The Port of Maputo has begun the first phase of an ambitious expansion project worth 2 billion dollars (128 billion meticals), with the aim of transforming the infrastructure into one of southern Africa’s main logistics centres and doubling the capacity of the container terminal.
According to Osório Lucas, executive director of the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), the inaugural phase of the work comprises an investment of 164 million dollars (10.5 billion meticals) and plans to increase the terminal’s capacity from 255,000 TEUS (20-foot containers) to 530,000 TEUS per year, over an estimated period of two years.
The works underway include extending the quay by 400 metres to a total length of 650 metres, as well as deepening the draft to 16 metres, allowing large ships to dock. These improvements aim to strengthen the port’s operational efficiency and increase its competitiveness in the region.
The Port of Maputo has seen steady growth in cargo handling, driven by logistical difficulties in neighbouring South Africa, which have led many exporters to look for viable alternatives. The expansion now underway positions Mozambique as the preferred option for the transport of goods in the region.
MPDC is a consortium made up of the multinational DP World, South Africa’s Grindrod and the public company Caminhos-de-Ferro de Moçambique (CFM). Despite a slight downturn in exports at the end of 2024, associated with post-election political instability, the company’s management expects operations to resume next month.
This expansion project is seen as strategic for the Mozambican economy, with expected impacts in terms of regional logistics, job creation and attracting new investment.
Source: Engineering News
