Manica Freight Services – one of Africa’s oldest logistics companies – has added project cargo to its service portfolio. This in addition to its traditional business of ships husbandry, forwarding and warehousing.
Founded in 1892, Manica has navigated its way through technological, economic and political upheavals and advances by being able to adapt and innovate for close on 126 years, according to managing director Ahmad Chothia. Over the past few years, the company has invested in the systems needed to track, trace and control cargo movement along the full logistics chain.
It offers the full range of logistics services and has a presence in the ports of Maputo, Beira, Quelimane, Angoche, Nacala and Pemba. Chothia expects Manica to assist in the development of the oil and gas sector in the northern region as the logistics company has an established presence in the main ports with expertise in handling project cargo.
Recent projects have been in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. Chothia says the development of Mozambique’s oil and gas reserves will create a large number of opportunities for locally owned and managed companies. Anadarko, which has plans to develop Mozambique’s first onshore liquid natural gas (LNG) facility, has committed to spend US$2.5 billion locally, according to Chothia.
This commitment, which was given at a conference hosted by Anadarko, spurred Manica to beef up its project cargo team, which has been active for a number of years, he says.
Recent projects have been in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. – Ahmad Chothia
