Monthly Archives: February 2014

RISE IN SUEZ CANAL TOLL TO AFFECT THE FREIGHT RATES

By sowmedia | Blog

The Suez Canal toll fees are set to increase by 2% and 2.6% with effect from 1^st May, 2014 for all vessels. This was announced by Suez Canal Authority (SCA) in a circular no. 02/2014 and 03/2014, issued out on 1^st February, 2014. 

This move will see the increase in the shipping market rates by the shipping operators in order to cover the costs on the Indian ocean and Far East route. On the other hand the shipping operators will pass on the costs to the shippers in form of Suez Canal Surcharges.

On the Surcharge of Container tiers on Deck of containership

Article One

First: Southbound vessels: 
Circular No. 2/2007 shall remain in force

Second: Northbound vessels: 

The surcharge of container tiers on deck of containership shall be modified to become:
– 4% for vessels carrying one tier.
– 6% for vessels carrying two tiers.
– 8% for vessels carrying three tiers.
– 11% for vessels carrying four tiers.
– 15% for vessels carrying five tiers.
– 21% for vessels carrying six tiers.

– An increase of 2% shall be applied for each tier in excess of six tiers, which means that a surcharge of 23% shall be applied on vessels carrying seven tiers of containers…etc

Article Two
Circular No. 7/2011 shall be cancelled.

Article Three
This circular shall take effect as of 1/5/2014

source: Suez Canal Authority – Feb, 2014

Mission and Relief Cargo to Africa

By sowmedia | Blog

In movement of the mission and relief cargo shipments there are various challenges faced by the shipper who mostly are located in the cargo country of origin.  Most of the challenges faced are much attributed to geographical knowledge of the cargo destination; documentation processes with the customs and the government at destination which have proved to be more cumbersome. Adding to this is finding a trusted and reliable service provider to ensure the smooth flow of your cargo.

Most cargo in some instances have ended up in the local market instead of the intended final destination. In some cases, the shippers have been lured by very low-priced rates, which eventually become much expensive once the cargo arrives at the port of discharge and documents handed over. The providers come up with other hidden charges which initially were not part of the initial offered rate.

At Africa Shipping Logistics, we understand these challenges faced by many shippers and have strived to ensure that our clients do not have to worry about their cargo while on transit. This type of cargo requires efficiency and effectiveness in delivery without hindrance of the smooth flow of cargo while on transit to the final destination.

We arrange and plan for the cargo movement from your door step to the final destination, thus leaving you free of the headaches and worries of your cargo.

Our qualified and experience personnel, ensures that your cargo is processed through customs from the port loading, discharge and border points without much delay. We also provide you with a direct contact person to ensure that you are updated on the cargo movement while on transit.

Our executive will always make a follow up with you as we begin the arrangement and planning of your cargo from your country of origin. We also offer free advice and consultancy on the movement of your cargo.

For Booking of space for your Mission, Relief or Humanitarian assistance cargo shipments please get in touch with us! You can call us on +31(0)10 476 0241 or send your request to info@africashippinglogistics.com

Visit our website to stay much updated about our services!

 

ECTN FOR ALL SHIPMENTS TO CONGO

By sowmedia | Blog

An ECTN, or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, is a digital document filled in by a forwarder. The forwarder’s country of registration will specify which agent will be of assistance.

An ECTN accompanies a shipment heading towards the Republic of Congo. The goods, fully described by the ECTN, can be cleared in Congo once the ECTN has been validated with a VISA which generates a Unique Registration Number, or URN. The agent may only grant a VISA to a shipment if the ECTN is within policy.

This data management provides information about the cargo on transit to the local Authorities, the trade trends and how it can impact on future policies.

The rates of the Notes

Following rates are applicable for the ECTN and CTN:

Cargo Tracking Note (CTN)

Exportations / All Continents / All transport modes / All products:

3000 FCFA / per transport document

Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN)

Importations from Africa and Europe:

• Bulk 75 EUR / per BL / 300 Tons maximum
• Conventional 75 EUR / per BL / 100 Tons maximum
• 20′ Container 55 EUR / per BL / 5 TEU per ECTN
• 40′ Container 55 EUR / per BL / 3 TEU per ECTN
• Vehicle less than 5 tons 55 EUR / per BL / 5 units per ECTN
• Vehicle more than 5 tons 55 EUR / per BL / 1 unit per ECTN

Importations from Asia, America and the rest of the world:

• Bulk 100 EUR / per BL / 300 Tons maximum
• Conventional 100 EUR / per BL / 100 Tons maximum
• 20′ Container 100 EUR / per BL / 5 TEU per ECTN
• 40′ Container 100 EUR / per BL / 3 TEU per ECTN
• Vehicle less than 5 tons 100 EUR / per BL / 5 units per ECTN
• Vehicle more than 5 tons 100 EUR / per BL / 1 unit per ECTN

For all shipments sailed without ECTN, the regularization by means of the import

CTN will be charged at the price of the ECTN plus 50%, source: Congolese Shippers Council-2013 Dec.

Ensure to confirm to get the updated rates.