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.