UML makes its mark in project cargo market

Synonymous until now with the
movement of groupage cargo
from the US to South Africa,
United Maritime Logistics has
now entered the breakbulk and project
cargo arena.
And it’s a move that makes logical sense,
says director Corinne French.
“We have the expertise and know-how
on the US route – and provide the ideal
outsourced option for project specialists for
whom the route is less familiar.”
The company’s first venture into the
project field followed an approach
by Micor Shipping in November last year.
With UML acting as the NVOCC for
Micor, shuttle cars and scoops for deep cast
mines and a massive 849 cubic metre crane
weighing 177 tons were imported from the
US – and all was accomplished without a
hitch, says French.
An added bonus for UML is the project
expertise of holding company Direct
Container Line/Vanguard Logistics which
carries huge volumes of project cargo
globally, with a dedicated project division
based in Chicago, says French.
“By tapping into their expertise, we
believe we add significant value for local
customers.”
UML has been importing project
cargo on a regular basis since last year and
is set to develop this market in partnership
with local project specialists.