EUROPE SHIPPING EXPORTS TO S AFRICA OFF 40 PCT
The volume of European exports to
South Africa carried by container line vessels has declined 40
pct in the last two years, British shipping executive Antony
Butterwick said.
    Butterwick told reporters that despite the drop and low
freight rates, the shipping conference he heads will increase
the frequency of sailings to South Africa as a "very strong act
of faith and confidence" in the country's future.
    He is chairman of the Europe South and South-East African
Conference Lines and joint managing director of P and O
Containers Ltd.
    A statement issued by the conference here said frequency of
Southern Africa/Europe container service sailings is being
increased from nine to seven days.
    "This is the most positive development on the shipping front
between South Africa and its main trading partners in Europe
for more than four years, when the service last operated
weekly," it said.
 Reuter
