MSC Mozambique has invested in a 10 000-square-metre warehouse in Beira as it creates capacity for transit cargo to the hinterland.According to Nicola del Vecchio, MSC Mozambique managing director, the facility has been equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and has been fitted with 50 reefer plugs. It is also set up for cross-stuffing of reefers and has backup generators in place should power ever become a problem.“This improves our capacity to run reefers through Beira to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi,” he said.The warehouse is part of a larger development of 100 000sqm. “At the moment we have only developed 55 000sqm. This includes a 4000-TEU depot, yard and warehouse. It is able to do container upgrades, washing and repairs. A weighbridge has also been fitted on site.”Del Vecchio said the other 45 000sqm would be developed at a later stage as and when capacity was required.He added that the company had seen steady grow th over the years in the Mozambican market and was upbeat about the future. “In Mozambique, however, the vertical logistics chains have been missing, and improving this is necessary as we move forward.”There had been an overall drop in import volumes in general and the country had been hard hit by the container shortage issue, he pointed out.“Our main focus at the moment remains on Beira and creating the necessary capacity to service the hinterland. We are positive about the outlook and believe that we are going to see more perishables on this corridor.”At present, MSC has two vessels calling the Port of Maputo per month, between four and six in Beira, and two vessels calling Nacala.“The transformation of the port in Nacala is almost finished. These developments have been welcomed by the industry,” he said.The refurbishments include a 400-metre quay for container vessels. “We expect to see growth in Nacala due to the ongoing project development in that region, while Malawi and Zambia volumes through Beira are also expected to increase.”On the subject of bringing bigger vessels to Mozambique, Del Vecchio said it would depend on the investment into ports. Beira, for instance, was capped at 12.5m draught, and the size of vessels it could handle was the case in Maputo.“Around the world, the trend is to run bigger vessels with more capacity and fewer calls rather than smaller vessels calling more often. Ports, not only in Mozambique but everywhere, are going to have to adapt to this new environment.”He said ongoing investment into equipment was just as important. “Our commitment to Mozambique remains firm and we will continue to invest in our operations. We are not just focused on bringing in vessels that are here today and gone tomorrow, but also creating landside infrastructure to boost our operations and grow our volumes.”
