Resistance to change limits growth for Maputo port

The lack of balanced cargo
flow and resistance to change
continue to hamper the effective
use of the Port of Maputo.
According to Jan Bekker, new
business development manager
for Mozambique International
Port Services (MIPS), many
shippers are not giving the port
a chance.
“Despite the problems at
South African ports the shippers
in South Africa are very resistant
to change and use the Maputo
port as an alternative. Maputo
offers several advantages such
as its geographical location, the
road and rail infrastructure and
the competitive distance from
the South African economic hub.
If one takes the congestion in
Durban (including rail, road and
port) into consideration, then the
Port of Maputo is a very viable
option.”
According to Bekker
comparing Maputo to South
Africa’s ports proves it to be a
very competitive alternative for
shippers.
“Costs for 20 foot heavy
containers using Maputo are
calculated at around R5137
compared to Durban which is
R5107. This is proof that our
costs are very similar to the
South African ports. Also we do
not charge cargo dues.”
Bekker said a major
constraint was the lack of
balanced flows, which was often
the reason for less competitive
rates.
“At least 34% of the moves
through MIPS are empty
containers. There are, however,
major opportunities for road and
rail haulage. As a port we are
working on our procedures to
ensure cargo flows smoothly. We
have made major improvements
and are a competitive alternative
to South Africa’s ports.”
Bekker said companies
needed to realise there was no
reason to expect the Maputo port
to be a difficult alternative. “It
works exactly the same as the
South African ports – we offer
the same opportunities if not
more. There is nothing different
about the operations.”