Recent trends in the shipping and logistics industry point to a substantial rise in project cargo movement, thanks to the availability of advanced specialised equipment and diverse transport options to cater for unique cargo requirements. This upsurge in inquiries indicates a growing demand for efficient and reliable solutions for handling large and complex shipments.According to Selva Pillay, freight and line manager at Alpha Shipping Agency, a crucial factor contributing to the surge in demand for project cargo services is the booming exploration activity in the mining sector across sub-Saharan Africa as well as an increase in activity in the engineering and construction sectors.“Since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, a resurgence of emerging economies can be observed in several African countries that are once again operational,” said Pillay. “The renewed economic activities have sparked optimism and an atmosphere of opportunistic growth across the continent. Among the regions showing particularly promising signs is We st A f r ic a , which has become increasingly attractive for investors due to ongoing developments in its infrastructure and mining sectors.Foreign investment is also playing a pivotal role in driving growth in these areas, as investors recognise the untapped potential and abundant opportunities presented by Africa's expanding infrastructure and mining industries. The inf lux of capital and expertise is supporting and accelerating projects that promise significant economic development and bolster the region's prospects.According to Pillay, this upward growth trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.“We are seeing a definite growth in inquiries,” he told Freight News, indicating that the availability of more specialised equipment and transport modes on the continent boded well for the project cargo and breakbulk sectors at large.“A t t h e beginning of 2023, vessel owners made a strategic move by deploying larger vessels, resulting in a significant reduction in freight rates. This substantial decrease in shipping costs has, in turn, become a driving force behind the increased attraction of project cargoes to utilise these more cost-effective transportation options.”Pillay said more recently Alpha Shipping Agency’s NVOCC principals, SARJAK Container Lines, had made a significant acquisition – a state-of-the-art multipurpose vessel tailored to meet the specific requirements of project cargoes. Currently, the vessel is actively servicing the Indian subcontinent and upper Gulf Ports, but its versatility allows for inducement calls to various ports worldwide, including destinations in Africa.“We have also successfully acquired a substantial stock of out-of-gauge (OOG) specialised equipment, ensuring we are fully equipped to promptly meet the diverse needs and requirements of our customers,” said Pillay. “The outlook is extremely positive, particularly as more South African companies are prepared to grow their footprint in Africa and in the project cargo sector.”
