Hapag-Lloyd has extended it’s services to Tema by opening a new office there to capitalize upon the West African region’s growth in shipping.
The carrier, which has a total global transport capacity of 1.6 million TEU, will manage all its activities in West Africa from Tema.
It however plans to be part of the call for the port’s annual handling capacity to triple by mid-2019, from 1 million to 3 million TEU.
Hapag-Lloyd is also expecting additional growth opportunities from this capacity expansion.
As a result, it has expanded its presence in Africa over the last two years and established a fast connection from West Africa to Europe via two services.
Both services will call at the port city of Tema, which is near Ghana’s capital of Accra.
Ghana also numbers among the fastest-growing economies in the region.
Gold which is the primary source of trade in the region, with oil and gas products also contributing towards the new growth.
Anthony Firmin, Chief Operating Officer of Hapag-Lloyd, said he is very pleased that their enhanced presence in West Africa is showing initial signs of success.
According to him, their West Africa Express (WAX) service from and to West Africa has been operating with extraordinary success for several years and is very well received by customers.
“With our new East Africa Service (EAS), connecting Saudi Arabia with Kenya and Tanzania, we have entered another new trade,” he added.
Report by: Stephanie Horsu
