Moving dangerous goods from South Africa to Mozambique is no easy undertaking considering the infrastructure challenges – and rates – in an uncertain market. According to Connal Gentles, ZacPak national business development manager, transhipment cargo is particularly challenging because Mozambique doesn’t have the necessary infrastructure.“Maintaining price points and relevance in an uncertain market adds to the challenge,” he told Freight News. “Mitigating possible unlawful attacks on equipment and vehicles results in delays, leading to increased storage in South Africa. Armed escorts also impact rates as they add to costs as does border rerouting.” He says one of the biggest risks around the movement of dangerous goods is extended storage due to border delays or closures – as has been the case during Covid-19.“En route to cross-border destinations, if there are incidents where equipment and vehicles are damaged, this increases costs.” Concerns over nationalist tendencies in Mozambique are also rising as this creates a barrier to entry. He is however optimistic. “There is longevity for Mozambique considering the various oil and gas projects that are under way. That means transhipment cargo moving to the country will continue for decades to come.”
