The opening of the ‘DP World Komatipoort inland container depot in the first quarter of 2019 will be a “game changer” for the Maputo corridor, according to Mark Neel, commercial general manager at DP World Maputo. The ICD is the first of its kind at the South Africa/ Mozambique border and will now provide an additional efficient import/export option for the hinterland of South Africa via the Maputo Corridor. The ICD is situated alongside the Sars offices at the South African truck border post known as “Kilometre 7”. “DP World’s primary aim for this facility is to make the hinterland’s supply chain easier, more reliable and provide total cost savings,” he says. “Imports into South Africa will be able to be cleared in Komatipoort, which means there will be considerable transport savings for shippers based in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng, as containers will be able to be delivered straight to the customer,” he says. The terminal will cater for both rail and road shipments. DP World will arrange discharge and transfer from the Komatipoort siding to the new facility. “An additional benefit is that shippers will be able to cross dock using the intermodal facilities. “We are flexible for the various business needs and will be providing the full spectrum of intermodal depot services. Customs inspections and clearances will be conducted on site,” says Neel. The facility will provide exporters from the Lowveld and surrounds with an alternative to Durban. It will have the equipment needed to pack timber, chrome, paper/pulp, macadamia nuts, steel and fruit (ambient) into containers for export, he says. Containers will be transported directly to the DP World container terminal in the port of Maputo.
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Imports into South Africa will be able to be cleared in Komatipoort. – Mark Neel
