‘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.”