Safmarine: ECSA to Asia, Africa drive growth

Safmarine: ECSA to Asia, Africa drive growth    Liner carrier Safmarine said the East Coast of South America is playing a vital role in its network as trade ramps up with East Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.
   'The East Coast of South America continues to play a significant role in Safmarine's development as it is a key trading partner with our core markets of Africa (particularly foodstuff and building materials with western and southern African countries) as well as the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent,' Safmarine said in an October customer update.
   'In order to best meet our customers needs in a reliable and cost competitive manner we have developed four main weekly products linking the main ports of the River Plate (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) to the South-Southeast and Northeast of Brazil, with Europe and on-carriage to Africa and Middle East-India Subcontinent.'
   Safmarine, a subsidiary of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, said the development of Brazil exports has been particularly noticeable.
   'Brazilian commodities such as minerals, agribusiness energy (ethanol) as well as coffee, cotton, sugar, orange juice, chicken and beef, are 'feeding' the world, and are clear engines for exports,' the line said. 'Today, more than 50 percent of Safmarine exports from the South American Coast are perishable, including poultry, beef and fish, as well as fruit.'
   Safmarine also said it has made significant investments on the SAMMAX large vessels program, which are 7,500-TEU ships with high capacity for reefer units specially built to serve the South American Coast.
   'These vessels are expected to enter this trade with Asia during the first quarter 2011, and also on the cabotage sea carrier Mercosul Line, ensuring regular feeder capacity,' Safmarine said.