Category Archives for "Blog"

China’s $3.8 Billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project in East Africa

By sowmedia | Blog

Nairobi| 12 May 2014

South Sudan is among several East African countries earmarked to benefit from the $3.8 billion railway line network that will mainly be funded by China with a 10% contribution from Kenya.

The regional Standard Gauge Railway Protocol (SGR) is reportedly part of the northern corridor integration project linking four nations of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan in the Great Lakes region with the Port of Mombasa which is the main gateway to East and Central Africa with the outside world by sea.

The railway project which is expected to change the regional economic landscape by providing efficient and cost effective rail transport for both freight and passengers, will reduce costs of doing businesses in the region and significantly reduce the time spent on travel and transit, by both passengers and cargo respectively.

In the case of South Sudan, for instance, the rail link will boost its export to international markets. It will connect the South Sudan main capital Juba through its Nimule border with Uganda, and Kenya through Nadapal, and then Bor, Malakal, Renk and Paloch towns.

The project is expected to kick off in October 1, and will take 42 months to complete. The overall objective of the SGR protocol is to jointly develop and operate a modern, fast, reliable, efficient and high capacity railway transport system in the four countries and Great Lakes region at large.

For all your cargo inquiries to any destination in East and Central Africa, call us today on +31 10 476 0241 or email us: info@africashippinglogistics.com

We look forward to serving you!

PEACE at last in SOUTH SUDAN!!

By sowmedia | Blog

Nairobi| 9 May 2014

This day ushered in a new era to the peace process in the world’s youngest state of South Sudan which was in the brink of collapse from civil war. This comes at the wake of pressure mounted by the regional and international communities on cessation of hostility after the witnessing the massacre of innocent lives in various parts of South Sudan.

The two South Sudanese principles – President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his Former Vice President Dr Riek Machar met for the first time and held face-to-face talks which culminated in the signing of the peace agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These talks were held within the context of, and chaired by the chairman of IGAD, H.E. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia will work towards a complete cessation of hostilities agreement that was signed earlier this year.

This move will see a revamp of the economy and trade which has been adversely affected by the conflict in South Sudan. Already some international companies which had closed down and evacuated their personnel late last year have returned back in the country.

At Africa Shipping Logistics, business is as usual in this trade lane. We have embarked on increasing the number of trucks transporting cargo to and from South Sudan via the port of Mombasa, Kenya. We are foreseeing a more stable and bright future for this nation which was in the brink of collapse. We ensure efficient and effective door to door cargo delivery and always ensure that our clients are kept abreast on their cargo movement.

We handle all kinds of cargo ranging from breakbulk, containerised, heavy and project cargo. For all your cargo inquiries, call us today on +31 10 476 0241 or email us on info@africashippinglogistics.com. We look forward to serving you!

RISE IN SUEZ CANAL TOLL TO AFFECT THE FREIGHT RATES

By sowmedia | Blog

The Suez Canal toll fees are set to increase by 2% and 2.6% with effect from 1^st May, 2014 for all vessels. This was announced by Suez Canal Authority (SCA) in a circular no. 02/2014 and 03/2014, issued out on 1^st February, 2014. 

This move will see the increase in the shipping market rates by the shipping operators in order to cover the costs on the Indian ocean and Far East route. On the other hand the shipping operators will pass on the costs to the shippers in form of Suez Canal Surcharges.

On the Surcharge of Container tiers on Deck of containership

Article One

First: Southbound vessels: 
Circular No. 2/2007 shall remain in force

Second: Northbound vessels: 

The surcharge of container tiers on deck of containership shall be modified to become:
– 4% for vessels carrying one tier.
– 6% for vessels carrying two tiers.
– 8% for vessels carrying three tiers.
– 11% for vessels carrying four tiers.
– 15% for vessels carrying five tiers.
– 21% for vessels carrying six tiers.

– An increase of 2% shall be applied for each tier in excess of six tiers, which means that a surcharge of 23% shall be applied on vessels carrying seven tiers of containers…etc

Article Two
Circular No. 7/2011 shall be cancelled.

Article Three
This circular shall take effect as of 1/5/2014

source: Suez Canal Authority – Feb, 2014

Mission and Relief Cargo to Africa

By sowmedia | Blog

In movement of the mission and relief cargo shipments there are various challenges faced by the shipper who mostly are located in the cargo country of origin.  Most of the challenges faced are much attributed to geographical knowledge of the cargo destination; documentation processes with the customs and the government at destination which have proved to be more cumbersome. Adding to this is finding a trusted and reliable service provider to ensure the smooth flow of your cargo.

Most cargo in some instances have ended up in the local market instead of the intended final destination. In some cases, the shippers have been lured by very low-priced rates, which eventually become much expensive once the cargo arrives at the port of discharge and documents handed over. The providers come up with other hidden charges which initially were not part of the initial offered rate.

At Africa Shipping Logistics, we understand these challenges faced by many shippers and have strived to ensure that our clients do not have to worry about their cargo while on transit. This type of cargo requires efficiency and effectiveness in delivery without hindrance of the smooth flow of cargo while on transit to the final destination.

We arrange and plan for the cargo movement from your door step to the final destination, thus leaving you free of the headaches and worries of your cargo.

Our qualified and experience personnel, ensures that your cargo is processed through customs from the port loading, discharge and border points without much delay. We also provide you with a direct contact person to ensure that you are updated on the cargo movement while on transit.

Our executive will always make a follow up with you as we begin the arrangement and planning of your cargo from your country of origin. We also offer free advice and consultancy on the movement of your cargo.

For Booking of space for your Mission, Relief or Humanitarian assistance cargo shipments please get in touch with us! You can call us on +31(0)10 476 0241 or send your request to info@africashippinglogistics.com

Visit our website to stay much updated about our services!

 

ECTN FOR ALL SHIPMENTS TO CONGO

By sowmedia | Blog

An ECTN, or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, is a digital document filled in by a forwarder. The forwarder’s country of registration will specify which agent will be of assistance.

An ECTN accompanies a shipment heading towards the Republic of Congo. The goods, fully described by the ECTN, can be cleared in Congo once the ECTN has been validated with a VISA which generates a Unique Registration Number, or URN. The agent may only grant a VISA to a shipment if the ECTN is within policy.

This data management provides information about the cargo on transit to the local Authorities, the trade trends and how it can impact on future policies.

The rates of the Notes

Following rates are applicable for the ECTN and CTN:

Cargo Tracking Note (CTN)

Exportations / All Continents / All transport modes / All products:

3000 FCFA / per transport document

Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN)

Importations from Africa and Europe:

• Bulk 75 EUR / per BL / 300 Tons maximum
• Conventional 75 EUR / per BL / 100 Tons maximum
• 20′ Container 55 EUR / per BL / 5 TEU per ECTN
• 40′ Container 55 EUR / per BL / 3 TEU per ECTN
• Vehicle less than 5 tons 55 EUR / per BL / 5 units per ECTN
• Vehicle more than 5 tons 55 EUR / per BL / 1 unit per ECTN

Importations from Asia, America and the rest of the world:

• Bulk 100 EUR / per BL / 300 Tons maximum
• Conventional 100 EUR / per BL / 100 Tons maximum
• 20′ Container 100 EUR / per BL / 5 TEU per ECTN
• 40′ Container 100 EUR / per BL / 3 TEU per ECTN
• Vehicle less than 5 tons 100 EUR / per BL / 5 units per ECTN
• Vehicle more than 5 tons 100 EUR / per BL / 1 unit per ECTN

For all shipments sailed without ECTN, the regularization by means of the import

CTN will be charged at the price of the ECTN plus 50%, source: Congolese Shippers Council-2013 Dec.

Ensure to confirm to get the updated rates.

SHIPMENT OF SMALL PARCELS

By sowmedia | Blog

In enhancement of our service as we look to meet the needs of our clients, We @AFRICA  SHIPPING  LOGISTICS have re-introduced the GROUPAGE CARGO service

This service will enable most of our clients who cannot fill a full container load be able to send their individual cargo at more reasonable price. The service will begin with the hauling of a 20 or 40 FT (foot) size container depending with the availability of cargo.

This will be a monthly service from the Netherlands to Kenya in East Africa. We are also looking at encompassing the whole of East Africa for this service. All logistics mechanism and planning are in place to ensure the smooth flow of the cargo from the client’s address in The Netherlands to the address in East Africa.

As we continue to ensure the satisfaction of our client’s we shall embrace the door to door concept. This will see our client’s being free from the hustle and tussle of thinking and worrying about the cargo clearance at the port of Mombasa and delivery.

The service is scheduled to begin in Early January 2014, which shall see the first container being shipped out.

For more information on booking your cargo, contact us today on

 

Tel: +31(0)10 476 02 41 OR EMAIL : info@africashippinglogistics.com

Our visiting office address:
Africa Shipping Logistics
Rösener Manzstraat 60
3026 TV, Rotterdam

@Africa Shipping Logistics “WE SERVE YOU EVEN BETTER”