‘Base port decisions on what is good for the region’

The Port of Maputo is not an overflow for Durban, but rather a port in its own right with its own market, says Filipe Franco, managing director of the Maputo Cargo Terminal (MCT). “This port is not about taking anything away from Durban. We are rather saying let the cargo that is natural and easier to move via Maputo come to Maputo.” With trust in the port growing every day, Franco says Maputo is more than capable of handling its share of cargo. “We should drop our country flags for a while and look at what is good for the region. Cargo should be moved through the ports that make the most sense – not just cost wise, but also environmentally.” Franco says as governments in the southern African region continue to implement a duty free system between the two countries, it just makes sense to let Maputo handle cargo that is closer to it than to Durban. “Citrus grown in the northern parts of South Africa should be moved through Maputo instead of Durban. It does not make sense to develop Durban more and more while Maputo has the capacity but stands empty. Why have a port only being used to about 50% of its capacity, while another port which is further away is being used to 200% of its capacity.” Franco says Europe stands as an example to South Africa and Mozambique. “You sometimes cross a land border and don’t even know it. We must bring down the barriers for the good of the region.” According to Franco MCT, situated some nine kilometres from the port quay side, is able to meet any clients’ demands. “We not only speak the language, but we also know the conditions of trade and can adapt to the clients’ specific needs.”