Maruba newbuild enters SEAS service

JOY ORLEK
THE BRAND new Maruba Pampero, latest addition to the SEAS container service between the Far East, South Africa and the East Coast of South America, arrives in Durban on her maiden voyage on December 1. The 2350 teu vessel, built in Germany, replaces the Clan Amazonas which is being phased out and redeployed on Maruba¡¯s west coast South America service. Operated jointly by French line CMA CGM, Argentine¡¯s Maruba Shipping and China Shipping Container Line (CSCL), SEAS provides a weekly frequency on the Far East ¨C SA ¨C South America route. Ten vessels are deployed on the service ¨C five from CMA CGM, three from CSCL and two from Maruba. There has been a slight change in port rotation with the service now calling at Rio de Janeiro instead of Sepetiba and omitting Paranagua. ¡°We¡¯re having to rationalise calls because of port congestion in South America,¡± Richard Brook-Hart, MD of Maruba¡¯s agents Alpha Shipping, told FTW. ¡ñ The multi-purpose vessel Senator will make an ad hoc call in Durban on November 20, accepting breakbulk and containers for Buenos Aires and main Brazilian ports.