DP World Maputo, which has the concession to manage, develop and operate the Maputo container terminal, in Mozambique, last month launched its first dedicated container train service connecting Maputo and Harare, in Zimbabwe.
The company says the new service is part of its focus to expand its logistics and supply chain offering in the region, and key to its vision to connect Maputo with South Africa, Zimbabwe and eSwatini by rail.
DP World Maputo says the new offering presents a range of fresh business opportunities for customers in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“Not only will this help enhance DP World Maputo’s position as a gateway to Zimbabwe, the service offers significantly better transit times for customers in Zimbabwe.
“In the past, transit goods on their way to Harare would often have to be transported far greater distances by sea and road, but this route will give customers a new, direct and faster option for delivery.”
Following the launch of the fortnightly rail service, DP World Maputo says it will continue to work with all the stakeholders involved to make this a weekly train service between the two cities.
“This rail service between Maputo and Harare is key to reopening the route between these markets to drive more efficient logistics in the region,” says DP World Maputo CEO Christian Roeder.
“Through this service, where we will facilitate and handle all port and border documentation, we can cut down transit times, give our customers better service and improve the connections between cities.”
The launch of the rail service follows the announcement by DP World Komatipoort, in South Africa, that it has handled its first transit import through Maputo, “demonstrating that the Maputo port can be seamlessly used as a gateway to South Africa’s hinterland”.
This means that international container imports landed at the Maputo port and destined for the South African hinterland can now be moved under bond to Komatipoort, where full customs clearance is provided and the containers are made ready for delivery across South Africa.
About 69% of maritime imports into South Africa pass through the Port of Durban.
However, local customers now have the option to consider using the Maputo port as a gateway to transport their international freight to Komatipoort, where it “can be cleared more easily and efficiently for customers based in and around Gauteng”, states DP World.
DP World says it will continue to develop the Maputo Corridor, which it views as a vital trade route in Southern Africa, through investing in new infrastructure to meet local demand, while DP World Maputo’s container terminal capacity will also be enhanced, having already doubled in size between 2016 and 2018.
DP World is a provider of worldwide end-to-end supply chain logistics. The group delivers services through a global network of 128 business units in 60 countries across six continents.