Investment in new
management systems and
equipment is allowing the
port of Maputo to exceed its
initial design capacity for mineral
exports, according to Maputo Port
Development Company (MPDC)
commercial director Neusa
Saranga.
The storage facilities in the
Maputo terminal are running at
full capacity, and
better use is being
made of slab for
the handling of
minerals through
optimising
stocking, capacity
and cargo
allocation.
“We are making
much better use
of the space in the
port,” she says.
Investment in
a new ring road
for trucks and
dedicated storage facilities for the
different commodities has paid
off, and there are minimal delays
for trucks in the port, according to
Saranga.
Using software designed by the
port, customers will be able to
monitor all loads when the truck
is weighed just before discharge,
and again when the commodity is
moved out of the storage area and
on to a vessel. The system, which
is currently in the implementation
phase, is fully automated.
In line with the planned
rehabilitation of berths 6, 7, 8
and 9, MPDC is evaluating the
possibility of acquiring another
mobile harbour crane.
There is also ongoing
investment in training and staff
development.
Crane moves per hour have been
increased from 10 to 22 as a result
of ongoing training and improved
efficiencies in the movement of
bulk cargo.
Rehabilitation, dredging
and strengthening, together
with the deepening of
the approach channel
to the port, have
increased vessel
loading capacity
from 50 000
tons to 120 000.
This allows for a direct
connection between the port
of Maputo and the main
international ports of call as
vessels are now able to leave fully
laden, she says.
Vessels are also able to take on
bunkers in the port, and a tender
will be issued to ensure that the
service continues after the present
concession
to Petromoc
Bunkering
expires.
Services being
added include
the pushing up
of cargo, and
the separation
of different
commodities
and grades of a
single commodity
within the hold.
More capacity
will be freed up
with the demolition of unused
sheds on the quayside.
MPDC is also looking at ways
of improving the efficiency of its
marine services.
Replacing pilot boats with
helicopters, an option that is being
looked at, will enable pilots to take
control of vessels farther up the
channel. This will reduce entry
times and avoid vessels running
aground on the turns.
INSERT & CAPTION
Investment in a new
ring road for trucks
and dedicated storage
facilities for the different
commodities has paid off,
and there are minimal
delays for trucks.
– Neusa Saranga
