Executives at Ethiopia’s state-owned Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESLSE) are advancing plans to add six bulk cargo ships to their fleet as the enterprise aims to bolster its capacity and support the nation’s growing import-export needs. According to The Reporter Wondimu Daba, ESLSE’s Deputy CEO for Corporate Services, confirmed that the ESLSE board is evaluating multiple acquisition options, including time charters, voyage charters, or outright purchases of the vessels.
“We are fully prepared to bring in these six ships. The board is now assessing whether a time charter, a voyage charter, or a direct purchase would be most strategic,” Wondimu said, adding that the acquisition will proceed through a standard bidding process in line with government procurement protocols.
As Ethiopia’s sole multimodal logistics operator, ESLSE manages a considerable share of the country’s trade logistics. According to its 2023/24 performance report, ESLSE handled approximately 45 percent of Ethiopia’s 8.25 million tons of dry cargo imported through Djibouti’s ports, the primary maritime gateway for Ethiopian goods. The report also highlights ESLSE’s role in supporting Ethiopia’s export market, overseeing the shipment of over 13 million tons of goods by sea last year.
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