Unprecedented milestones at Maputo port

The Port of Maputo has shown a strong recovery in recent months, handling record cargo volumes. According to Neusa Monjane Saranga, commercial director of Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), all expectations were exceeded in July, with records broken on multiple fronts. The port handled its highest-ever monthly volume of 1 523 041.64 tonnes, surpassing the previous record of 1 361 905.71 tonnes set in August 2024 – an increase of 11.8%. It also recorded the highest rail volumes to date, at 370 523.99 tonnes, with bulk commodities such as chromium, ferrochrome, phosphate, vanadium and granite making up the bulk of shipments. “A total of 35 trains were received in a single week – an unprecedented achievement in our rail operation,” said Saranga. “We also broke the record for the highest volume handled in a single day with 80 492.76 tonnes, achieved on July 20.” Records were also set by Grindrod Logistics, operators of Terminal de Carvão da Matola (TCM), the port’s dry bulk terminal. In August, TCM reached a new operational milestone by tipping 566 wagons within a 24-hour period — a record- breaking offloading performance. This surpassed the previous record of 527 wagons, setting a new benchmark, with a 7% improvement. According to a Grindrod spokesman, the record highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to excellence, as well as the collaboration between role-players at the port, which in turn delivers consistent performance and efficiency. Speaking to Freight News, Camila do Castelo, Maputo port commercial manager, said ongoing improvements were evident across operations. “We are continuously diversifying our portfolio and recently started handling new commodities such as granite, as well as our cabotage volumes, which increased year- on-year by 45% in 2024 and by 200% in 2025.” She said cabotage services in particular were very promising and could increase further. “An improvement in Zimbabwe volumes could also be on the cards if we are able to further improve rail and road connections.” Infrastructure and capacity constraints on the railways – including shortages of wagons and locomotives – continue to challenge the port. “If we improved railway services, it would deliver a more effective and competitive connection for all corridors connecting to hinterland countries,” said Do Castelo. Road conditions are also a concern, particularly in Zimbabwe. “There are large volumes in this country which are moving through other ports that could also be moving through Maputo if we had better road conditions.” Despite these challenges, the outlook for bulk cargo remains extremely positive. “Considering that the demand for minerals is increasing year over year, and that the surrounding mines still have a long life and production capacity, we are very positive that our bulk terminals will continue to handle more volumes in the future.” LV