HUAL LAUNCHES U.S./AFRICA RO/RO SERVICE
'HUAL is introducing a direct roll-on/roll-off service from the United States to West and South Africa at the end of this month.
''''”When our load factors from the United States to Europe and on-carriage to West and South Africa continued to grow, HUAL made the decision to enter this trade route on a direct port call basis, eliminating the longer transits required by the European leg,” said James Butcher, president, HUAL NA.
''''The first call of the service is scheduled at the port of Houston on July 31. The service will make direct calls along the U.S. East Coast at Jacksonville, Savannah, New York and Baltimore before sailing for Abidjan, Tema, East London and Durban. From there, the vessel will sail for Asia to load export cargo from Japan and Korea to the United States.
''''Service by transshipment will also be available to Lagos, Cotonou well as other West and South African ports, relaying cargo over HUAL’s Europe/Africa service.
''''The U.S./West Africa trade is served by very few direct services. Wallenius Wilhelmsen discontinued its direct U.S./West Africa/South Africa ro/ro service at the end of last year.
''''The line expects to carry used vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment into West Africa, with the South African market adding requirements for new vehicles and road building and construction equipment.
ACLN Ltd., a shipping line that specializes in the transport of vehicles, has also recently started a regular service from the United States to West Africa.