Moz puts plans in place to balance cargo flow

The Port of Maputo is set to become a flourishing regional shipping hub, actively seeking South African business. The development of a Port Master Plan is already under way in which the necessary infrastructure changes have been outlined as well as the services needed to receive, handle and store all the additional cargo. According to Ron Herman, CEO of the Maputo Port Development Company, Maputo is strategically located to move regional exports as well as imports between SADC and its principal trading partners in Asia and Europe. “Maputo has excellent road and rail links with the major agricultural, industrial and commercial hubs within SADC.” He said plans to balance cargo flows were already under way and at least 40% of all potential cargo over the next few years will be transit imports. “The way forward has several obstacles, but we are determined to convert them into opportunities. The channel will have to be deepened to handle larger, deeper vessels capable of carrying larger loads, while the regional rail link will have to be strengthened with more investment in rolling stock.” Herman said what was also of importance was an improved crossborder system that would speed up cargo flow by road. “The Port Master Plan will see decisions made quickly and accurately based on feasibility studies that are set to be completed by December 2008.” With a potential 10-year spending plan that could reach $500 million, Herman said it was imperative all stakeholders work together and that Public Private Partnerships be established.