Four ships scheduled for this seasonal campaign

The first ship transporting lychees to Europe, the Atlantic Clipper, departed from the port of Toamasina on November 16. According to the Atsinanana Regional Governor’s Office, the vessel is carrying a total of 5,491 tons in 107 containers.

This year, lychee production has seen a decline, but this does not necessarily affect the export volume. Interestingly, the number of ships dedicated to lychee exports has increased. Typically, only two ships are used for this purpose, but this year, four have been scheduled.

One of these four vessels is already en route to Europe, ensuring Malagasy lychees reach the European market in time for the Christmas festivities. The second ship, the Crown Topaze, began loading yesterday. According to data from the Atsinanana Governor’s Office, it is set to transport 2,560 tons.

Meanwhile, the CS Trust, the third vessel, and the Regard Bay, the fourth and final one, will carry 5,121 tons and 1,600 tons, respectively. It’s worth noting that pre-loading handling operations are managed by SMMC.