RELOAD-Aquarius Shipping International Mozambique has invested in new warehouse facilities in Beira as part of an ongoing strategy to strengthen its foothold in the country.According to Victor Ferreira, Mozambique GM, the 11 500-square-metre facility has allowed the company to increase its capacity in Mozambique.“We now have 11 500 square metres of A A A grade undercover working space with 10 000 square metres of hardened yard area for container stacking and bulk handling,” he told Freight News. “We have also moved into brand new offices on the premises and have acquired new assets in the form of reach stackers, forklifts, weighbridge scales, and other necessary equipment for specific purposes.”He said it was not only his company that was continuously investing in its facilities and equipment, but that this was a trend throughout Beira.“There is a lot of investing going into warehouses and container yards – and with the steady improvement that Beira has made year-on-year, it is attracting a lot of attention from both importers and exporters, as well as local opportunities.”Ferreira said the constant upgrading of the port had also played an important role in keeping the momentum going in Beira. “Along with this, there has also been constant upgrading of essential road structures and bridges, all of which continue to improve the landscape. More businesses are investing into the logistics sector in Beira which is making it a more attractive option for the landlocked countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.”He said it was essential for companies to keep an eye on the political situation in the country, especially in the north where insurgents had caused disruption. “Also important in Mozambique is to keep a close eye on the weather patterns. Weather can cause severe devastation, as we have seen over the past few years in the country.”Ferreira said other challenges being dealt with included vessel space and congestion outside the port. “Shipping line equipment availability can be problematic at times as is truck availability, but for the most part these are challenges being faced on a global level due to the ongoing pandemic.”He said expectations were high that there would be more investment in warehousing in the near future.“Even with the upgrades we are seeing, warehousing remains a big challenge as the volumes coming in and out are growing rapidly. Transport opportunities are available both locally and cross border. We are very positive about the future of Mozambique and will continue to invest in the region. Constant upgrading of the port has played an important role in keeping the momentum going in Beira.– Victor Ferreira
