Ongoing improvements by Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), Grindrod and other sub concessionaires in various operations in the port of Maputo, as well as improved rail efficiency due to the collaboration of various parties, are helping to make a strong business case for shippers to move more cargo along the Maputo Corridor. The port of Maputo is capable of handling larger vessels and greater volumes of cargo following the dredging of the approach channel and deepening of the quaysides. In June this year the port handled its largest vessel – a fully laden post Panamax vessel with 100 674 dwt. Total port volumes grew by 22% in 2017 compared to 2016, according to the company. Growth is expected to continue as some US$25 million is being invested in freight handling equipment to facilitate the more efficient loading of the larger vessels. The new equipment will be operational in the second quarter of 2019, according to Osorio Lucas, CEO MPDC. In recognition of the successful completion of the berth deepening project at Grindrod’s coal terminal in Matola (TCM), a joint award for the most outstanding civil engineering project (Railway and Harbour Engineering) and high commendation in the category of Outstanding International Project was presented by the South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE) to Grindrod, as the client, consulting engineers PRDW Africa, and contractor the Subtech Group in October this year. Collaboration between Grindrod, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM) and MPDC has allowed TCM to increase coal volumes by 36%. This growth was facilitated by improved information sharing, continuous planning and commitments made in support of each of the parties’ business models, said Grindrod in a recent statement. The result is an improvement of 25% (to 50 wagons per train) on the coal rail-line and a 7% increase on the magnetite rail line. In September this year the first 80-wagon train (a further 60% improvement on the existing coal line) was successfully tested through the Maputo corridor. These achievements contributed to TFR receiving a Platinum award for the Maputo Corridor at the Annual Logistics Achiever awards in October. The award gives top honours for “Expanding South Africa’s International Global Routeto-Market and capacity”. Bulk volumes moved from Grindrod’s coal terminal situated inside the port are also increasing due to the flexibility of the terminal and its ability to provide “soft handling” for commodities such as sized coal. Plans to revive Grindrod’s car terminal are in place. The port has been proven to be strategically well positioned for the transhipment of vehicles from the Near and Far East to other destinations around the world. Höegh and MOL car carriers both call on the port.
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US$25 million is being invested in freight handling equipment to facilitate the more efficient loading of the larger vessels. – Osorio Lucas
