EUROPE SHIPPING EXPORTS TO S AFRICA OFF 40 PCT The volume of European exports to South Africa carried by container line vessels has declined 40 pct in the last two years, British shipping executive Antony Butterwick said. Butterwick told reporters that despite the drop and low freight rates, the shipping conference he heads will increase the frequency of sailings to South Africa as a "very strong act of faith and confidence" in the country's future. He is chairman of the Europe South and South-East African Conference Lines and joint managing director of P and O Containers Ltd. A statement issued by the conference here said frequency of Southern Africa/Europe container service sailings is being increased from nine to seven days. "This is the most positive development on the shipping front between South Africa and its main trading partners in Europe for more than four years, when the service last operated weekly," it said.