DP World has officially launched the $165 million upgrade of its container terminal at the Port of Maputo, a move aimed at transforming Mozambique into a central logistics and trade hub for Southern Africa.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Jorge Matlomb, highlighting the project’s national and regional significance. The expansion is part of DP World’s long-term plan to support rising global trade volumes, boost job creation, and stimulate economic development in Mozambique. The initiative will significantly increase the port’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels and operate more efficiently.
DP World Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Mohammed Akoojee emphasized the strategic importance of the Port of Maputo, stating it has the potential to link landlocked countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi to global markets. He affirmed the company’s commitment to working with the Mozambican government and the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) to provide integrated logistics solutions that transform trade across the region.
Modernization
The development will modernize the port’s infrastructure, including an overhaul of the terminal yard and quay. The yard space will grow by 6.48 hectares, effectively doubling the terminal’s throughput from 255,000 to 530,000 TEUs. The quay will be extended to 650 meters, and the water depth will be increased to 16 meters to support post-Panamax vessels.
To handle the increased cargo, the port will introduce new equipment, including three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and more rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes. These additions will enhance productivity and complement the existing fleet of mobile harbor cranes. The project also includes a major boost in reefer plug availability, exceeding 700 connections, which will benefit exporters of perishable goods like fruits and vegetables.
Sumeet Bhardwaj, CEO of DP World Maputo, explained that the improvements will lead to faster turnaround times for shipping lines, reduce freight costs, and make the port more attractive to international carriers. He highlighted that the upgraded terminal will unlock new economic opportunities, particularly for local producers and exporters looking to access new global markets.
In addition to physical upgrades, the expansion includes significant technological improvements aimed at streamlining operations. These include automated gate systems, advanced optical character recognition for cargo tracking, and enhancements to the terminal operating system (TOS). A new vehicle booking system (VBS) and a digitalized client community system (CCS) will also be introduced to improve coordination with customs, banks, and shipping lines. Enhanced security infrastructure, including upgraded surveillance and live monitoring systems, will also be implemented to ensure safer and more efficient operations.