The Port of Maputo is fast gaining ground as a gateway to the continent, with Hapag-Lloyd the latest line to launch a new regular service linking Jebel Ali, Mundra and Maputo.
The Maputo Express (MAX), scheduled to begin next month, will operate bi-weekly and is in line with the line’s plans to expand its Africa network.
“With this lean three-port rotation, Hapag-Lloyd has created a new service with fast transit times from the west coast of India to the east coast of Africa,” says Jan Willem De Braal, senior director Trade Africa.
“The stopover in the port of Jebel Ali, a Middle East hub for global cargo traffic, provides customers with further connections to the worldwide network Hapag-Lloyd offers with this service – as well as an in-bond-transit between Maputo and Komatipoort.”
He believes this is a competitive alternative for Johannesburg imports and southern African exports through this new corridor. “By calling at only a few strategic ports, we make planning easier and speed up transportation time,” he added.
This news follows the recent launch by Ocean Network Express (ONE) of its Mozambique - India - Middle East (MIM) service, providing a gateway option to hinterland markets in South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
