CMA CGM starts Senegal coastal link

CMA CGM starts Senegal coastal link France’s CMA CGM has started a Senegal coastal service between the West African country’s capital Dakar and Ziguinchor, which is located about 300 miles south on the Casamance River.
   The service, which started Oct. 10, runs at least once weekly using a 3,500-ton multipurpose vessel, Anamcara 3, that can carry 307 TEUs as well as trailers and trucks. The transit time is just under 24 hours compared to the two- to three-day trip time required for ground transportation.
   The service was first discussed during a July meeting between Jacques R. Saad', CMA CGM's chairman and founder, and Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade.
   Marseilles-based CMA CGM said it handles one-fourth of all container traffic imported into Dakar and one-third of all exports. It also transports passengers between Dakar and Ziguinchor through its Soci't' Maritime de l’Atlantique (Somat) subsidiary whose majority shareholder is Compagnie Maroccaine de Navigation (Comanav), the previously Morocco state-owned carrier bought by CMA CGM in April.
   'We have a strong presence in the country with five lines sailing regularly into and out of Dakar. We are very pleased that this new service will contribute to the economic development of the Casamance region and to all of Senegal,' said Rodolphe Saad', general manager of CMA CGM.