The Port of Beira, one of Mozambique’s main port infrastructures, recently inaugurated a new refrigerated export yard, with the aim of increasing its capacity to handle refrigerated cargo, both for export and import.
This initiative aims to respond to the growing demand for the transport of goods that require strict temperature control, especially citrus fruits and seafood, two of the main products exported by the Beira corridor, according to the Club of Mozambique portal.
According to an official statement issued by the entity responsible for managing the port, the new reefer export yard has 64reefer plugs (electrical sockets used to connect refrigerated containers and maintain the controlled temperature of goods, such as food), which will be used to connect and monitor refrigerated containers.
The strategic location of this yard, close to the quays, will make it possible to reduce the pressure on the existing reefer yard, which currently operates with 144 plugs.
In addition to the inauguration of this yard, the statement said that plans are underway to expand the main reefer yard.
By the end of this year, capacity will increase from 144 to 224 reefer plugs, and a further 64 plugs will be added by 2025. With these improvements, the Port of Beira’s total capacity for handling refrigerated containers will reach 288 plugs by 2024, and 352 by the end of 2025.
The growth in cold storage capacity is a direct response to the growing demand for export services for perishable products.
According to the statement, the increase in capacity will allow the port to strengthen its position as an important logistics centre in southern Africa, facilitating not only Mozambique’s exports, but also trade with neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.
In addition, the Port of Beira has also implemented the new Reefer Monitoring System (RMS), a real-time remote monitoring system for refrigerated containers which, integrated into the terminal’s operating system, guarantees strict control of the temperature and safety of goods, essential factors for maintaining the quality of perishable products during transport.
The expansion and modernisation of the Port of Beira’s refrigerated infrastructure is part of a wider development strategy, with the aim of transforming it into a world-class logistics centre.
Continuous improvements allow the port to meet the constantly evolving needs of its customers, ensuring competitiveness and efficiency in the management of refrigerated cargo.
