Cargo To Africa

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  • Djibouti Launched Africa’s largest Free Trade Zone

    The first episode of a free-trade zone of Africa looks pretty astonishing on paper

    China is clearing its way to secure its position as a global trade leader and launching the first phase of Africa’s prodigious free-trade zone is another milestone in this regard.

    On July 5, Djibouti unbolted the first episode of the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ), a $3.5 billion project that stretches an area of 4,800 hectares.

    Enhancement of financial support

    Having whereabouts at the intersection of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti has given long notices of its geostrategic location as a critical entry point into African markets.

    As a petty, barren country, with a population less than one million, it has attracted military installations from various nations including both China and the US. The $370 million, 240-hectare pilot zone comprises four industrial swarms which will subject to trade and logistics, export processing, business and financial support services, as well as concocting and duty-free merchandise retail.

    The opening of the zone is being in tune with Djibouti’s hosting of the Africa-China Economic Forum, which showed the way to government officials and the private sector to have the designs of promoting economic collaboration.

    The free-trade zone as a zone of hope

    Djibouti wishes the international trade zone will not only perk its position up as a trade and logistics hub but will also put its youth in operation. On top of that, it’s hoping it will provide a strategic base for global businesses hankering to access the rapidly growing African market.

    Along with Djibouti, the DIFTZ will be managed with three other Chinese companies, namely: China Merchants Group, Dalian Port Authority, and IZP. President Ismail Omar Guelleh lauded the efforts of the Chinese to invest in Africa, calling the trade area “a zone of hope” in an event attended by leaders cargo from UK to Rwanda , Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the African Union.

    The DIFTZ zone is also a fundamental part of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the multi-trillion Chinese project that aims to sink money into the infrastructure projects including railways and power grids in central, west, and southern Asia, as well Africa and Europe.

    As part of this mega project, China finished credit for and built a $4 billion, 756 kilometres (470 miles) railway between Djibouti and landlocked Addis Ababa, the continent’s first transnational electric railway.

    This year, after calling its contract off with the Dubai-based DP World, Djibouti also signed an agreement to boost up the number of cargo containers handled at the port with the Singapore-rooted Pacific International Lines that toil with China Merchants Port stocks, which thus far has a stake in the Djibouti port.

    But China’s continuous involvement in Djibouti has raised concerns with American officials worried Beijing could strong-arm them from the location of their strategic base Camp Lemonier.

    And much like Sri Lanka had to hand over a strategic port after struggling to pay its debts to Chinese firms, Djibouti is also among several nations who might be lured into China’s “debt trap,” threatening the nation’s long-term sovereignty.

  • East African Exports to European Union grew by U.S. $200 Million

    It is an encouraging news for the East African trade enthusiasts

    There is no denying to the fact that economy depends on trade a lot and healthy trade and cargo activities in any region are bound to boost the economy of that region. The poverty-ridden East African region received a good news in this regard.

    According to ITC, the East African region exported goods worth more than $2.5 billion in 2017, which stood last year at $2.3 billion. Even though it is still not a very big amount but things are significantly improving and the stagnancy in the region’s economy no longer seems to exist.

    East African Countries need to set their priorities

    East Africa is a big region and a home to 21 countries. Some of the notable countries of this region are Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Madagascar and Uganda. These countries contribute a lot to the overall economy of Africa.

    Amid the efforts to harmonise standards in the region, this rise in exports is no less than an achievement. Nevertheless, according to International Trade Centre, the numbers could have been even better, had the East African countries sorted out the issue of harmonising standards quickly.

    Brexit; a Midas touch for Africa

    After the pole for Brexit, European Union is finding ways to boost trade and logistics in order to curtail the effects of the absence of Britain. Therefore, it is a golden chance for Africa to capitalize on this opportunity and get into more trade agreements and MOUs with EU and UK.

    The director Productive Sectors of the East African Community (EAC), Mr Jean Baptiste said: “To tap into the EU market, the region needs to benchmark standards with those in the European Union and East African products should meet the requirements of the European consumers.”

    Cargo for the trade is like milk for the tea

    Cargo or freight movement contribute a great deal to the trade activities. Cargo to Africa from Europe has seen major improvements in recent years. However, it can be made go further by improving air and sea cargo facilities.

    The Airlines functioning in East Africa have not produced an up to the mark performance due to some ground realities which are needed to be eradicated. Private airline service rather than national flag carriers can help a lot in connecting east Africa to the rest of the world.

    The permanent connectivity offered by the aviation is imperative for the economy to flourish. Aviation creates jobs and improves trades and upgrade the living standards of the general population. The revenue generated by the airlines also adds to the growth of an economy.

    In the similar fashion, seaports play a very important role in the sea cargo of a country. African seaports are a mess and they handle cargo is not a very professional way.

    However, there are some exceptions too such as the Port of Mombasa, which registered a new record in container operations by discharging 3872 TEUS in a matter of only eight hours. Other African port authorities should learn from this and implement similar planning at their ports.

  • International Problem of Fuel Prices Affects Cargo to Africa Industry Too

    Impacts of costly fuel

    It is a well-known fact that fossil fuel is at the center of every economic activity. The prices of fuel determine the prices of all the commodities since the movement of every commodity depends on oil.

    In fact, fuel prices affect each and every individual’s life in some ways to some extent.

    The Cargo Industry

    A cargo industry is the first and foremost that is affected by the fuel price fluctuations. The higher fuel prices mean higher shipment charges. The rise in fuel prices affects the cargo to Africa services as well including trucks, railways ships and airways all and customers try to avoid shipments.

    Similarly, low fuel prices bring the cargo charges down and thus boost the growth of the industry owing to the maximum use of its services. The increase in the fuel prices affects the cargo industry in many ways.

    Chain Reaction by Fuel Price

    The rise in fuel prices actually brings about a chain reaction. When the fuel prices surge, the cargo charges also increase. This increase in the cargo charges means the shipper is going to be charged more to make up for this.

    In the similar fashion, when the shipper will be charged more it will make the receiver pay more amount. Therefore, this cycle will end up causing inflation. We can see how a minor change in fuel price affects each and every individual.

    Setback to the Cargo to Africa industry

    When the fuel price rises, the cargo prices also rise which makes people hesitate to use cargo to Africa services. This hesitation leads to a lesser use of cargo services which reduces the revenue of the cargo industry and thus the industry suffers a setback.

    A firm fuel price ensures a steady revenue generated by the cargo industry.

    Competition

    This effect is actually a positive effect. When the fuel price rises, the cargo companies try to mitigate the effect by providing services at a discounted rate so that the cargo to Africa companies are not disrupted.

    This thing promotes competition among the cargo companies and in turn, the service rates are decreased. However, these effects remain active for a short and limited amount of time.

     Effects on Economy

    We know that economy of all the countries is largely dependent at fuel. More fuel prices bring less cargo activity which affects the economy in the longer run.

    Even though the effect is not immediate, yet it plays a significant part in the destabilization of the economy. It largely influences the imports and exports of the countries.

    Uncertain Future

    Since the logistics company run entirely at the expense of fuel, they are at higher stakes regarding oil prices. If the fuel prices keep on rising and rising, many companies would go down and many would be forced to take loans.

    So higher prices of fuel increase the risk for the cargo companies manifolds. Similarly, on the lower level, less shipping activity will be noted.

  • Kenya has big plans for big cargo business

    To gain more, have to work more

    Extension of the Mombasa port in course of recent years has empowered it to deal with bigger volumes of freight, making it appealing for a huge worldwide delivery line. KPA (Kenya Ports Authority) says that huge change in the aptitude of tasks is another significant reason that we have gotten the attention of bigger vessels.
    Six of the main ten container shipping services Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company, CMA-CGM, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and Evergreen Shipping line are currently calling at the port.

    Two weeks prior, the port got a container vessel MvSpero, worked by Hapag-Lloyd from German delivery service, denoting the association’s beginning deeds to East Africa. Hapag-Lloyd is the world’s 6th biggest container carrier when it comes to vessel limit.

    Mombasa Port Development Program

    KPA Managing Director Catherine Mturi Wairi said that “The important point is, calling of well-known shipping services for the port is a sign of faith which international shipping and the business group has in the Mombasa port. She credited this to a pile of changes accomplished under the Mombasa Port Development Program (MPDP).

    The MPDP initiated in 2005 as a component of the actualization of a 25-year Port Master Plan that concentrated on a limited up gradation of expansion in cargo works. Another segment of the MPDP is consumption of current invention in the port’s systems.

    Usage of this program has kept on increasing abilities in tasks, reducing cargo ship reversal time from 4.9 days a couple of years before to 2.5 days. Stay time of container is decreased from 7.1 days to 3.5 days.

    KPA senior public relation officer Hajj Masemo was expecting much more shipping lines amenity at the port within few years and said that “We are connected with various shipping and cargo lines and there is the expectation that soon they will start calling at the port. Moreover, Hapag Lloyd which called with a small quantity of a vessel of 1,700 TEUs will get a greater ship of up to 3,000 TEUs,” he said.

    The experts are restoring everyone on dock at the port, so they can deal with container vessels while an expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway into the port which is supposed to help empty cargo swiftly and more efficiently in professional manners.

    Rise in Cargo to Industry

    From past many years, Mombasa port has seen an enormous rise in cargo quantum, dealing with 27 million tons in 2017 up from 14.4 million tons in 2006. It is assumed that it could be increased up to 44.03 million tons by 2025 and 56.04 million tons by 2030.

    According to experts that huge rise of that much quantum is surely the point where we require some serious and professional investors who are willing and keen to invest in our docks and help us to upgrade the capacity of our docks and ports.

    KPA is nowadays dealing with phase one of the second container terminal which was authorized in 2016 which has an ability to deal with 500,000 tones. This surely is the biggest project which government has contained at the port with alternate tasks for improvement.

  • UK giving a Helping Hand to Nigeria

    In a recent meeting UK giving full support to fight corruption and insurgency

    Who can deny the role of UK in the African region? Especially in the fields of development and fighting food and economic problems, UK has been a major support to make the situation better in the land as well as in the offices. This means that the UK is also making efforts with the collaboration of African authorities to minimize the effects of corruption that stops the developmental process.

    Many think that only South Africa plays a key role in UK Africa Cargo trade, in fact, Nigeria is equally important. The downfall of this country is due to corruption that interrupts in its growth.

    Nigeria is seen as a fruitful trading partner and the recent visit of Boris Johnson, the foreign sectary for Britain and with him, Ms. Priti Patel stressed on the full support of UK for Nigeria to fight its internal problems so that it can start targeting the uphill climb towards success.

    Summary of the objective of Meeting

    The two officials were visiting Nigeria so as to make the bond more firm and assure Britain’s support for Nigeria in its humanitarian, developmental and military areas. Both the personals stressed on making the country more liable for trade and a better place to live for people.

    It is estimated that almost every young citizen of the country has to face poverty and no job opportunities are present. For going abroad is not affordable for everyone and due to this many of them are stuck there. But leaving the place is not an answer, instead, help should be given to such a land so that it can provide every necessity the people need in its territory.

    And the UK is providing help in every sector so as to raise the living standards of the people.

    Nigeria’s response

    The response of Vice President and the ministers was very positive towards what the UK is doing for them. The minister of Foreign Affairs said that they appreciate what is being done for them. And they look forward to increasing the relationship in Sea Cargo to Africa economic grounds.

    It is very obvious now that if the economy of a country could rise, other areas will get better with the combined effort. The UK is also keen to facilitate the security challenges and terrorist threat which Africa is facing right now. Also, the team for the meeting from Nigeria responded very positively to know that there are investors and businessmen who want to do business in Nigeria.

    Another step Towards Strong Ties

    UK government has a very firm vision for the strong relations with African countries especially when they are approaching Brexit. This meeting could be seen as the chain of meetings going on for elimination any doubt between the two regions for trade flow.

    Also, Africa is facing many uncertainties and some very urgent decisions are to be made for the agreements of trade between Britain and Africa. The problems are not only with Africa but there are some very serious problems and decisions UK government has to handle so that their personality and at the same time global ties do not get affected by a hard or an easy Brexit.

  • UK Taking African Trade to the Next Level

    Continuous help is changing buy and sell scenario in the region

    For a long time these two countries have been doing trade in an effective and fruitful way. Doing business in Africa is not a kid’s game, the businessman or trader has to put his best efforts in setting up something new. The reason is not that people are not ready to participate in changing the situation, but it is the complex systems at every trade entry.

    The documentation is complex which results in the delay of the procedures. But efforts are being made to make the procedure efficient. In this regard, UK is lending a helping hand for setting up an advanced structure to speed up things according to the international standards. In East Africa trade access has become easy since 2010 with the onset of One Stop Border Points.

    Till now Trade Mark East Africa has funded 15 OSBP for their construction and operating. This became possible through the funding of UK’s Department for International Development and Global Affairs Canada.

    What is an OSBP

    This procedure brings the two neighboring sides under one roof for conducting the procedures regarding cargo exchange between the two. It has been reported that due to the OSBP the procedural time between Kenya and Uganda has reduced to one hour which earlier took up to three days.

    Customs, immigration, and vehicular clearance are all carried out on the same spot making the border crossing nightmare a sleek and efficient step for trade. As being a real trade booster in the Northern and Eastern side of Africa, setting up of such a facility is spreading and funds are being arranged for introducing it to new destinations.

    Sections Present on the spot

    Cargo to Africa is not only taken as a major trade partner to Africa, also its efforts to raise the living standards of people are remarkable. This British funding has made possible to give way for the structural and also deep inside development. Things like build office buildings, roads, and parking yards, cargo verification bays, scanner shed, passenger sheds, targeting booths, warehouse and canopies, ICT networks and hardware, furniture and institutional support has all become possible to maximize the chances of a smooth working environment and proper labor under one roof.

    This new progress is being welcomed by the employees very positively as it is taking off their burden. Also there is very less loss of cargo on the routes that are governed by the OSBP as you do not have to take your cargo from here to there.

     

    Advantages of this system

    The largest plus point of the technology is the reduction of time. Then there is an increased trade and a positive image of especially Uganda which was at the introduction of this process struggling hard to ease of its border and the prices for trade.

    Trade has improved since then and the government is more than appreciative for the support which UK has provided in such a hard time for this country. Other counties that received funding for this new program include Busia, Malaba, Kabanga/Kobero, Holli/Taveta and Mirama Hill/Kagitumba since 2010.

    To read more on technology, regular reading of Shout Me Crunch is recommended.

  • From Slaved Africa to Technological outburst

    Making path to make the trade area fast and reliable

    The Africa we see now didn’t exist some years from now. It was slavery and atrocity everywhere and no one imagined at that time that it will become a free continent, with global trade spreading its wing in the territory.

    The good thing about this continent is that people are open to change and advancement especially in terms of Cargo technology. It is one of the countries with a fast-growing middle class which means a rise in purchasing power.

    They are not only taking tools to a higher level of foreign help, internal development is also striving hard to be of service. This gradual progress has made it possible for the worldwide retailer to reach the new customers and it will certainly put a positive influence on the economy. Not only that the locals can avail overseas products, the regional goods can reach the international market.

    Warehouse Mechanization

    This is the most important area from the trade point of view. Anything which enters a territory stays in the warehouse for approval from the customs or until unless the consignee comes to claim it.

    It has been predicted that the growth of e-commerce is going to be 40 percent in the coming time. And the area which needs most of it is trade and warehousing. Air Cargo to Africa is providing a welcoming setting for automation of warehouses using robotic technology.

    For example, South Africa is already using Drone-Scan for the purpose of identifying and adding new arrivals to the data. There is a sensing device attached to the Drone to scan the barcodes of even the hard reach shelves. This way they facilitate their human workers to ease off some burden.

    Address Finder Application

    There should be an address present to locate the delivery point especially when you are ordering online. This is the biggest problem in Africa that there is no address located.

    For this, an address finding application has been introduced to solve the problem. Kenyan startup OkHi is a unique function which has resolved the problem. By using it the program sends a coordinated route map to the dealer and the front view of the house.

    Through this information, it becomes possible for the sender to deliver exactly to the target. Not only this, there are more expertise like the end-to-end delivery system and online bidding platform for transparent pricing which are serving the people successfully.

    Up ranking Ports and Railways

    Although seen as traditional ways of transport but it is a must for any era. Developing a strong infrastructure in this respect is unavoidable and has to be done to make the regional or even among country link stronger.

    To initiate well-built relations among the African countries it is a crucial step to be taken. Seven Trans-net Port Terminals are working in Southern Africa for providing a proper tracking system and any update on the terminal.

    This is not it, there is more to add in this respect. Some of the computerization has taken place and more is on the path of completion. Africa Govt. is succeeding in progressing from every aspect for becoming a flourishing economy.

    Recommended: The holiday destinations in Africa.

  • Africa’s Top 5 Largest Ports

    Check out Africa’s Top 5 Largest Ports

    Have a look at the ports Africa uses to handle more than 90 percent of its cargo. Let’s dive into Top five!

    The African continent uses sea cargo to handle more than 90 percent cargo and its imports and exports from across the globe. Being an exceptionally large content out of the seven in total, Africa has many exceptions, where Suez Canal in Egypt is one of these exceptions.

    It is a 102 miles long man-made channel connects two seashores and used for cargo ships coming from Mediterranean sea and red sea region to Arabian sea. This canal saves hundreds of miles travel for those ships.

    Going forward, the majority of countries in the African region are not that developed in the many fields of life and need innovation to be done, the maritime field is one of them. It needs development and innovation.

    Africa is more than 6 percent of the total surface of the planet earth and more than 70 percent states in African region are directly connected to the sea and this way they hold more than 6 percent waterways of the maritime industry.

    More than 6 percent of total traffic out of which half of the container traffic of the world cargo intercepted by the African ports. We have listed top 5 ports of Africa with lots of information about the ports and their facilities and definitely their capacity is also stated below. Let’s see what these ports are and which countries are hosting them.

    Port of Durban, South Africa

    Country: Republic of South Africa

    Province or District: KwaZulu Natal

    Town or City (Closest location): Durban

    Port’s Complete Name: Port of Durban

    Managing Company or Port Authority: Transnet National Ports Authority

    Average vessel calls per year:  4,554

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  40,477,697

    Bulk (Million Tons / year):  34,205,900

    Conventional Berths; 31

    Berth sizes: 228-meter x 9.6 meter deep berths

    Container berths: 10

    Berth sizes: 295-meter x 11.9 meter deep berths

    Bulk Liquid handling Berths: 9

    Berth sizes: 228-meter x 12.8 meter deep berths

    container Facilities Available: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS): Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations: Yes

    Daily Takeoff Capacity (Containers per day): No

    Number of Reefer Stations (connection points): 80

    Cooling chambers: 11 x 27,000 m³

    Pre-cooling funnels:  69 x 9,500 m³

    Open storage:  4,000 m³

    Multi-Purpose Terminals:

    Total Storage capacity = 42,000 m³

    Load rate (Agricultural) = 500 MT / hr.

    Draught available = 9.6 m

    Let’s start with Africa’s most popular and most active general cargo port and it is situated in the South African region, it is Durban port. The Durban port is known as the port of the Durban and situated in the central business region of the Durban. This port is the most important seaport of South Africa and plays an imperative role in the economy of the region.

    The port of Durban is Africa’s largest container ports and handles the most amount of sea traffic than all other seaports of South Africa. On average, the port of Durban hosts more than 4,500 container ships and 996,000 containers every year. More than 45 billion dollars in-out comes through the port of Durban.

    According to the Durban port management authority, the port of Durban handles more than 44 million tons of cargo every year and it is increasing every year. It is one of the most active ports in the African region and operates 24/7-365 and its channel depth is just under 13 meters on the entrance and it is more than 220 meters wide at the same time.

    The width has been widened to 222 meters at the tiniest point. Recently the entrance has been deepened to 19 meters while shallowing to not less than 16 meters inside the bay to handle larger vessels.

    The regular callers on the Durban port are 300 meters long and 37-meter beam carriers, they regularly call on the port. In the daylight, port authority restricts the ships to 243m and 35m due to lower draught levels, reduced to 11.9m to 12.2m.

    During the night, restrictions changed to 200m and beam height to 26m when draught remained to 11.6 meters. The larger vessels carrying around 230,000 dwt can enter the Durban harbor region but the ships larger than 230,000 dwt handled by the outer anchorage.

    The largest vessel handled by the Cargo to Africa is the ULCC tanker weighing 564,650 dwt. This vessel has a length of 458 meters and height of 69 meters received underwater repairs in the outer anchorage region. The terminals and cargo anchorage have different capacities to handle the cargo. There are two types of cargo terminals including one for general purposes and other for grains and bulk handling.

    Multipurpose Terminal:

    The city terminal or the Multi-Purpose Terminal is known as the Maydon Wharf 5 used for the bulk loading and unloading facilities on the port. This port has following capacities

    Total Storage capacity = 42,000 m³

    Load rate (Agricultural) = 500 MT / hr.

    Draught available = 9.6 m

    Subjected to the port authority approval, the vessels also use the rising tide for loading. On the other hand, grain and bulk handling terminals have following facilities. The Maydon Wharf 8 is a dedicated elevator agriculture grain and bulk cargo handling facility for grain products.

    Capacity = 34,560 MT

    Loading rate = 1,200 MT / hr.

    Draught = 10.3 m, 11.5 on rising tide

    Discharge rate = 275 MT / hr.

    Being the largest container port in the African region, it is necessary to discuss the container terminals as well. The container terminal has been upgraded recently and the terminal capacity has been optimized with more sophisticated equipment. The terminal has 20 straddle carriers and three quayside cranes. The upgrade has increased the capacity to 1.6 million tons from 1.3 million tons every year.

    African Seaports are bit slower in the operations and they normally work on 7 to 20 moves per hour, however, the global standard is a bit higher than these cranes. Global standard is 25 moves per hour per crane. Durban port including the South African ports handles more than 23 percent of the total container cargo in Africa.

    Port of Kilindini Harbour Mombasa, Kenya

    Country: Kenya

    Province or District: county of Mombasa

    Town or City (Closest location): Mombasa

    Port’s Complete Name: Kilindini Harbour, Mombasa

    Managing Company or Port Authority: Kenya Ports Authority

    Average vessel calls per year:  1340

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  894,000

    Bulk and breakbulk (Million Tons/year):  30,920,900

    Conventional Berths; 23

    Berth sizes: 2080 meter x 10-13.5 meter deep berths

    Container berths: 6

    Berth sizes: 1204 meter x 13.5 meter deep berths

    Bulk multipurpose Berths: 17

    Berth sizes: 2080 meter x 12.8 meter deep berths

    Container Facilities Available: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS): Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations: no

    Daily Take Off Capacity (Containers per day): 670

    Number of Reefer Stations (connection points): 120

    Bagged Cargo stations: 10

    Bagged Cargo Station Area: 90,597 sq. meters

    General Cargo stations: 10

    General Cargo Station Area: 90,597 sq. meters

    Mombasa port is approximately midway between Middle East ports on the red sea and South African port of Durban. The Mombasa port is one of the largest ports in the African region, indeed the largest port in the east African region. The Mombasa port is Kenya’s largest port and works as the main gateway to central Africa and eastern part of the continent. This port serves more than 120 million population of the hinterlands including Burundi, eastern DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and the northern part of Tanzania.

    With the length of 7 nautical miles and a width of 300 meters, the Mombasa port has a maximum depth of 15 meters and inner harbor tidal range of 3.5 meters. The port has more than 19 berths where different terminals are constructed to handle bulk cargo, grain cargo, and oil cargo. On the other hand, there are 4 container berths to handle container cargo including 20 to and 40 teu containers. At the same time, Mombasa port has 12 berths for general cargo handling as well.

    The recent development work on the port has increased the modern look. Port has new equipment and new main entrance channel to handle larger vessels. The port has the ability to handle most advanced Panamax vessels. The Mombasa port is ranked at 117th and in the African ports, its grade is 5th. There are many bottlenecks which are still restricting the operations of the port.

    • For specialized services port has fewer berths
    • Manual labor affecting quick services
    • Rainy season is a big game changer at the port. It slows discharge operations,
    • Timely clearance required correct documentation
    • Average wait time is still more than 3 days

    The port has six container berths and all these berths have an open seafront of more than 1204 meters where two container cranes have been installed to load and unload containers. These cranes are fully loaded with most modern gears and gadgets to speed up the operations on the port. The modern cranes are capable of making 25 moves per hour and this world standard for fast business operations at the ports.

    Port of Djibouti

    Country: Djibouti

    Province or District: Djibouti

    Town or City (Closest location): Djibouti

    Port’s Complete Name: Port of Djibouti

    Managing Company or Port Authority: Djibouti Ports Authority

    Average vessel calls per year:  1577

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  744,000

    Bulk and breakbulk (Million Tons/year):  3,772,900

    Conventional Berths; 29

    Bagging line capacity: Berth 15.

    Discharge with silo availability option; 7 MT/day

    Average discharge rate: 300 MT per shift

    Warehouse storage capacities: 70,000 MT

    Bulk Fertilizer Discharge Rate; 3.5mt per day

    Silo availability option; Berth 14

    Container Facilities Available 20ft: Yes

    Container Facilities Available 40ft: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS) 20ft: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS) 40ft: Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations 20ft: Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations 20ft: Yes

    Djibouti is an important country in the African region and its importance increased because of military operations through the ports of Djibouti. Djibouti ports own a crucial standing in geostrategic, military and economic terms. The Ethiopian trade and transshipment of goods pass through the port of Djibouti. The natural protection of the Djibouti waters and excellent nautical conditions play an imperative role in the breakwater structure and the coral reef colonies near the port break up the water agitation and resultantly they offer excellent conditions for shipping. They offer quiet and deep water in the port. The anchorage depth of more than 10-40 meters can be used and it is even protected by the reefs. These reefs also protect the coastal areas from pollution and these are the only ports where agents need to send manifest 48 hours before the call of the ship.

    The DP world management has improved the port performance to the utmost level since their partnership started in 2011. They have introduced different management systems and international managerial expertise to handle the port operations, security, and safety matters and the training of the staff. By these efforts from DP world, the Djibouti port has compliant with the ISPS international ship port facility. More than 28000 security accreditations from the register of Lloyds have been received by the port of Djibouti.

    Lagos, Nigeria

    Country: Nigeria

    Province or District: Apapa Local Government

    Town or City (Closest location):  Lagos Island

    Port’s Complete Name: Port of Djibouti

    Managing Company or Port Authority: APM Terminals/Nigeria Port Authority{NPA}

    Average vessel calls per year:  397

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  465,000

    Conventional Berths; 4

    Berth sizes: 1005 meter x 10-13.5 meter deep berths

    container berths: 4

    Berth sizes: 1005 meter x 13.5 meter deep berths

    Containers Facilities Available for 20ft & 40ft; Yes

    Containers Freight Station available for 20ft & 40ft; Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations available for 20ft & 40ft; Yes

    Daily containers take-off capacity of both 20ft and 40ft Between 100 & 300

    Number of Reefer Stations (connection points); 620 reefer plugs that serve both 20’s & 40’s

    The port of the Lagos is the economic hub of Nigeria and it is the main player in the GDP growth of the country. The port of Lagos is also known as the Lagos Port Complex of Apapa. This port is located in Apapa area of Lagos in the south-west of Nigeria. The port operational structure is based on the berths and cargo handling stacking along with massive cargo storage areas.

    The port of Lagos is one of the leading ports in the African region and it is one of the busiest ports as well. The Nigerian port authority controls the port operations by splitting the port into three different divisions. The Lagos port division is the main section of the port and it is a channel next to the Lagos Island. Apapa port is the site for container terminals and tin can port, these sites are located in Badagry Creek.

    Suez Canal, Egypt

    Country; Egypt

    Province or District; Suez

    Town or City (Closest location) with Distance (km); Suez

    Port’s Complete Name; Port of Suez (before Port Tewfiq)

    Managing Company or Port Authority; Red Sea Port Authority

    Vessel Calls; 300

    Container Traffic (TEUs); 4,200,000

    Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk; Bulk (MT) 19,154,524

    Conventional Berth; 48

    Berth length; 6532 sq. meter

    Berth depth; 12.81

    Container Berths; 4

    Berth size; 732 sq. meter

    Berth depth; 12.49

    Silo Berths; 3

    Berth size; 695 sq. meter

    Berth depth; 10.00

    The Suez Canal is a canal connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez through its 101 miles length. This is also called a northern branch of the red sea. The port is also located in the northern part of the canal.

    This area is situated in the southern gate if the canal. It is also an imaginary border extending from Ras Masala to Ras El-Sadat along the canal. The northern coast of the area included in the region till the canal starts. The canal was started in 1869 and since its launch; it has allowed ships to use a shorter route between Europe and Asia.

    This canal has reduced thousands of miles distance and skipped the navigation around African continent and reduced the sea voyage between the Arabian Sea and Europe. The SCADA or the Suez Canal Axis development program aimed at the development and the expansion of the canal. This canal will be further expanded under this project to facilitate the sea traffic.

    The passenger vessels transit system has been controlled at the port of the Suez quay and it accommodates all the passenger transit of up to 10 meters. There are no restrictions applied to the 8.2-meter ships and they can enjoy a free float in the canal.

    However, a written application to the SCA needs to be submitted with the number of passengers on board. The canal authority also demands a written proof of the activities of the passengers on the ship in the same application that who they are and why they are on the ship.

    The port authority listens to the ship on the radio frequency of 156,800 MHz for security purposes as there was a threat to the canal in previous years. The port handles more than 970 million tons of cargo on average every year and it is a midway stop to all traffic between Europe and South Asia.

  • Blooming African Cargo Trade

    Signs indicating that Africa is on the rise

    Africa today is not what it used to be. There is progress, trade has increased and still rising, the world is looking towards this continent for opportunities for business growth and developed countries are investing generously in developmental projects.

    It was the foreign investment which proved to be an initiating step for progress in this developing country. In the present time, Government is playing an important role in rectifying the economic situation. Political stability has also improved shipping to Africa which plays a key role in any country’s evolution.

    Moreover, the growing population is inclined towards urbanization which is a good sign showing the flexibility of people for progress. There are advancements in various sectors around the continent which is giving off solid proofs of a better Africa in the future.

    Processing of Raw Agricultural Produce

    At present, mostly raw items are traded by Africa in the international market. But to reach higher markets value-added services are also being introduced. Instead of trading unprocessed commodities which are less preferred, making them acceptable and then presenting for trade is a much better way.

    The need is being promoted in Cargo to African countries for many years and it is successful in most of the cases. Still, there are more opportunities for investment in this sector. What happens due to the process is that only fresh and high-quality goods reach the market and the value increases.

    Otherwise, the purchaser gives less money for low-quality which reverse the situation and the owner have to face loss. In turn, no improvement takes place at the root. For a positive route towards prosperity, it is necessary that change takes place at the base of a system.

    Local Manufacturing

    For a much better scope of trade globally, it is needed that local market advances at a steady pace. Currently, most of the products which are in demand by the growing population are traded.

    Over the past few years, businessmen in the region have started manufacturing with available products which can prove to be a starter in this direction. Trading inland creation will generate more revenue as the manufacturing cost will be paid back and profit graph rises as a result.

    This initiative is seen by an optimist as a rush of gold and the sector is sure to gain popularity by the profit level it is going to give back.

    Export Market Being Improved

    For a long time it was impossible for African market to meet the international standards but now efforts are being made in this respect to improve the exports.

    The best advantage for this land is its richness in food growth and with such a large rise in the world’s inhabitants the danger of food shortage is building up. African countries can positively play their role in providing eatables to the world when such a situation triggers. For this side to stay positive the standards should keep on getting higher to deliver internationally what is needed by most.

  • Kenya is Expanding Trade Abilities

    Kenya & UK improving trade relations

    African countries apart from South Africa, are also trying to make themselves capable of trading globally on independent bases. The emerging countries are now well aware of the fact that for their development trading on exchange bases or independent bases is necessary for the growth of an economy.

    Kenya is already an important Cargo trade partner to many countries and in specific to the UK. The basic work that is being carried out in Kenya is for the expansion and facilitation with respect to trade.

    One project is a 10-year lease of the international warehouse and the second one is the construction of Lamu Port. Both these projects will further facilitate the trade and in turn, the conditions in the country on whole will improve largely.

     Lamu Port

    This port is being constructed to harmonize the port of Mombassa. The main cause of this construction is to enhance trade with other East African countries. The port will also open up the route for landlocked countries like shipping to Ethiopia and South Sudan. The work on its first berth is in progress.

    The authorities say that 20% of the work has been done by now and the first berth is planned to complete by June 2018. Other two berths are to be completed by 2019 and 2020 respectively.

    Not only work on the berth is being completed, side by side a cofferdam and a causeway are also underway. Then a search for a proper channel and land recovery are also taking place.

    Kenya’s warehousing 10 years Lease

    African Logistics Properties (ALP) has signed with Kenya its first ever, largest warehouse which will be used as an international hub for receiving cargo. The warehouse is located in Nairobi and the work on it is being done with fast pace.

    There is no proper place for logistics and distribution in Kenya for now and with the inset of this warehouse, it will be a great achievement. The ALP is well experienced in its work and has handled many major projects till now.

    The company is well equipped and is making the warehouse installed with all modern facilities so as to satisfy all the international standards and make traders believe that their cargo will reach destination safe and sound and on time.

    It will be like a central place for the international as well as regional trade partners. The hassle to fetch the cargo will end with a warehouse which will have a great capacity to accumulate any volume of goods.

    A Step Ahead

    Both these projects are not only important internationally but also they will facilitate the national trade which is very important to stabilize the region. The malnutrition and reliance on food which is being suffered by the people of Africa have to end and they have to produce job opportunities and better living conditions for the citizens.

    Such projects give a hope to the people that they are going towards progress and their future population will have a better place to live. UK and Africa capable countries are playing their role well in helping the governments to improve their lands.