JAPAN'S Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) is to convert its semi-container Far East-West Africa service to a full-container relay service. The move will go into effect on January 6 and will involve using Cape Town, South Africa, as the transshipment hub. This follows the announcement that the Wafex consortium, which provides direct services between the Far East and West Africa, was to be discontinued at the end of the year, after seven years. The consortium partners - Delmas, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and Mitsui - decided to part company. MOL said the objective was to increase frequency to provide a more punctual service and to increase container space to meet the ever-increasing demand from its customers. From the Far East to Cape Town, the service would become part of the Safari Service in association with South Africa Marine Corp, Nedlloyd Lines and K Line. MOL will provide two of the six 1,850-TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) vessels, which will sail every 10 days. From Cape Town to West Africa, MOL would provide its own dedicated service, with three ships sailing every 10 days.
