MSS connects smaller ports to the world

Smaller ports along the Mozambican coastline are being linked to global trade through the addition of new services by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). “In response to the new market demands in Mozambique’s smaller ports we have opened our offices on the river port of Quelimane and have set agency representation in Pemba,” says Captain Roberto del Vecchio, chairman of MSC Mozambique. MSC operates a feeder service connecting Quelimane and Pemba to Maputo, and from there to Durban or East Africa. The line is operating four vessels that connect Maputo, Beira and Nacala to Durban and the East African ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa. “Through Durban we offer a swift connection to and from Mozambique’s main import and export regions on MSC’s worldwide network of services,” he says. According to Del Vecchio, MSC is geared up for growth in maritime traffic to the north of the country. “Most of the recent attention has been directed towards the northern provinces and ports where large oil and gas discoveries have fuelled investments. “The port of Nacala is well into its renovation project and is set to complete its first phase next year. In addition to this, the rehabilitation of the railway link to Malawi will see this trade corridor steadily grow over the next few years. “In Pemba, this year we will see the commencement of the construction of its new port and logistics base which will finally see this province equipped with a functional container terminal.” Development is not, however, restricted to the north of the country. “Further south, the port of Beira has confirmed its position as a strategic hub for cargo going into and coming from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia. “Maputo has also seen important developments, attracting ever larger volumes of cargo from South Africa’s north-eastern provinces,” he says. CAPTION Four vessels connect Maputo, Beira and Nacala to Durban and the East African ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.