The world’s largest shipping group, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) has partnered with the PNG Ports Corporation Limited to expand its services across PNG with bi-monthly vessel calls through Inchcape Shipping Services as its local PNG agents.
Its maiden voyage was the container ship. Hansa Cloppenburg, soon to be followed by Tokyo Trader on October 25 under the arrangement of twice-a-month between COSCO Shipping and Inchcape Shipping.
PNG Ports Managing Director Fego Kiniafa said that the partnership between these two shipping lines is a welcome embrace. “As the premier port services provider and owner of the international port facilities in the country, PNG Ports welcomes COSCO and thanks Inchcape,” he said in a statement. “PNG Ports remains committed to working with COSCO and Inchcape, as we all work together to maintain the flow of goods in and out of the country. We acknowledge the reputation and standing COSCO has within the (shipping) industry and look forward to providing efficient service that is on par with standard global practices, including fast turnaround times.”
He added, “Our country also has a strong relationship with China in terms of trade and as such partnerships enhance these connections.”
The partnership is included in the South Pacific/China service which offers fortnightly connections between the South Pacific Islands and China. COSCO operates 403 container vessels while Inchcape is one of the world’s leading maritime services with a total of 300 offices.
