August 16 - Safmarine has appointed Ben Line Agencies in Asia to represent its Multi Purpose Vessel Services (MPV) business in this region.

According to Hu KeSafmarine's head of MPV in Asia, Ben Line Agencies are well known in the Asian breakbulk and project cargo communities.

The company will be providing Safmarine's Asia-West Africa service with specialised local sales and customer service and operational support, including local port agencies and offshore support for the tonnage deployed. 

In 2008, Safmarine commenced its MPV Services between Far East and West Africa ports, carrying containerised, conventional and multipurpose vessel cargo on the same ships. The company says that its recent investment in new vessels with heavy lift capacity and modern design, will take this ASIWAF MPV service to a new level. The service coverage will extend from China to Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries in the Far East. 

Ben Line Agencies is a privately-owned company whose core business is shipping agency. The company's history and business interests in Asia date back to the 19th century. With over 150 years of experience in the shipping industry, Ben Line Agencies has established a network of over 90 offices across 15 countries. Ben Line will be providing Safmarine's ASIWAF MPV customers with liner services together with an extensive range of related operational services, including local port agencies and offshore support for the new tonnage.