Maputo plays complementary role

The Port of Maputo does not
regard itself as competition
to the Durban harbour but
rather as a partner working closely
together to serve the needs of
southern African importers and
exporters.
According to Jorge Ferraz, CEO
of Port Maputo, it is important to
have ports complementing each
other in southern Africa, as there
is major opportunity for business
in the region with the economic
development in countries such
as China and India, and the
subsequent need for commodities.
“The route to the hinterland
countries must be guaranteed as
they are a source of necessary
resources.”
Ferraz says working in a
complementary manner rather
than as adversaries the ports can
play major roles in developing the
region – providing various options
and alternatives to the global
markets and the global players.
He believes the utilisation of
spare port capacity in the region
should be considered before
investing in mega capital projects.
Managed by the Maputo Port
Development Company (MPDC),
a private Mozambican company
jointly owned by the Mozambican
Railways – CFM, Grindrod and
DPW, the Maputo port has seen
major upgrades in recent years.
The recently completed dredging
programme to remove two million
cubic metres of material, including
substantial volumes of rock, from
the port’s approaches has increased
the depth of water from 9.4 to 11
metres below chart datum, opening
the way for the port to handle fully
laden Panamax size vessels of up
to 70 000 gross tonnes without
restriction. In addition some US$10
million has been invested in a range
of plant and equipment to increase
productivity.
“There is continued investment
in the port’s equipment and
infrastructure ensuring we have the
capacity and improved efficiency
levels to provide a high standard of
service to customers in this region,”
said Ferraz.
By 2030 there will be a total
of 20 berths available. “We see
ourselves playing an important role
in easing the pressure on Durban
and Richards Bay as Maputo is
closer to some of the South African
producers and exporters.”