Two vessels launched to boost cabotage services

Mozambique seeks to strengthen cabotage regime

MOZAMBIQUE: Two large vessels have entered service at the Port of Maputo in Mozambique to offer coastal shipping services to the country’s trade and strengthen the government’s commitment to boost cabotage.

The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, relaunched maritime cabotage services in Mozambique with the entry into operation of two large vessels, acquired by private partners, which will ensure the regular transport of goods between the main national ports.

The event symbolises a strategic shift in national transport policy, with the focus on cabotage as a sustainable alternative to road freight transport. The new vessels, licensed by the Maritime Transport Regulatory Authority (TRANSMAR), include a 120-metre-long general cargo vessel with the capacity to transport over 9,000 tonnes and a container ship measuring approximately 80 metres, with a capacity for 144 TEUs. Both vessels reinforce the operations of the ports of Maputo, Beira, Nacala and Pemba.

The initiative, part of the First 100 Days of Governance Plan, marks a strategic step in the modernization of national logistics, reducing pressure on roads and strengthening the blue economy.

“It is with great satisfaction and a deep sense of responsibility that we are here today at the Port of Maputo to officially relaunch maritime cabotage services on the coast and in the ports of Mozambique,” declared Chapo in his speech.

The President of the Republic highlighted the role of the private sector in this initiative, stressing that “The vessels that we have the privilege of presenting publicly signal a new approach by the government to encourage the private sector to invest in maritime cabotage and logistics as a safe business,” he said adding that the transformation of the Ministry of Transport and Communications into the Ministry of Transport and Logistics reflects this new strategic vision.

The vessel Prince, owned by Moçambique Dugongo, joins another vessel from the same company, acquired in February 2024, with a capacity of over 10 thousand tons. In addition to cement and clinker, these units will also transport medicines, school books and various cargoes.

The Civitas Partner Group ship, with a capacity of around two thousand tonnes was also launched and will operate on the Maputo/Nacala route, transporting essential consumer goods, school supplies, construction materials and even vehicles. This will strengthen the group's presence in the northern region, where it already operates with two ships of one thousand tonnes each.

“Maritime cabotage plays a fundamental role in boosting the economy.”

“Maritime cabotage plays a fundamental role in boosting the economy, as it promotes greater efficiency in the transport of goods, reduces logistics costs and stimulates the development of strategic sectors,” stressed Chapo, referring to impacts such as job creation, environmental sustainability and the boosting of domestic trade.

The president reiterated that “we need to encourage the private sector to increasingly invest in the acquisition of vessels to anchor national logistics in maritime cabotage,” allowing, for example, the flow of cereals produced in the centre and north of the country to the south, combating the effects of cyclical droughts.

President Chapo urged those involved in the maritime sector to “propose concrete and facilitating measures” to remove barriers to business and assured that the Government will continue to create incentives, such as reducing port fees and prioritizing the operation of cabotage vessels. “Logistics is business,” he concluded, encouraging more investors to join the revitalisation of national maritime cabotage.