Expansion works has commenced on the Maputo Port in Mozambique. The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has embarked in the first phase of its ambitious $2 billion plan to transform the port into a premier regional shipping hub.
This initial phase, with a budget of $164 million, aims to more than double the port’s container terminal capacity from 255,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 530,000 TEUs annually over the next two years. Additionally, the expansion will extend the quay from 250 meters to 650 meters and deepen the berth draft to 16 meters, facilitating the accommodation of larger vessels.
MPDC, a consortium consisting of DP World, Grindrod, and Mozambique’s state rail operator Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique, is overseeing the project. The expansion comes at a time when regional exporters are actively seeking alternatives to South Africa’s congested logistics routes, thereby positioning Maputo as a viable and efficient alternative.
Operational efficiency
According to MPDC CEO Osorio Lucas, the infrastructure enhancements will significantly improve operational efficiency and attract more domestic and international trade. The extended quay and deeper berth will enable the port to handle increased trade volumes, offering a strategic advantage for commodity exporters looking to bypass bottlenecks in South Africa.
Maputo Port’s strategic location makes it a crucial gateway for southern African trade. With enhanced infrastructure and improved capacity, it is set to serve as a key alternative logistics route for exporters in neighboring countries. Recent congestion in South Africa’s transport networks has created opportunities for ports in the region, and Maputo is seizing this moment to establish itself as a leading shipping hub.
The expansion project aligns with Mozambique’s broader economic objectives of increasing trade and strengthening regional logistics. By boosting the port’s capacity, the initiative is expected to generate new economic opportunities, employment, and improved regional connectivity. Enhancing the port’s ability to handle larger volumes of goods will also attract international investors, further integrating Mozambique into the global supply chain.
The MPDC consortium brings together extensive expertise in port management and logistics. DP World, a global leader in port operations, contributes its vast industry knowledge, while South Africa’s Grindrod and Mozambique’s national rail operator provide crucial regional insights and logistical support. Their collective efforts underscore the project’s importance as a collaborative regional initiative.
As the first phase progresses, the MPDC remains optimistic about the positive impact these upgrades will have on Mozambique’s trade and economic landscape. By doubling its container capacity and modernizing its infrastructure, Maputo Port is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering regional economic growth and solidifying Mozambique’s position as a major player in southern African trade. Successful completion of this phase could pave the way for subsequent stages of development, further cementing Maputo’s status as a significant logistics hub.