Maputo achieves record throughput in 2018

Volumes through the port of Maputo have recovered, with the port reporting its best year since 2014. In 2018 the port handled 19.5 million tons, which is marginally up on the previous record of 19.3 million tons set in 2014. Volumes grew year on year
by 7.14% compared to the 18.2 million tons handled in 2017, according to figures released by the port. According to spokesperson Soraia Abdula, the dredging of the approach channel and parts of the port, which was completed in January 2017, has helped drive growth.
In addition, rail cargo has grown as a result of a joint strategy between the port, Mozambican rail utility CFM and Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). In 2017, the rail volume of the main cargoes handled by the port of Maputo, ferrochrome and chromium, grew
by almost 100%. In 2018 there was a further 50% growth, with almost 1.5 million tons transported by rail. Volumes are expected to continue growing in 2019 as work on the rehabilitation works of berths 6, 7, 8 and 9 is completed.
The rehabilitation will create berths with a draught of up to -15 metres, and will also increase the effective quay length. The completion of the works is scheduled for the last quarter of 2019, she says.