(MSC) Intermodal solutions are more important than ever, especially for landlocked countries like Chad and the Central African Republic. Secure and reliable links to the closest seaport are critical. In this case, it’s the port of Douala, in Cameroon.
Our office in Cameroon enables us to create these foundational intermodal routes inland. Local experts create the relationships and foster the growth that we need. “Our intermodal solutions rely on local expertise, and we work closely with local logistics partners,” says Kader Lo, Managing Director of MSC Cameroon. “This enables us to contribute to the development of the local transport sector for the benefit of the economy.”
Assisting Expansion
At nearly twice the size of France, Chad is Africa’s largest landlocked country. Key exports include oil, cotton, cattle, sesame, and gum arabic. CAR is smaller and more sparsely populated, and its main exports are timber, diamonds, coffee, and cotton.Both countries are growing. According to the World Bank, the population of CAR has increased by 30% in the past 20 years, while Chad’s has doubled. The GDP of CAR is also on the rise. To enable both countries to continue to grow economically, high-quality infrastructure and strong transportation links are a must. In 2012, the World Bank approved $125m in funding for transport infrastructure and regional trade, focused on the route between Bangui in the CAR and Douala in Cameroon. With our agency in Cameroon, we are well placed to engage on these critical inland transportation routes servicing Chad and the CAR.
Combining sea and road transport, MSC’s new intermodal solution provides a simple and efficient way to ship cargo to and from these countries.
MSC has plans for growth in Africa. The company aims to contribute further to the evolution of Africa’s maritime and inland transportation networks, building on the past several years which have seen a number of African ports start to berth container ships of 13-14,000 TEUs.
A Historic Relationship
MSC has been investing in Africa since 1970. Today, the company has offices in more than 40 countries and 8,000 employees across the continent, from Tunisia to South Africa. Weekly calls at 60 African ports are complemented by teams of local experts and solid inland and logistics services, ensuring seamless end-to-end solutions for customers.
A Stress-Free Solution
The new intermodal route was developed to support businesses looking for secure, point-to-point deliveries to and from Chad and CAR via Cameroon. Imported cargo, for example, travels to the gateway port of Douala via MSC’s ocean services, before joining direct truck services to the capitals of N’Djamena and Bangui, as well as other important locations.
Caroline T., Intermodal Specialist – Africa, explains that “our aim is always to provide a complete and reliable service to our customers. As Douala is naturally the port of entry for supplying Chad and CAR, we knew we needed to offer a comprehensive solution to help customers bring goods not only to the port, but also across borders.”
Fast and Flexible
The new intermodal solutions give various options and service different cities:
• Douala to N’Djamena (2065km): 9 days
• Douala to N’ Douala to Moundou (1500km): 7 days
• Douala to Bouar (1018km): 7 days
• Douala to Bangui (1400km): 9 days
Local Investment Pays Off
MSC strongly believes that Africa has a bright and promising future. Committed to supporting the continent’s economic development, we recruit local experts, and invest in infrastructure and solutions to facilitate global trade. Our new intermodal route will help Chad and CAR to simplify access to the worldwide market and further expand growth opportunities.
MSC will continue to create new logistical solutions to meet customers’ needs and strengthen the connections between Africa and the rest of the world.
source : msc.com
