DP World brings on new equipment as Maputo volumes spiral

Improved efficiencies introduced
with the commissioning of new
equipment and electronic systems
in the Maputo Container Terminal
will have far-reaching effects on the
users of the facility.
It is common cause that the
operators – along with many others
in the industry – were caught offguard
by the speed of the recovery of
container volumes through the port of
Maputo after the global recession.
Two new liners and three new
services started calling on Maputo
“despite the economic crisis,” says
Nicky Tsihlakis, commercial manager
DP World Maputo.
In response, DP World has
purchased 14 new tractor trailer units,
an additional mobile crane, and six
new high reach stackers. Two ship-toshore
quayside cranes are also being
totally refurbished.
But the biggest improvement to
productivity and service is expected
to come from the introduction of
the DP World Zodiac management
system.
“We will be moving from paper to
being completely computerised,” says
Tsihlakis.
Trials started in October, with the
system going live in November.
For users of the terminal, one of
the first effects will be a faster turnaround
of trucks, she says.
There will also be improved
communication between the shipping
lines and the terminal, with the
release of containers being handled
electronically instead of through a
paper-based system.
Operators, administrative staff and
managers have all been extensively
trained on the new systems, which
will see the introduction of screens
in the cabs of gantries, straddles and
trucks.
The system will accurately track all
containers, speeding up picking and
handling.
Greater efficiencies will also make
it possible for DP World to tighten
up systems in the port. For users, this
means that the port will no longer act
as a free or low-cost container storage
park.
“Exporters previously had 21 days’
free storage. From October 1 that was
reduced to 14 days, and from April 1
next year, it will be seven days,” she
says.
These conditions are being
introduced to free up space in the
port, which this year is expected to
have handled between 140 000 and
150 000 containers, with volumes
expected to continue to climb.
“There is now an opportunity
for investment in container storage
facilities in Maputo, says Jan Bekker,
DP World new business manager.
Previously, with the port acting as a
storage park, there was not sufficient
demand for independent container
parks.
Bekker would also like to see the
shipping lines introduce a direct
service to the Middle East, as this
would open up the market for citrus,
avocados and other fruit produced in
the Lowveld.
“At present, we have 96 reefer
plug points, but everything is in place
to double the reefer capacity when
needed,” he says.