Maputo plays complementary role

The Port of Maputo does not regard itself as competition to the Durban harbour but rather as a partner working closely together to serve the needs of southern African importers and exporters. According to Jorge Ferraz, CEO of Port Maputo, it is important to have ports complementing each other in southern Africa, as there is major opportunity for business in the region with the economic development in countries such as China and India, and the subsequent need for commodities. “The route to the hinterland countries must be guaranteed as they are a source of necessary resources.” Ferraz says working in a complementary manner rather than as adversaries the ports can play major roles in developing the region – providing various options and alternatives to the global markets and the global players. He believes the utilisation of spare port capacity in the region should be considered before investing in mega capital projects. Managed by the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), a private Mozambican company jointly owned by the Mozambican Railways – CFM, Grindrod and DPW, the Maputo port has seen major upgrades in recent years. The recently completed dredging programme to remove two million cubic metres of material, including substantial volumes of rock, from the port’s approaches has increased the depth of water from 9.4 to 11 metres below chart datum, opening the way for the port to handle fully laden Panamax size vessels of up to 70 000 gross tonnes without restriction. In addition some US$10 million has been invested in a range of plant and equipment to increase productivity. “There is continued investment in the port’s equipment and infrastructure ensuring we have the capacity and improved efficiency levels to provide a high standard of service to customers in this region,” said Ferraz. By 2030 there will be a total of 20 berths available. “We see ourselves playing an important role in easing the pressure on Durban and Richards Bay as Maputo is closer to some of the South African producers and exporters.”