The Executive Director, SIFAX Group, Dr. Phil Ofulue, has said that the newly-launched MNM African Shipping Line would boost trade activities across the West Africa Coast and contribute substantially to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

The new shipping line, which made its first call at Lagos Port last weekend with “SCL ANGELA” vessel, has begun a fortnightly shipping service that will service ports in Southern Europe, Morocco and the West Coast of Africa.

Some of the ports that the new line, which is the only African container line, would be servicing include those of Barcelona, ​​Sagunto, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Nouakchott, Dakar, Conakry, Lagos, Tema and Abidjan.

Speaking at the celebration of the maiden voyage in Lagos, Ofulue said the new company, which is a joint venture between SIFAX Group and some foreign interests, would take advantage of emerging opportunities to boost export trade in the selected African countries.

“There is a new wave of manufacturing and agricultural boom across a lot of West African countries. The agro-allied industry is getting a lot of attention in view of the sharp drop in oil prices. Many of these investors are not only producing for the local market but also looking at the international market.

“MNM African Shipping Line would be providing a platform for these exporters to ship their goods to other African countries and Europe. Through this, the continent would be able to address the imbalance of over-dependence on import.”

Also speaking, the General Manager, Shipping, SIFAX Group, Mr. Henry Ajoh, assured all the clients and the potential ones of the company’s readiness to deliver excellent value for which it is known for over the years. He added that the incentives and competitiveness of its pricing would make the services attractive.

SIFAX Group is one of Africa’s fastest growing multinational corporations with diverse interests in Maritime, Aviation, Haulage & Logistics, Oil & Gas and Hospitality.