In a statement
the French carrier said it plans to dedicate a dozen 5,700-teu containerships to
the loop under a broader bid to consolidate its position as a leader in this
corner of the market.
“With
the 5,700 (TEU) vessels calling West Africa in direct service, the CMA CGM
Group confirms its ambition to reinforce its offer in the area and to support
the economic development of the country,” it added.
CMA
CGM, which claims it is the first carrier to deploy containerships of this
capacity in the region, said the first vessel employed under the upgraded
service will arrive in Walvis Bay on Friday, Pointe Noire on 15 May and Luanda
two days later.
The
company identified the unit as the 5,762-teu ER Canada (built 2001), which made
TradeWinds headlines earlier this year when it emerged as one of several 5,700-teu
boxships the carrier chartered for 12 months at rates of around $12,950 to $13,500 per day.