Signs look positive for direct Maputo – Far East service

JOY ORLEK THE LAUNCH of a new direct service linking the Port of Maputo with the Far East is looking positive, according to MIPS new business development manager Jan Bekker, and could be in place by early next year. Combined with the recently introduced rail service, this is seen as a catalyst for the port’s growth aspirations. “Our current container terminal capacity is 100 000 teus,” Bekker told FTW. “We are nowhere near that capacity and could in fact increase it with very little infrastructure change or expenditure at this stage.” Last year the terminal achieved a throughput of 54 000 teus. 9000 of those were transit business and 45 000 for local consumption. “We also sent out 12 000 empty containers and that’s the sort of business we need to change into full containers going out of the terminal.” Bekker believes there are probably 70 000 to 80 000 teus of export cargo that could move from the natural hinterland of Mpumalanga, Limpopo Province and Swaziland – and 60-65% of that is destined for the Far East. “Our growth estimates could change dramatically once a direct service to the Far East is launched,” said Bekker “The rail link with Gauteng will also make a huge difference to our growth potential.” In the current financial year MIPS will invest $1.1m in infrastructure and equipment upgrades. A figure of $7m has been earmarked for the next few years to be invested in warehousing, further equipment and upgrades of additional equipment. “The outlook for transit cargo is very good,” says Bekker. “We’ve done some trial shipments for a number of SA shippers with very positive results. “Sugar started very small, with Messina Line coming in once a week. They’re now picking up 200-250 containers per call and have increased frequency to fortnightly.” An intense marketing campaign in South Africa , Zimbabwe and Swaziland is under way, he said