Grindrod is set to invest approximately US$80 million to expand the capacity of the Matola Coal Terminal at the Port of Maputo complex over the next two years.
The investment, which comes as Mozambique pushes for freight rail reforms to boost efficiency, will improve the terminal’s annual coal-handling capacity by 50%, increasing throughput from the current eight million tonnes to 12 million tonnes, the company announced on Friday.
Speaking at the opening of Grindrod’s new administrative facilities in the Port of Matola, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo underscored the significance of prioritising rail transport over road haulage.
“Our objective is to continue investing in the railways so that we have fewer trucks and more rail wagons transporting coal and magnetite.”
Chapo said there was an urgency to fast-track structural reforms to enhance the efficiency of rail transport and bolster competitiveness within the Maputo Corridor. He highlighted the importance of operational integration between Mozambique’s rail company CFM, South Africa’s Transnet, and the Port of Maputo.
“This integration will not only bring benefits at the technical and operational level, but it will also have positive economic, social and environmental impacts, including the creation of more jobs along the Corridor.”
The president also called for improvements throughout the logistics chain to ensure investments yielded tangible returns, and for streamlined customs services and predictable services aligned with regional and international market demands.
Maputo Port Development Company Executive Director, Osorio Lucas, said he expected the new investment to generate more than 800 direct jobs during the construction phase by 2027 and additional 60 indirect jobs during the operational phase.
Lucas said sustainable development hinged on an integrated system rather than simply on physical assets.
“It’s not enough to have better terminals, a good and robust rail system, fluid borders, and modern customs and immigration procedures for synchronised operations.
“Teamwork is indispensable. That is the only way to guarantee that the Port of Maputo and the logistical system that feeds it are in fact competitive and useful for the region and the world.”
Grindrod Executive Director Xolani Mbambo reflected on the company’s legacy in the region.
“This year we complete 115 years of history, a trajectory of resistance, innovation and commitment. You can trust that you are in the hands of a company with long experience and a good reputation.”
The new Grindrod administrative offices in Matola port span 2 000 square metres, employ more than 90 workers and cost over US$5 million. Source: AIM
