Ef forts to position the Port of Beira as a viable option for East African traders are ongoing as the port returns to positive growth after overcoming some big obstacles – including a cyclone and a global pandemic.According to Letícia Ferreira, commercial director for Cornelder de Moçambique, terminal operator for the Port of Beira, 2021 marked a return to Beira port’s pre-Covid growth trajectory, with both the container and general cargo terminals recording the highest volumes in history. “The container terminal set a new record of 278 582 TEUs, which is 4.6% higher than the previous record of 266 336 TEUs set in 2018,” she told Freight News. “General cargo volumes grew to 3 301 679 metric tons, which is a 5.4% increase over the previous record of 3 132 404 tons set in 2020.”Ferreira said after the mayhem caused by Cyclone Idai, the port and its operations had been impacted by Covid-19. “This was, however, not only negative as the limitations on physical contact saw a major drive on ICT being undertaken at the port. Agents are now able to hand in all documentation online and the use of technology has definitely increased efficiency and improved security.”Ferreira said investment plans for the port were also back on track as the terminal operator set out to establish Beira as the preferred port for traders in the region.Asked about specific technology developments, Ferreira said the in-house application C-Gate automated the pre-advice and registration processes for all containers, trucks, and drivers, thereby improving access control and security at the gates of the container and general cargo terminals.“The aim of this project has been to replace the manual, paper-based registration with an automated, electronic registration process, real-time access to all information collected, and images captured during gate transactions. It also allows for cross-checking and validation of seal numbers during gate transactions, thus offering another layer of security for port users wanting to identify seal discrepancies prior to cargo being loaded on the vessel, or vice versa.”She said the general cargo terminal would soon benefit from increased efficiencies with the advent of a General Cargo Terminal Operating System.“Our ICT department is currently working on the effective implementation of the new operating system called CommTrac. Ultimately it will provide greater transparency, reliability and f lexibility in the handling of bulk and breakbulk cargo in Beira.”Another development is that of a new entrance and exit gate to optimise truck f low within the port area.According to Ferreira, efforts have been made to ensure the port is better placed to deal with adverse weather. This includes the use of composite isothermal sheets for roofing that can sustain winds in excess of 250km per hour, ensuring that warehouses and the cargo within them have minimal damage during extreme weather events. She said the ongoing infrastructure developments at the port were all aimed at increasing the productivity of the terminals, providing greater f lexibility in the loading and discharging of cargo. "Efforts have been made to ensure the port is better placed to deal with adverse weather.– Leticia Ferreira
