MoUs reduce port charges

As part of its strategy to reduce
the cost of doing business in
Mozambique by providing more
efficient logistics, the Mozambican
government has passed a number
of regulations and decrees designed
to make it plain sailing.
In August 2016 the government
issued a decree that allows foreign
vessels registered in Mozambique
to receive the same treatment and
arrangements offered to those
sailing under the national flag.
Minister of Transport and
Communications Carlos Mesquita
has signed four memoranda
of understanding with
concessionaires of the ports
of Maputo, Beira, Nacala and
Quelimane.
Under the agreements, port
charges will be reduced by 60% in
Beira and 50% in Maputo, Nacala,
Pemba, and Quelimane.
It was also agreed that there be
a reduction of 40% in the rates
charged to cabotage operators by
the Mozambican national maritime
authority INAMAR and a decrease
in navigation fees charged by the
National Institute of Hydrography
and Navigation (INAHINA).
Shortly after the decree was
issued state-owned shipping and
ferry company Transmaritima
issued a tender to find a partner to
provide a cabotage service along
the Mozambican coastline.
A dedicated cabotage terminal
in the port of Maputo is operated
by the Maputo Port Development
Company.