New branch in Angola strengthens Ahlers' position in Africa /30 Apr 2009/

Maritime and logistics service provider Ahlers has set up a branch in Luanda (Angola). From this base the company will offer maritime training and provide international and local crews for 7 drilling vessels (floating drilling platforms) off the Angolan coast. Outside Luanda Ahlers has another 2 branches in the region, one in Pointe Noire (Congo-Brazzaville) and one in Port Gentil (Gabon). The company represents a variety of shipowners in Antwerp and other world seaports who sail to and from Africa. Ahlers was set up as a shipping agent on 1 May 1909 and this year celebrates its 100th year in business.

Ahlers is setting up in Angola, where incentives are being given to train and employ local people (“Angolisation”). This means that at least 50% of the people involved in any professional activity in Angola must be Angolan. Not only that, but any foreign nationals working in Angola must be employed by a local firm. This rule also applies to all maritime activities in Angolan waters. Ahlers Angola will therefore take care of recruiting and employing the crews. To do so it will set up a local maritime training centre. On average Ahlers organises about 5,000 training courses a year around the world, the main centres being in Congo (Pointe Noire) and France (Marseille and Paris).

Anti-terrorism

Under the ISPS (International Ship and Port facility Security) code Ahlers operates as an RSO (Recognised Security Organisation) in 6 African countries. In this capacity, Ahlers works out action plans designed to respond to the events of 11 September 2001 in the area of anti-terrorism.

Ahlers also operates as an agent for shipowners with interests in West Africa (Nile Dutch, EuroAfrica Lines, Portline). These are mostly container services but also involve the shipping of rolling stock and steel, Ro/Ro project cargo shipping, and conventional tonnage.