New cabotage service for Mozambique

Short sea shipping between the Mozambican ports is an option that avoids poor roads and creaky rail infrastructure. Bolloré is offering a weekly northbound cabotage service from Maputo to Beira, Nacala and Pemba. “We are one of very few in Mozambique with this license. We are looking in the future to be able to offer break-bulk services via cabotage with the developments in the north,” says Jason Scully, sales and marketing director for Bolloré Mozambique. The company, which has been operating in the market since 1927, is expanding its operations “in line with the developments within the mining and oil and gas sectors”. “With the gas discoveries in the north together with the coal in the central region we see year-on-year growth for the country. We feel confident that we are able to service all the requirements of the sector,” he says. Bolloré has been successful in securing work for all four of the major oil and gas projects that have been started in Mozambique to date. By the end of 2013 the company will have nine offices in Mozambique. Two new offices are in Palma and Mocimba do Praia in the north of the country. “We are the pioneers in this sector and are not afraid to invest in Mozambique as we are here to stay. “With strategic partnerships with all the major players in these fields we are able to cater for all logistics requirements,” he says. But, Scully adds, the company is not purely focused on mining and energy, and “with a recent signing of one of the largest beverage clients we are pushing forward aggressively into all industries to maintain our position as a market leader”. Bolloré offers “full logistics solutions from door-to-door air/ ocean and road transport. “Another important aspect of our business is the corridor into the hinterland, via our Beira and Nacala offices. These being strategic hubs for the countries, also being a more cost-effective solution via the Far East with direct services with the likes of PIL “With over 900 permanent staff in Mozambique spread across the country, and coupled with our Africa network, we look to partner with organisations looking to further invest in Africa. “The group has been here for many years, understands the requirements for doing business, and can provide guidance and support to companies investing for the first time or wanting to expand,” he says. INSERT & CAPTION With the gas discoveries in the north, together with the coal in the central region, we see year-on-year growth for the country. – Jason Scully