WHEN IT comes to project cargo a clear understanding of the market is crucial.
“Putting the documents together and organising the transport is the easy part. An insight into the culture of the country and how it operates is key to the success of any project,” says Simple Shipping Solutions MD Gerald Winfred.
With 20 years of experience in the field, Winfred established Simple Shipping Solutions three and a half years ago as a specialist project consultancy focused primarily on the engineering, mining and construction sectors in Africa.
“Every project averages 12 months and we like to get involved in the exploration and testing stage and take it right through to final set up,” says Winfred. “We offer a full door-to-door service including commercial documentation, forwarding, clearing and delivery to site.”
The company is currently involved in a range of projects across the continent - from Tanzania and DRC to Rwanda and Sudan.
The major challenge, he says, is the road network. “Operators who don’t know the African market will fall short – whenever we have a project we make sure that we research the country and understand the conditions.”
Winfred, whose experience in the field spans 20 years, travels to Africa 10-20 times a year.