Maputo set to become regional logistics hub

Maputo will be transformed into a regional logistics hub through the investment of a further US$1.7 bn between 2012 and 2030 in the ports of Maputo and Matola, according to Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) commercial director Johann Botha. This follows the transformation of the two ports through the investment of U$291 million (around R2.3 billion) over the past nine years. Of this, MPDC has spent US$64 million on roads, rail, warehouses, quay rehabilitation, tugs, equipment and operations. MPDC is responsible for marine operations, towage, stevedoring, terminal and warehousing operations as well as port planning and development for the Port of Maputo. In respect of the Matola Terminal, the MPDC is responsible for berth planning and marine operations. Access to both port systems was opened by MPDC and the Maputo Port Dredging Company (EDPM) investing US$18 million to dredge the channel to 11metres. Maputo International Port Services and DP World bought equipment, cranes and infrastructure worth US$61 milion, and Mozambique Railways and Harbours (CFM) invested US$113 million in equipment and infrastructure. Another US$35 million was spent on the vehicle, vegetable oil, sugar, citrus, and ferro slab terminals. In the future, the main expenditure will be US$834 million in the coal terminal, US$300 million to double the container terminal, US$104 million in the bulk terminal, US$47 million on dredging the channel to 14 metres, and US$246 million on the roads, rail and berths. INSERT In the future, the main expenditure will be US$834 million in the coal terminal. CAPTION Johann Botha ... ports transformed.