German express delivery giant DHL has launched a new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) service from Mumbai to Durban, which will be operated by its subsidiary Danmar Lines.

The company has appointed Joseph Oguta as head of LCL for Africa, based in Kenya. With trade between India and Africa having risen almost four-fold, from US$9.9 billion in 2004-05 to US$39 billion in 2008-09, DHL Global Forwarding sees vast potential on the India-Africa trade lane.

The company has set up India Desks in 10 African countries to help businesses there, with plans to establish more desks this year," said CEO Christoph Remund.

Sanjay Tejwani, director (ocean freight) at DHL Global Forwarding India, said: "This service will benefit customers with direct links between Africa and India, especially the small and medium enterprises which are increasingly turning to ocean freight for greater cost efficiencies."

Source: Shipping Gazette