Despite several weather-related and cargo seal setbacks, the Port of Beira continues to exceed expectations with well-above-average volume yields, especially in the dry bulk sector.
According to British freight portal, Bulk Material International (BMI), the port’s concession company has reported a 46% increase in total volumes with fertiliser and construction imports in particular being the driving force behind the port’s performance.
Food imports to landlocked countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi through the burgeoning entrepôt are also mentioned as primary contributors to Beira’s tonnage achievements.
BMI reported that Cornelder de Moçambique said it had recorded 3.1 megatonnes since the concessionaire’s CEO, Jan de Vries, last April forecast 2.5mt.
Also playing in the port’s favour are persistent logistical chain snags experienced in South Africa.
Dry bulk imports, BMI says, “drove the increase as traders switched their business to Beira from other ports in southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, where operations were affected by lockdown restrictions”.
It furthermore mentions that tight Covid controls at the Beitbridge border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa also deterred trade via that route.
“At the same time, steady infrastructural improvements, including dredging work and the completion of a five-lane highway, have made Beira more attractive. The port handled its first Panamax container ship last May, the 4056-TEU MSC Gina, and Panamax vessels now make regular calls at the port.”