Success in seaborne trade depends highly on having reliable network connections worldwide. Understanding the importance of an international footprint in this industry, NMT International Shipping has built 15 offices in key regions to support global operations. NMT's new offices in Australia and Shanghai have cemented its position as one of the leading global players in the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) logistics sector. "We have evolved from being a European operator to a global operator," says NMT president Frits Dix. "With our office expansion and agency network, we are starting to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia. We find that it is an important region that will significantly contribute to NMT's growth." An agent for one of the largest RoRo carriers, NMT specialises in shipping cars, trucks, trailers and other self-propelled heavy machinery. The company's commitment to quality service delivery paved the way for its rapid growth and development. The force behind NMT's success is its dedicated staff. Knowledgeable in the entire supply chain process, NMT's staff handles all documentation and bills of lading. NMT delegates its experienced staff in each loading port to provide value-added service. NMT also attributes its exceptional track record to close relationships with carriers such as Eukor, Mitsui OSK Lines and "K" Line. Through its partnership with Eukor, NMT landed exclusive contracts in South Korea to transport materials to the Middle East and Europe. With offices in Singapore, South Korea, India and on the mainland, NMT seeks to leverage the synergy of its Asian offices to effectively address the RoRo needs of the region. As the world's fastest growing market for vehicles, the mainland is one of NMT's target areas. Although the shipping industry on the mainland is primarily focused on containerised shipments, NMT is promoting RoRo shipments as a niche specialisation. "When it comes to RoRo, we are one of the biggest in the world," Dix says. "No one has the network and cargo control like we have." NMT is an important partner that empowers the mainland to grow its export business. Frequently plying the China-Africa route, NMT extends the mainland's reach and its competitiveness in marketing locally-made vehicles. "We are looking at expansion inside the mainland," Dix says. "Because the market is so big, it is impossible to cover it with only one office. We will be looking at those areas where there will be a lot of RoRo shipments. First Shanghai, then Guangzhou, then perhaps Beijing."
