Container Shipping Giant Takes Freight for Free to Those In Need of a Ride

UK – GHANA – Time and again we have seen companies in the freight and logistics sector helping those communities around the world which are in need. From earthquakes to hurricanes, stakeholders in shipping tend to act decisively to aid others, and last month it was container shipping giant MSC which stepped up to help those less fortunate and in desperate need of transport in a country where the only alternative for many is to walk.

For six months MSC staff, in partnership with world famous drinks provider Diageo, had been collecting bicycles to bring pedal power to West Africa by donating and transporting hundreds of pre-owned two wheelers and accessories to the Ghanaian communities of Koblimahigu and Kakpayili, reaching a final tally of over 450 bikes together with cycling equipment, with the first 40 foot container now well on its way on the 5,400 mile journey and the second, having shipped from Felixstowe, again already in the country. Diane Thomson, Supply Planning Manager at Diageo, commented at the time of loading:

“From the moment our idea was given the go-ahead, our colleagues really rallied behind the project and we’ve been overwhelmed with the support from all at Diageo and MSC. We are delighted the day is finally here when the bikes begin their journey and we truly hope they make a difference to the lives of the people in Ghana.”

Diane was running the project alongside colleague Jennifer O’Keefe and with support from the charity Bicycles for Humanity. The shipping container pictured, collectively donated by MSC and Diageo, will remain in Koblimahigu permanently and will be transformed into a bicycle workshop with locals being trained in bicycle maintenance to create a self-sustaining business for the community, and Managing Director of MSC UK, Daniel Everitt concluded:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of such a great initiative and to help improve the mobility and accessibility for hundreds of people in Ghana. We worked with Diageo to arrange the logistics of transporting the bicycles to Ghana, as well as encouraging our own employees to get involved by donating their unwanted bicycles, we are very much looking forward to seeing them be put to good use in extremely deserving communities.”