Kristina de Klerk, Director of the Maputo Port Authority, recently shared important updates on the port’s expansion plans and operational improvements during the first edition of the Mozambique-European Union (EU) Global Gateway Investment Forum, a joint organization between the Government of Mozambique and the EU Delegation and the Association of European Chambers of Commerce (EUROCAM). At the moment, the Port of Maputo has a capacity of 37 million tons, and 81% of this capacity will be in place by the end of this year.
Highlighting the continued need for investment to ensure sustainable growth, de Klerk revealed that the extension of the port’s concession for another 25 years had been approved. This long-term boost will be supported by a substantial investment of 2 million dollars, aimed at increasing capacity to 54 million tons by 2058.
The expansion projects include increasing the capacity of the container terminal from 270,000 TEUs to 400,000, 600,000 and eventually one million TEUs. In addition, other projects include the expansion of the coal terminal in Magnaetita, the modernization of quays 1 to 4, and the construction of a new quay and purchase of equipment, among other initiatives.
De Klerk addressed the port’s significant dependence on transit, especially for minerals from South Africa. She also said that the Ressano Garcia border has been a critical platform for cargo handling, highlighting the need to develop structures and improve efficiency on this border.
With regard to cargo transportation, the Director highlighted the goal of changing the current ratio, seeking a significant increase in rail transport in relation to road transport. Partnerships with Mozambique Ports and Railways aim to improve the efficiency and reliability of the Maputo Corridor, integrating systems to facilitate trade between Mozambique, South Africa and other trading partners.
Finally, de Klerk addressed the need for infrastructure and improvements in Zimbabwe’s road conditions to enable greater participation in trade with Mozambique, as the implementation of these projects and improvements is crucial to ensure an efficient logistics chain and to promote the growth of trade in the region.
