Maersk considers bigger vessels at Maputo

South African exporters and
importers are still overlooking
Maputo because of the
perception that it is difficult
to deal through the port of
Maputo.
“That simply isn’t the case
any more. The authorities
realise the need to change,”
says Jorge Fernandes, who
has moved from his position
as Maersk sales manager
for Gauteng to head up the
company’s operations in
Mozambique.
He describes Mozambique
as a “new country,” which
is “completely unexplored”
following years of civil war.
Maersk is supporting
Mozambican trade with the
rest of the world through the
introduction of a direct call at
the Port of Beira to supplement
its calls on Maputo.
The Beira service will
support Maersk’s network in
neighbouring countries. “We
also see a lot of potential in the
hinterland, and now have the
product to support it,” he says.
Fernandes is also upbeat
about the Port of Maputo, and
says Maersk will consider
introducing bigger vessels to
meet growing volumes.
Efficiencies in the port
have improved to the point
where vessels are now sailing
a day earlier than scheduled –
vessels call on a Thursday, and
now usually leave on Saturday
rather than Sunday.
“We don’t have the problems
of 2010 in terms of efficiency.
The port has been phenomenal
in improving efficiencies.
“As a result, container
traffic is coming back because
cargo owners and shippers see
that the port is working, and
are willing to give it another
try.”
Fernandes predicts that the
volume of reefer exports of
citrus through the port are set
to increase.
“Citrus producers have
recognised Maputo as an
alternative export route, and
have been pleasantly surprised
by the levels of service they
have enjoyed.
“They can reach the Middle
East via Malaysia in the same
time it takes from Durban,
with a fraction of the land-side
costs,” he says.
PPECB inspection services
are now available in Maputo.