TIM eMagazine Volume 2 Issue 12 | Page 31

TIM eMagazine Vol.2 Issue 12 on all trades and has recently launched a new direct service from Felixstowe to West African ports of Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne (Nigeria) and San Pedro (Ivory Coast). The new connec- tion addresses the need for greater reliability and improved connectivity to many other African destinations. UK has strong trade links with the continent, being the big- gest European overseas investor into Sub-Saharan Africa. The UK government is committed to fostering new opportunities in Africa after its departure from the EU through increased trade. “With our extensive network and expertise around the world, we are looking forward to supporting UK’s trade ambi- tions”, comments Brian Godsafe. The North-West connection Vessels in the new series are named after important cities in countries where Maersk has strong presence and significant share of business. It is therefore a recognition of the growing importance of the English North West, with its strong focus on investment in infrastructure and new business development in the region. Maersk Line offers direct rail connections between Felix- UK has strong trade links with the continent, being the biggest European overseas investor into Sub-Saharan Africa. The UK government is committed to fostering new opportunities in Africa after its departure from the EU through increased trade. “With our extensive network and expertise around the world, we are looking forward to supporting UK’s trade ambitions”, comments Brian Godsafe. stowe and Manchester, as well as several other locations in the North-West, connecting local customers and their cargo to ocean services calling the south of the country. In addition, in 2016 the carrier’s sister brand Seago Line introduced a direct short-sea service between the south of Spain and Liverpool, returning to the port on the Mersey after a 10-year absence. Digital future Service enhancements aside, Maersk Line’s focus is on making customer experience more seamless through new digital solutions. Maersk is also working on improving supply chain visibility and has recently partnered with IBM to provide more efficient and secure methods for conducting global trade using blockchain technology. In the UK, a customer service chat function has been introduced to cater for customers’ need for real-time, simple and efficient support in solving their basic queries. “This reduces the turn time in reverting to our customers and allows us to quickly address their needs on daily basis”, shares Brian Godsafe. www.maerskline.com 31