Port of Maputo expansion project, Mozambique

18th March 2011 By: Lindiwe Molekoa

Name and Location
Port of Maputo expansion project, Maputo, Mozambique.

Project Description
The project proposes to further develop the existing Port of Maputo, resulting in the dredging and deepening of the access channels, basins and berths. Other activities include the extension of the port’s terminals, as well as the construction of additional berths.

The port’s current coal handling capacity is estimated at 12-million tons a year, and it is envisaged that the further development of the port will boost its handling capacity to 48-million tons a year by 2033.

Value
An investment of $750-million has been set aside to finance the expansion programme.

The project is funded by equity contributions from the shareholders and by external debt provided by South Africa’s Standard Bank. The cost of the dredge will be recovered through a dredging tariff that is to be levied on port users.

Duration
The project is part of a 20-year port master plan to expand the port’s facilities.

Client
The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), a joint venture company comprising Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), South Africa’s Grindrod and Dubai Port World, of the United Arab Emirates.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Mascarenes Dredging & Management Services (dredging contract).

Latest Developments
In January 2011, the MPDC announced that it would increase the port’s handling capacity from 8,7-million tons in 2010, to 12-million tons in 2011, to transport more coal to South Africa.

The ongoing expansion activities at the port are slated to transform the facility into a gateway to international markets, with possible shipments to markets in India, China, Turkey and East Africa.

Meanwhile, Grindrod has secured more land for the expansion of the Maputo coal terminal to reach 25-million tons by 2014.

Further, phase 3 of the coal terminal expansion to six-million tons was commissioned in early February 2011, as well as the dredging of the port from 9,4 m to 11 m, in January 2011. The development of the container depot is scheduled to be completed in the third half of 2011.

On Budget and on Time?
The project is under way.

Contact Details for Project Information
DP World, tel +258 21 305 721 or fax +258 21 305 718.
Grindrod, tel +27 31 304 1451, fax +27 31 305 2848 or email grindrod@grindrod.co.za.
MPDC, Jorge Ferraz or Rui Santa Afonso, tel +258 21 313 920 or email info@portmaputo.com.