Country withstanding Red Sea crisis
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) is set and ready to operate in accordance with the country’s strategic port access and sea outlet interests.
Risk management and mitigation efforts also helped the country’s commercial activities to stay unharmed albeit the growing crisis in the strategic region of the Red Sea, ESL disclosed.
While welcoming the country’s sea outlet quest, the organization also expressed its readiness to use any available alternatives for operations.
ESL’s plans involve effectively utilizing the Lamu Port in Kenya, in addition to seeking other alternative sea outlets, to complement the country’s main import and export gateway through the Djibouti Port, said Beriso Amelo, the CEO of ESL, in a presser held yesterday.
“Based on our economic growth, we need to have alternative ports,” Amelo said. “For the future, we are looking to use the Lamu Port effectively, in addition to seeking other alternative ports. If the country gets any alternative ports, we are ready to adjust our ships and trucks to move there and provide our services.”
Currently, the Djibouti Port serves as the primary entry and exit point for Ethiopia’s commercial activities. However, the shipping service provider also utilizes the Mombasa Port in Kenya for container goods imports, though less frequently.
Capitan Wondwossen Kassa, the Deputy CEO for the Shipping Sector at ESL, highlighted that the ongoing Red Sea crisis has not significantly impacted the country’s commercial activities. “The crisis is a very big challenge; however, we tackle the problem to the best of our capacity,” he said.
“Without any interruption, cargoes are entering the country, and export cargoes are being exported in a timely manner. Despite the challenge, ESL has managed to import goods without any price changes, effectively managing inflation and the macro economy.”
To further bolster its capabilities, ESL is planning to collaborate with the federal government to acquire six additional ships in the coming year, adding to its current fleet of ten vessels.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 27 JULY 2024
