Following assessment against the tender criteria, MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping GmbH & Co. (MACS) was determined to be the most suitable party for the provision of this service.
Final contractual elements have been agreed between the parties and a contract has been signed. There are now discussions ongoing around the transition between the current service provided by Meihuizen International and the new MACS operation.
Once finalized the commencement date will be confirmed. It is anticipated that the arrival date at St Helena for the new service will be April 2024.
MACS have been chosen based on an assessment of both the technical quality of the submissions and the price offered for the service. At an initial five year term, with the option for a further five years, this also provides the Island with confidence in shipping services for the foreseeable future.
The service will include a dedicated vessel shipping cargo directly between St Helena, Cape Town and Walvis Bay. It will be calling at the Island approximately every four weeks.
A detailed schedule and rate card will be made available early in the new year on completion of discussions around the transition. Merchants and shippers will then be able to begin booking freight with MACS and other suppliers for the future service.