Using Maputo for project cargo
proved to be “a lot more
pleasant than was expected,”
said Les Dodds, while he was with
Murray & Roberts Projects.
The engineering and project
management company decided to
use Maputo for the importation of
equipment for the Medupi Power
station in Limpopo. A total of 3 456
cubic metres of fabricated structural
steel consisting of 286 packages
filled 96 truckloads out of Maputo.
“Port management responded
speedily to some of the operational
issues, Mozambique customs were
very cooperative, the Mozambique
transporter (Lalgy Transport) was
very professional, and the border
crossings presented no problems,”
he told FTW.
Maputo was selected as there was
a significant concern about Durban
and Richards Bay. “The port of
Maputo is well positioned and is
steadily being equipped to handle
project cargo (mainly breakbulk),
versus congestion and other issues
in Durban and Richards Bay.
“But, as with all projects, there
were challenges. Offloading was
planned through a lot of preparation
meetings with the port authorities
and the drawing up of detailed
schedules,” he said. Schedules
cannot however factor in all
eventualities, including the human
element.
“During the offloading process,
the operations had to be halted due
to the arrival of a passenger vessel.
Passengers who are on holiday
don’t see the danger of walking in
front of a fully laden heavy vehicle.
“Then we had a ro-ro vessel
offloading and loading, plus the
weather – it really rains in Maputo
port!” he added.
An essential part of the planning
was ensuring that right equipment
was available – and that it was in
working order. There were constant
requests to the controllers, ensuring
all parties were aware of the
urgency and had back-up plans in
case of mechanical failures.
A good relationship was
developed with the customs
authorities. “As with the offloading,
there were many meetings before
obtaining written agreement from
customs management on the
process to be used,” said Dodds.
“We then held daily follow-up
meetings with all the customs
offices to ensure they were aware
what was happening. These
meetings were critical to the success
of the project,” he said.
At the border, there was another
pleasant experience.
“Customs control at Komatipoort
was considered a major risk in
terms of delays. Frankly it was one
of easiest parts of the operation.
Once again a lot of pre-planning
meetings and agreed processes kept
the goods flowing,” he said.
Dodds offers a checklist of
lessons learned for others shipping
project cargo through Maputo:
● Make sure a new entrant
engages with the MCLI and
Mozambique customs.
● Contract a well-resourced
and experienced project freight
forwarder.
● Where possible, contract with a
Mozambique transporter.
● Hold daily planning, update
and feedback meetings with all
parties that are involved with
the shipment. Provide a constant
flow of information, be factual
and provide solutions not only
complaints!
CAPTION 1
Rain, rain and more rain nearly bogged down the project.
CAPTION 2
Truck loading cargo on the Maputo quayside.
