We are always on the lookout for new and improved ways of increasing our services and value to customers. An ever-growing location, Access World Africa provides ample opportunities for growth and development. The latest addition to our offering in this area is a brand new container rail service. Operating between Tanzania and the Zambian Copperbelt, the service officially launched in March. We’re excited about the possibilities it holds. At present, the rail service will operate weekly between Dar es Salaam and Ndola. We’ll be offering block trains comprising of twenty-four wagons with a carrying capacity of approximately 1300 metric tons. Owing to its location, this offering provides solutions for mine producers and suppliers of product to the mines.

Laying down the tracks

The initial planning for our exciting new venture began roughly twelve months ago. What started as a passing idea developed into a fully fledged plan once we began engaging with an independent rail service provider. A contractual agreement for rolling stock of wagons and locos set the wheels firmly in motion. A year down the line and the initiative is up and running, providing a valuable transportation service for our customers. Due to its location, the eastbound leg serves as a primary route for copper transportation. The westbound leg services most types of cargo, reagent material in particular.

There are two primary phases to this rail service, the first of which is the westbound operation. This phase offers import solutions via our nominated ICD in Tanzania and direct rail service into our Ndola hub operation in Zambia. Our customers then have the option to store cargo in a bonded warehouse facility before moving their material north of the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Full steam ahead for our new container rail service

With this rail service, we aim to provide our customers with a cost-effective alternative to road transport. Particularly, for moving products via the corridor between Tanzania and Zambia. The value lies in our ability to move our customers’ cargo on a large scale at a competitive cost. Given the complexities often faced within the port of Dar es Salaam, streamlining the CIF port to free on rail process forms an integral part of this supply chain. We have a dedicated team on the ground facilitating every aspect of the process. This includes any required Bureau Veritas inspections.

All in all, we’re pleased with how our new rail service initiative is shaping up. We hope it will added value to our clients for years to come. If you would like to learn more about this service, please get in touch with Access World Africa.