Massive new Beira development on the cards

CWT-ASI has secured land for the development of a 70 000sqm site in Beira. Conveniently situated right outside the port, the land has already been prepared and material for construction of a warehouse is expected to arrive by the end of July. According to Robert Poverello, CWT-ASI managing director, plans have been approved for the erection of a 10 000sqm warehouse that should be ready to receive cargo by the end of this year. “A further 10 000sqm warehouse is being considered for 2013 as phase two of the development, with a fully fledged container park situated on the 70 000sqm property to complement the existing 500sqm office block,” he said. “Container lifting equipment has already been secured as well as a fleet of forklifts fitted with both forks and clamps to handle the current business. An influx of imports is also expected to be handled through the new facility which CWT has been unable to do in the past due to space constraints.” According to Poverello, CWT-ASI has been present in Beira since 2004 when it was known as Aquarius Shipping International prior to its sale to the CWT Group. CWT-ASI has been a staunch supporter of the Beira port through thick and thin and has made great strides in attracting new business to the port, which was previously directed elsewhere due to port constraints. “Our commitment to Cornelder has never wavered – and while other companies looked for alternatives to Beira we looked for ways to promote the port despite its limitations. CWT-ASI has maintained a very strong relationship with Cornelder and considers them as a ‘partner’ and not just a provider of port services,” said Poverello. One of the major successes that CWT-ASI has brought through the port was the copper business of Trafigura. Recently an award was made to Carlos Mesquita and his team at Cornelder by CWT-ASI, Trafigura, J&J Transport, MSC and Maersk for handling in excess of 100 000 tons of copper through the port. Poverello said the new depot would act as a hub for exports of commodities from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique as well as facilitate various import commodities. Fumigation of products through the facility is also high on the agenda as CWT-ASI looks to offer further services to its customers. “Discussions are already under way to set up a fumigation area in the depot to handle all fumigation requirements for the group. CWT-ASI has sourced additional experienced staff to help handle the increased volumes of copper and tobacco it is currently handling through the port. Recently Graeme Swart joined the group as GM for Mozambique with Walter Macumbe as his number 2,” he said. In addition to the new depot, which will be in operation by the end of the year, CWT-ASI has also entered into a further agreement with Cornelder on the long-term lease of a 6 500sqm warehouse inside the gates of the port. CWT-ASI will share the facility with UTi with whom they have worked closely in Beira over the past eight years. “One cannot under-estimate the obvious advantages of being within the port’s gates and the edge it will give over our competitors. It was an opportunity that we could not refuse,” said Poverello. “CWT-ASI will be looking to further its interests in Beira and will be looking forward to unveiling news of further developments planned for the future.”