Bridge Projects, formerly Bridge Clearing & Forwarding, has expanded its service offering to become a turnkey projects management company in line with its group strategy, says Bridge Shipping Group CEO Colin Emanuel.

He adds that there has also been an upsurge in requests for a more project-based service portfolio from its clients.

“With the increased basket of services which the Bridge Clearing & Forwarding division currently offers, the name change to Bridge Projects during the second half of 2012 clearly reflects our intent.

“Leveraging the strategic plans of Bridge Shipping Group to extend its capacity and service portfolio worldwide, Bridge Projects has evolved into a turnkey projects management company,” he states.

The company, a division of logistics company Bridge Shipping Group, has improved its focus on project-based equipment and ore cargo for the mining industry, such as out-of-gauge, bulk and break bulk cargo.

Bridge Projects provides a door-to-door solu- tion for all general cargo by sea, air, rail or road. It offers international freight forwarding for air, sea and general cargo, customs clearance, bonded and free store warehousing, local and transborder transport, shipment management and monitoring, as well as quay-side services.

Further, full and less-than-full container loads and bulk freight services for chemical-based products, such as sulphur and fertiliser, as well as specialised cargo, are also catered for.

Meanwhile, Emanuel notes that, in line with Bridge Shipping Group’s strategic plan to grow its footprint on the African continent, Bridge Projects will be actively involved in various projects in African countries.

“Bridge Projects will continue to focus on its current clients, which are developing their businesses in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” says Bridge Projects GM Clinton Eckersall.

Its existing presence in sub-Saharan Africa and dedicated staff at its offices and warehouses in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Harare, Blantyre, Dar es Salaam, Lilongwe, Beira, Tete, Lusaka and Ndola will enable the company to focus more on inbound cargo into Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

Eckersall says Bridge Shipping Group-owned depots in each region give Bridge Projects a critical advantage in the competi- tive market, adding: “Our ability to handle bulk and break bulk cargo and heavy lifts in strategically placed depots sets us apart from our competition.”

Further, Bridge Projects employs an experienced team of 35 professionals who conduct route and marine surveys and create strategic delivery execution schedules.

“Therefore, we are able to guarantee that all cargo reaches its destination timeously and safely. Loading, heavy lift, lashing and rigging crews are responsible for the expeditious handling of all bulk and break-bulk cargo,” says Eckersall.

Bridge Projects has developed close ties with rail companies. Together with the company-owned sidings at its facilities in Johannesburg, Durban, Ndola and Lilongwe, Bridge Projects ensures that bulk cargo is transported to its destination in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

“The expansion of capabilities and capa- cities created through the development of Bridge Projects complements the current client offering delivered by Bridge Shipping Group. The company is in a strong position to service the needs of turnkey projects for larger bulk product clients,” Emanuel concludes.