Comet Shipping welcomes Sallaum Lines to Walvis Bay

Rudi Bowe

The roll-on roll-off ship (“ro-ro”) Perseus Liberty made a maiden call at the port of Walvis Bay last Friday, discharging a total of 202 vehicles.

Perseus Liberty is owned and operated by the Swiss-based Sallaum Lines, the 8th largest operator of vehicle carrying ships globally.

The ships agent for Sallaum Lines is Comet Shipping Agencies, which has been operating a branch office in Walvis Bay since July 2016. Comet Shipping Agencies has its headquarters in Nigeria.

The 202 vehicles (referred to as units in the world of vehicle shipping) comprised of passenger vehicles, light utility vehicles, trucks and trailers, destined for customers in Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

In business since 1985, Sallaum Lines expanded its operations gradually and today ships from Europe and the United States to ports on the African west coast. The port of Walvis Bay is a hub for the importation of vehicles, hence the re-introduction of Sallaum Lines’ services to Walvis Bay.

The General Manager of Comet Shipping Agencies in Walvis Bay, Kevin Illston, says he is very excited about Sallaum Lines re-introducing the route to Walvis Bay. Adding Comet Shipping Agencies is immensely proud to be the preferred service provide for Sallaum Lines

Illston said: “We welcome new shipping lines to Walvis Bay. The port of Walvis Bay remains one of the best ports on the continent, servicing landlocked neighbouring countries in Southern Africa. The relationship between Sallaum Lines and Comet Shipping Agencies will gain momentum and strength.”

According to Illston, Sallaum Lines will be making one monthly call to the port of Walvis Bay. Expectations are the frequency of calls will increase. The next ro-ro of Sallaum Lines is scheduled alongside in the port of Walvis Bay for Saturday 15 May this year. 

Note: Perseus Liberty’s voyage began in Europe with calls Antwerp in Belgium, Sheerness (UK), Dakar (Senegal), Cotonou (Benin), Lagos (Nigeria), Pointe Noire (Republic of the Congo) and then Walvis Bay.”