The Africa Connection 06

Page 13

NileDutch STORY

Top shipping operator in Angola

13

A survey showed that NileDutch is the largest shipping operator serving Angola, with a clear lead. Marc Smulders, Managing Director NileDutch Angola, closely monitors our market position in Angola and the region. “I think our top position is the result of our increased sailing frequency and increased capacity on all major trades to Angola (China/Far East, Europe, South Africa, South America). We have offices in all five major ports in the country (Cabinda, Soyo, Luanda, Lobito and Namibe) and we employ 120 staff. Our partner Soportos offers excellent terminal facilities in Luanda and keeps investing in equipment so that our customers’ cargo is handled efficiently. Our dedicated staff at the terminal ensures that customers receive a high level of service. We also have a special desk for VIP accounts, saving these customers even more time. NileDutch has served the Angolan market for over 30 years. In that period we have developed a real understanding of the market, the businesses operating in it, their cargoes and the services they need. We have always been able to adapt to changing conditions, even during difficult periods in Angola’s history. That approach has served us well and we intend to maintain it. Initially most of the inbound cargo came from Europe. But as the markets changed, our services changed with them. In 2001 we added a service from South Africa, in 2003 from South America and in 2005 our portfolio was completed with services to and from China and the Far East.

Marc Smulders, Managing Director NileDutch Angola

In recent years, inbound cargo from China has become particularly important as this country is closely involved with Angola’s National Reconstruction efforts. Of course, NileDutch has responded to that by providing excellent connections and competitive solutions for shipments from China to Angola. All personnel at our offices throughout Angola are well aware of the need of our Chinese customers. Helen Sun, Commercial Supervisor at our office in Luanda, is actually from China herself. In the near future the Angolan economy is expected to diversify, and become less dependent on oil, which will contribute to further economic growth. So we will have to continue to adapt to the changing business environment.

Our dedicated staff at the terminal ensures that customers receive a high level of service.

CABINDA SOYO LUANDA LOBITO NAMIBE


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