The CMA CGM Group has announced the launch of a new service linking Asia, Indian Ocean Islands and South Africa, effective May 8, according to Exim News Service.

Called Shaka Express, this weekly service deploys 6 vessels between 4,500 and 6,500-TEU, and will allow CMA CGM to meet the growing market demand of South Africa, as over 30 per cent of the country’s trade is with Asia.

According to a CMA CGM release, the assets of this new service are:

New reefer capacity for exports from Durban and Port Elizabeth (Ngqura) to Singapore and Hong Kong: a very important strength on this trade where refrigerated goods represent about 20 per cent of the containerised volumes, in particular the transport of citrus and bananas

Connections with the Group’s global network of lines via Hong Kong for cargo from and to North China

Northbound and Southbound calls in Port Louis allowing relay of cargo to and from all Indian Ocean Islands, thanks to the connection with the CMA CGM Mascareignes service (linking Gulf, Pakistan and Indian Ocean)

The service rotation comprises the ports of Fuzhou, Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Singapore, Port Louis, Durban, Port Elizabeth (Ngqura), Port Louis, Singapore and back to Fuzhou.

"CMA CGM Group is strongly determined to expand its presence in South Africa. We started by adding stopovers on our existing services but this new service marks another big step forward with an offer dedicated to the South African market," explains Mr Stéphane Courquin, Deputy Vice-President Africa, Indian Ocean, Oceania Lines.

CMA CGM now has 4 services calling South Africa every week, providing its clients optimal ports coverage and a full range of services to the rest of the world.