CMA CGM to launch new Asia, Indian Ocean Islands and South Africa service

Monday, 16 May 2011 01:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CMA CGM Group announced last week the launching of a new service linking Asia, Indian Ocean Islands and South Africa, effective May 8th, 2011.

Called Shaka Express, this new weekly service will deploy 6 vessels between 4500 and 6500 TEU, and will allow CMA CGM to meet the growing market demand of South Africa, as over 30% of the country’s trade is with Asia.

The asset of this new service:

•New reefer capacity for exports from Durban and Port Elizabeth (Nqura) to Singapore and Hong Kong : a very important strength on this trade where refrigerated goods represent about 20% of the containerized volumes, in particular with the transport of citrus and bananas

•Connections with the Group’s global network of lines via Hong Kong for cargo from and to North China

•Northbound and Southbound calls in Port Louis allowing relay of cargo to and from all Indian Ocean Islands, thanks to the connection with the CMA CGM Mascareignes service (linking Gulf, Pakistan, and Indian Ocean)

The service rotation will be as follows: Fuzhou, Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Singapore, Port Louis, Durban, Port Elizabeth (Ngqura), Port Louis, Singapore and back to Fuzhou.

“CMA CGM Group is strongly determined to expand its presence in South Africa.

We started by adding stopovers on our existing services but this new service marks another big step forward with an offer dedicated to the South African Market,” Deputy Vice President Africa, Indian Ocean Oceania Lines Stéphane Courquin said.

CMA CGM now has 4 services calling every week South Africa, providing its clients with an optimal ports coverage and a full range of services to the rest of the world.