Terminal expansion bolsters transport corridor

New infrastructure unveiled

MOZAMBIQUE: President Daniel Chapo attended a ceremony at the Matola Coal Terminal on Friday to celebrate the expansion of the Coal Terminal and the the inauguration of the new headquarters of Grindrod Moçambique.

He highlighted the investment of 80 million dollars as a sign of confidence in the resilience of the Mozambican economy and advocated coordinated action between the public and private sectors to transform the country into a competitive and modern logistics hub in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Speaking at the ceremony Chapo highlighted the symbolism of the new infrastructure. “It is with great satisfaction that we inaugurate the new Grindrod office building at the Matola Coal Terminal and, at the same time, mark the beginning of the works to expand and increase the capacity of this terminal,” he said.

According to President Chapo, Grindrod’s port infrastructure will account for around 27 percent of the total volume of cargo handled at the Port of Maputo by 2025. “We are pleased with the investments already made, but it is the future that excites us — a future made of more capacity, more efficiency and more integration of our SADC region,” he said.

The minister stressed that the expansion currently underway will increase the terminal's capacity from eight to 12 million tonnes per year over a two-year period, as part of the extension of the port concession for a further 25 years, signed between the Government and the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC). Technical improvements will be introduced, such as new storage areas, extended conveyor belts and loading equipment.

Chapo also recommitted to moving freight from rod to rail. “It is unacceptable that we are currently witnessing an increase in road transport of coal and magnetite — two products that have always had railways as their natural means of transport,” he stressed, noting that railways should be at the centre of the corridor.  

Advocating for a structural change in the national logistics system, he emphasised the need to integrate the Mozambique Railways (CFM), Transnet and the Port of Maputo, as a way of boosting competitiveness and creating more jobs.

“This integration will bring benefits not only at a technical-operational level, but will also have positive impacts in the economic, social and environmental domains,” he said.

Taking stock of current investments, Chapo noted the recent launch of the expanded Container Terminal in the Port of Maputo.  “As you can see, there is a project to expand the Container Terminal, budgeted at around 160 million dollars, and a project to expand the Coal Terminal, budgeted at around 80 million dollars,” he highlighted.

Emphasising the importance of port development, he also reinforced the need to involve the private sector; and he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a favourable business environment, promoting investment and creating more employment opportunities, especially for young people.

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