s offers is a liner-type multipurpose vessel (MPV) service from SA to select West African destinations, and it recorded a double-digit increase in breakbulk liftings from SA for the period 2006/2007. The outlook, he added, remains positive, with a number of large-scale projects in the pipeline – including the construction of an LNG plant in Soyo, Angola. Blasting grit, iron and steel, construction materials, paper, salt, earth-moving equipment and specialised cargoes for the oil and gas market – including heavy lifts – are some of the dominant cargoes being shipped to West Africa. These are primarily for infrastructural development – with Angola, the DRC, Congo, Nigeria and Gabon just some of the countries in the region investing in improved infrastructure. “The improvement in port capacity is a particularly welcome move,” Heesom-Green added, “since the future growth of MPV volumes will be significantly influenced by the ability of West African ports to provide shipping lines with a high quality, reliable service.” SA’s close proximity to West Africa offers a definite advantage. Also, overall shipping volumes to West Africa are on the increase, and there is no doubt SA is an ideal source for goods, according to the line. “This is not only because this country is rich in commodities and resources, but because the present value of the rand favours exports from SA versus sourcing from other parts of the world,” said Heesom-Green. “However, what is unclear is to what extent SA companies will take advantage of the opportunities in West Africa – particularly considering the requirements needed for SA’s own large infrastructural projects, including the Soccer World Cup 2010.” Safmarine’s MPV division is managed out of Antwerp, Belgium, with the line currently offering five different services from three continents to more than 12 West African countries – and deploying 17 vessels from 12 500 to 18 000-deadweight tons (dwt). The fleets sail approximately 100 round trips annually, transporting more than a million freight tons and about 18 000 forty-foot equivalent units (FEUs).