Sturrock Grindrod Maritime has been gearing up to serve the new gas sector in Northern Mozambique. “Sturrock Grindrod Offshore was specifically set up at the beginning of 2013 to bring the skills and resources of the Group to bear on what is the most exciting sector of the industry,” says Rob Gardner, divisional executive of Sturrock Grindrod Offshore. The entire Sturrock Grindrod team in Mozambique is being strengthened to support the logistics operations required for major projects in the north which have the potential of creating an economic boom in Mozambique. They include “discovery of gas off the Rovuma Basin, coal in Moatize, the expansion of the ports at Nacala and Pemba and the proposal to build at Afungi”. A dedicated liquid natural gas (LNG) park capable of processing millions of tons of gas a year is being planned for the Afungi peninsula area of the Cabo Delgado province. “The trend for Mozambique is one of growth, with the increase in GDP far exceeding that of other places in Africa. “It is very much the place to be for so many industries, and we believe that as an integral part of the supply chain we have a vital role to play. “We have recently strengthened our operations in Mozambique by bringing in a strong management accounts team. This includes a branch manager in Nacala, where we see the new port developments and the airport construction as a catalyst for this port to grow, and a business development manager in Pemba who has been tasked with growing the company’s already strong position there,” says Gardner. Sturrock Grindrod has “been a part of the Mozambican shipping industry for over four decades. “With offices in Maputo, Beira, Nacala, Pemba and Mocimboa da Praia, we have the staff and the skills in place to play an active role in assisting our clients with the logistics challenge that is about to unfold in northern Mozambique as a result of the offshore gas discoveries. “With the backing of the Grindrod group and our local knowledge and local staff we are ready for what will prove to be an exciting time with a massive influx of equipment, skills and people that will accompany this adventure,” he says. INSERT & CAPTION A dedicated liquid natural gas (LNG) park capable of processing millions of tons of gas a year is being planned for the Afungi peninsula area of the Cabo Delgado province. –Rob Gardner
