Evergreen Line is expanding its service network in response to rising demand across global trade routes a move that could unlock new connectivity and cargo flows for southern Africa, particularly via Maputo and into the Gauteng logistics hub. According to Ben Chang, president of Evergreen Agency South Africa, the carrier will launch a dedicated Middle East/ India/Mozambique service, with the first vessel arriving at Jebel Ali on December 2. As global demand shifts and regional trade patterns evolve, customers are looking for smarter, more direct routing options, said Chang. This new service will not only strengthen access between India, the Gulf and Mozambique, but could also unlock strategic benefits for South Africa via Maputo and into Gautengs manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Evergreen has also expanded its inland connectivity into the region, introducing a Through Bill of Lading TBL service from the Far East via Durban to Gaborone Botswana and Harare Zimbabwe. The service, said Chang, removed traditional administrative hurdles. Customers are no longer required to lodge container deposits or letters of indemnity. The TBL allows for a seamless connection from origin to final destination, with door delivery under the carriers control, simplifying the process and reducing risk for importers and exporters. Chang said that the new TBL service would deliver a range of efficiencies for customers across the region. These include cost savings through the removal of administrative deposits, as well as significant time efficiencies as processes become more streamlined under a single carrier-controlled movement. The TBL also enhances operational visibility, he said. Customers benefit from improved tracking, transparency and a far more coordinated flow of cargo from origin right through to final delivery. According to Chang, the enhanced connectivity created by the new services carries strong potential for increased cargo volumes into southern Africa. Any improvement in routing efficiency or inland accessibility inevitably stimulates demand, and we expect positive knock-on effects for the region, he said. Evergreen plans to continue expanding its reach by exploring new hinterland markets and strengthening cross-border corridors. He said current trends across Evergreens global trades continued to be shaped by persistent geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions such as the Red Sea. The instability has forced vessels to reroute, increasing operational costs and absorbing excess capacity that would otherwise service regular trade lanes. These disruptions have a direct impact on schedules, transit times and cost structures and the ripple effects are felt across all connected markets, he said. Despite this uncertainty, Evergreen remains cautiously optimistic about the outlook for 2026. While the environment is volatile, we are positive about what lies ahead, he said. The global shipping industry in 2026 could be transformed by a blend of sustainability initiatives, technological advancements and evolving trade patterns. We therefore need to adapt to these changes to remain competitive and navigate the oceans of the future maritime environment. He added that macroeconomic conditions were also beginning to reshape investment flows. With the latest tariffs implemented by the US administration, more countries are shifting their investment focus toward African markets, he said. LV
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The PRSAs 7.57 tariff hike has divided industry players, who warn that rising port costs need to be supported by better service delivery.
