Maputo plays key role for Far East shippers

The Port of Maputo in Mozambique is as important in the southern African context as the Port of Durban itself. Following major developments in recent years, the port is widely regarded as the fifth South African corridor. According to Brenda Horne, CEO of the Maputo Corridor Logistics Imitative, it is the ideal gateway to the Far East and with the growth being experienced it is finally coming into its own. Transnet Freight Rail acting CEO Tau Morwe agrees. He says that while Transnet is not investing much of its five-year capital expenditure budget on the Maputo Corridor, it remains an important part of the South African mix. He says TFR is continuously looking at which commodities and products can be moved through the Maputo port as rail operators have much value to add in developing the corridor by increasing the number of trains. Rail operators from Swaziland and South Africa have continuously reiterated their commitment to the Maputo corridor as it is seen as an answer to bringing down the cost of transporting goods in the Southern African region, while boosting regional economic growth says Horne. “We have seen substantial growth in containers at the Maputo Port which is seeing ships calling directly from the Far East.” With an estimated investment of around $800-million dollars over the next five years, more is expected in years to come. “The dredger also arrived two weeks ago,” says Horne, “and it is currently in action in the port.” The dredging operation will deepen the port to allow fully laden Panamax vessels to be handled regardless of tidal conditions – a move that will see its competitiveness in terms of bulk and container traffic increase dramatically. With ports and terminals being very strategic assets, investment pay-off is more often than not seen immediately. In the case of Maputo, experts believe the port will come into its own some three years down the line, offering services especially to the Far East, that most will not be able to ignore.