Port of Maputo flexes its muscle

Improved security helps attract cargo
KEVIN MAYHEW
NEW SERVICE roads, improved security which is attracting Durban freight, and the possibility of 24 hour customs operations at the vital Ressano Garcia border post with South Africa are all reinforcing the message…Port of Maputo is a confident place and flexing its muscle. Commercial director of the port, Dick Moore, says that the advantages of many years of development at the port finally came to fruition in the past year and the facts speak for themselves. “The container terminal is increasing its activities, citrus exports through the port are increasing, and the first phase of the new ferrochrome facility to service Zimbabwe and South Africa has been completed. Phase two begins in 2006 and will increase capacity to a million tonnes a year. “Better access to the port has created routes that avoid the use of city streets and speeded up delivery times,” he says. The new approach roads reduce turnaround times significantly. The new facility also has its own modern weighbridge. He notes sweetly that there has been growth in sugar exports from both South Africa and Swaziland as the overall security of the port has been improved. In fact the port remains proud of the fact that it was the first port in Africa to be ISPS approved. The privately-owned fresh produce facility is handling bigger volumes with greater technology and infrastructure to meet the challenges of the port as it becomes a real contender for citrus in future. Dredging activities also began in the port once again. On the negative side, he cited the continuing uncertainty regarding the SA Consortium concession that will result in immediate line and signalling repairs and could increase capacity in months on the line linking South Africa with Maputo if it becomes an operational reality. Another long running problem has been that of 24 hour opening of the Lebombo border post to try to reduce blockages at the crossing. This will automatically make the port even more attractive to already growing citrus traffic and other exports.