New cranes enhance Maputo port flexibility

Two new mobile harbour cranes have been commissioned at the Port of Maputo as part of its ongoing investment programme. According to Neusa Monjane, commercial and legal director at the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), the new cranes will improve the flexibility, safety and predictability of the port’s operations. The $13.2-million investment in the two Liebherr cranes brings the number of mobile harbour cranes in MPDC’s fleet to eight. With a handling capacity of between 360 and 400 tonnes per hour, the new units will initially provide backup capacity before progressively replacing older equipment. “These two cranes will initially be used as substitutes when any of the port’s six existing cranes are undergoing repairs or maintenance. This will ensure that we always have sufficient equipment available and can maintain operational efficiency,” Monjane told Freight News. She said the investment formed part of a wider review of the port’s equipment fleet and operating model. “The port is growing, and we are continuing to acquire equipment across the fleet. We are also reviewing how we operate our berths and service vessels, with an enhanced and more efficient operating model planned for 2027. “This will increase our operational berth capacity, although the challenge will then be receiving cargo quickly enough to keep the expanded operation fully supplied.” MPDC chief operations officer Marla Calado said the fleet renewal reflected the evolution of the port’s operations. “The scale of our operation has changed, and with it, the demands placed on our equipment and teams. These cranes allow us to prepare for current and future volumes with greater responsiveness, reliability and safety.” Monjane said growing demand for bulk mineral handling continued to drive investment in capacity and equipment. “For a growing port, increasing capacity is not simply about creating more space to handle cargo. It also means ensuring that equipment, teams and processes can support rising volumes safely, quickly and consistently.” The benefits of the cranes extend beyond their handling capacity. Their mobility allows them to be positioned at different points along the quay and deployed across various cargo types, giving the port greater flexibility in its operational planning. “Flexibility is one of the key advantages of this equipment,” said Calado. “In a dynamic operational environment, we need to adapt our resources quickly to the cargo, the vessel and the conditions of each operation. “This adaptability helps us make better use of the quay and provide a more predictable service to our customers.” She said predictability was particularly important because delays or interruptions at the port could affect other parts of the logistics chain. Improving quayside performance would therefore help safeguard the continuity of customers’ operations and strengthen confidence in the port. The fleet renewal will also provide greater operational control and precision. Calado said that introducing more advanced equipment, however, had to be accompanied by strict adherence to procedures and a strong safety culture. “Technology helps us operate with greater precision and control, but it does not replace operational discipline. Safety begins with operational planning, equipment inspections and communication between the operator, signal person, maintenance team and supervisor. Performance only has value when it is achieved safely.” LV