Mozambique’s backwater port of Mocimboa da Praia is fast becoming one of its most important, as logistics companies bid for the contract to land the complex logistics challenge of moving equipment and supplies that will be used in the construction of the giant gas “trains” at Afungi in the north of the country. Mocimboa is also conveniently situated for “non-LNG construction site” cargoes which need a suitable port for the last mile delivery near the site. LBH Mozambique has been working quietly over the past few years to prepare the port for the LNG and associated projects. “Probably the most rewarding project has been the rejuvenation of the port of Mocimboa da Praia. “When we got involved in the port there had been no commercial cargo for decades, very little training and it was off the world business map,” says LBH managing director Athol Emerton. “We have invested heavily and I am so proud to see the port personnel in their full PPE handling containers and berthing ships. Now, when I go into a meeting in Houston or Japan or London, the people I talk to actually know about this tiny port. “It will have a very important socio-economic role to play in the Cabo Delgado province for generations, and I am very proud of LBH’s contribution, along with that of our powerful colleagues in the ALS Alliance,” he told FTW. Reviving a port is just one of the projects in which LBH has been involved over the past 30 years. “As a shipping agency we have often had to do many non-standard agency functions simply because the normally contracted services weren’t available or perhaps an opportunity presented itself. “We are a service driven company and if a service isn’t available for a customer, then we simply make it available ourselves. “LBH has operated its own ships and terminals when necessary, in order to stimulate or keep cargo moving. “We have moved millions of tons of coal, magnetite and chrome, delivered lodges to islands, packed graphite containers as long ago as 25 years, salvaged vessels, skidded abnormal cargoes onto beaches, and provided trucks for laying railway sleepers. It’s been a series of adventures and challenges which the LBH team have met and exceeded time and again.” he says.