Agricultural exports rerouting via Maputo

A philosophy of “trying not to complicate things for our client” is paying off for one of the newest companies on the block – Our Corridor Logistics (OCL). Founded by former Port Maputo CEO Jorge Ferraz, OCL’s branch manager is Irina Luis, who worked for Fresh Produce Terminals in the port. Her background in the handling of citrus and reputation in the industry helped secure the first citrus shipments for the fledgling company, which officially opened its doors in February 2013. Fruit is graded and boxed in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo areas and transported to Maputo for cooling and storage. OCL handles the packing of the containers to order. Lemons, oranges and grapefruit are routed through Maputo to Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. OCL provides clearing and logistics services. “We have developed a good client base that is now using Maputo in preference to Durban,” says Ferraz. The opening of OCL was good timing as it coincided with the introduction of Mozambique’s ‘Single Window’ customs system. “Some of the older companies found it difficult to adapt to the change. We were geared up for it from the start,” says Ferraz. In its first months the company provided clearing services for a number of projects. Management’s understanding of the workings of the port and customs, as well as a focus on “keeping logistics simple and cost effective” has helped OCL to continue to diversify. It recently “came out first” in trial shipments of wood pulp out of Mpumalanga, according to Luis. “Being small, we can adapt quickly to the needs of clients,” she says. “But, we are making sure that flexibility is built into the company as we grow,” she adds. OCL also handles in-transit shipments of chrome, timber and other cargoes through the port of Maputo, as well as shipments through other ports. At the beginning of 2013 OCL was appointed to handle the logistics for the importation of the first modular hotel for the northern port city of Pemba. A total of 35 modules for the hotel was shipped from Spain and delivered to the site in July 2013 for assembly. Ferraz, who is managing director of OCL, says the ultimate objective is to offer a full door-to-door service to clients. Apart from various operational arrangements in the various Mozambican ports, OCL also works in partnership with the Metreta group to provide a full range of services along the full length of the Maputo Corridor.