Mozambique is buzzing to such a degree that it's an endless challenge for logistics infrastructure to keep up with increasing demand, especially as Maputo becomes an attractive option for South African bulk mineral exporters. According to Athol Emerton, managing director of LBH South Africa and Mozambique, growth is on the cards for Mozambique . “We are seeing mega projects such as the LNG Projects take off, with increased mining activities and cargo f lows through the Beira and Nacala corridors. Investment by international companies and some exploration initiatives in the battery minerals sector demonstrate the country’s business case and will contribute towards confidence in our industry in the region.”Maputo is a strategic gateway for South African exporters, be it minerals or perishable cargo like citrus. “Relentless improvements are happening at all of Mozambique’s ports,” said Emerton. “This investment is incredibly reassuring for the future success of companies such as ours and our stakeholders. Some upgrades related to improved chrome handling in Maputo port this year include constructing chrome slabs, acquiring two Liebherr LHM 550 mobile port cranes and a traffic management park.”He said in Beira, 75 000 million tons worth of fertiliser warehousing space had been added, and the container terminal continued to post record throughput. “Pemba has seen huge investment to cater to the LNG industry. The new upgrades to Nacala port are also exciting as this opens capacity for another corridor through Mozambique to the hinterland apart from local development.”According to Emerton, these improvements in Mozambique’s ports will enable better service of critical sectors such as LNG, mining and agriculture and cross-border trade, respectively, and lay the foundation for reliable trade, development and opportunity.“It is a ceaseless challenge for logistics infrastructure to keep up with the increasing demand,” Emerton told Freight News. “ Chrome exports, for example, are driving impressive cargo throughput figures for the Port of Maputo. This also presents a massive opportunity, and we are always looking at ways to enhance throughput and spot gaps for our clients.”He said there was an added dimension following the new partnership between LBH Global and the Rhenus Group. “It offers huge potential for growth and for expanding our footprint in the region,” said Emerton, indicating that Rhenus’s business solidarity and its storage and logistics offerings were the perfect complement to LBH’s business in Africa in that they allowed for complete end-to-end logistics solutions on a large scale.
