Multipurpose shipping line SafmarineMPV – which offers project cargo, break-bulk and container services to West Africa - is expanding its service on the USA-West Africa trade to include Congo and Angola. According to SafmarineMPV managing director, Jorg Knuttel: “Extending the USA-WAF service southbound has always been part of SafmarineMPV’s strategy. “The first step was to move key staff and responsibilities from Antwerp to Houston to strengthen the US organization. This we did in August 2013. “The next step was to strengthen our footprint in the West African trade. This we’ve achieved with today’s announcement of the southbound extension of our USA – West Africa service.” The new SafmarineMPV USA-WAF service will include regular ports of call in Houston, Tin Can/Lagos, Onne, Pointe Noire and Luanda/Sonils, with the option for ad-hoc inducement calls to handle special project cargoes in other West African ports. According to SafmarineMPV Commercial Director for the USA-WAF service, Randy Jameson: “Our expansion into the southern range of western Africa is in response to the growing needs of our customer base who require faster transit times and direct sailings to the key ports in the region. “We’ve discussed this service extension with a number of key customers active across various end-markets and their response and initial cargo support has been very positive.” The new service will commence with Safmarine Linyati 15002, departing Houston on March 26 and will offer a monthly frequency.