Maputo comes up trumps for M&R

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.