ZIM Integrated Shipping Services SA, which trades as Polaris Shipping, has recently re-introduced a new and improved FAX service into Durban. The service has been upgraded to weekly calls, with 11 vessels offering Southern African importers what it is marketing as “fast and efficient” transit times from all major ports in the Far East – with direct callings into Shanghai, Ningbo, Dachanbay, Singapore, Port Kelang and Columbo. The service also offers importers a reliable transhipment service from the Middle East and India via Columbo. For exporters to West Africa, the new improved weekly service offers direct calls into Tin Can and Apapa, Tema and Cotonou. “Given congestion problems at Durban’s main container terminals,” said MD Rhett van Zyl, “it was decided to put our FAX service into Point Terminals, as we have the option to work both mobile and ships’ gear. I have been pleasantly surprised at the service levels and co-operation we have received from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) management at Point – which is critical in maintaining our weekly schedule, as FAX has windows in both the Far East and West Africa.” Another highlight of the moment is that Polaris celebrated its 40th anniversary on October 2. “The company started as Cavalier Forwarding & Clearing (Cape Town) on October 2, 1972,” said Van Zyl. “The name was changed to SA Forwarding and Clearing Corporation (Ships Agency), better known as Safcor Ship, on July 24, 1975, and then to Polaris Shipping on November 17, 1980. “In that time Polaris has grown into one of the biggest and most respected ships’ agencies in SA – handling not only the vessels of its owners , ZIM Lines, but a number of other major breakbulk and container lines.” However, in about 2004, Polaris decided to focus mainly on ZIM and GSL business and was rebranded as ZIM Integrated Shipping Services SA in June 2006. The agency, with its head office based in Durban, looks after ZIM and GSL interests in the Southern African region, including the Indian Ocean Islands. CAPTION Rhett van Zyl ... ‘pleasantly surprised at TPT service levels.’
