A new handling record was achieved by the Port of Maputo in 2022, with an increase of 20% compared to 2021. The total volume handled in 2022 was 26.7 million tons, compared to 22.2 million tons in 2021.

This growth is a reflection of the efficient use of the rehabilitated quays 6, 7, 8 and 9, which opened in May 2022, and the implementation in April of the 24-hour operation at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border.

"The Port has certainly been reaping the rewards of the major infrastructure works carried out over the last four years," said MPDC Executive Director Osório Lucas.

"But the Mozambican government's decision to establish a 24-hour border operation has had a positive impact on the entire Maputo Corridor. Combined with the port's investments in systems, including the integration of systems with entities such as Customs and Km4, which have contributed to improved efficiencies, we have seen this growth in port volumes."

The record for the largest load on a single ship was also broken in 2022, with a total loaded volume of 148,201.26 tons.

Rail volumes of chromium and ferrochrome saw a substantial increase of 73% compared to the previous year (from 1.4 million tons in 2021 to 2.4 million tons in 2022). The ratio between rail and road freight also showed a slight improvement from 21%/79% respectively in 2021 to 26%/74% in 2022.

"Rail operators have continued to work towards a better balance between rail and road freight," said the Director.

"The formalization of single trains between South Africa and Mozambique, without changing locomotives, was a step forward in the ongoing quest to improve rail efficiency."

The investment and implementation of automation solutions at the port continued throughout 2022 and will be further consolidated in 2023, with the implementation of systems to improve the efficiency of the entire logistics chain.

For 2023, the 20th anniversary of the concession, the Port of Maputo remains optimistic with good prospects for continued growth.

"We are already implementing the new master plan for the Port of Maputo and thinking about the challenges that the future presents," said Osório Lucas.

"We are currently trying to find creative solutions to increase our capacity to cope with the growing demand for the port. A consultancy study is underway to identify possible efficiency improvements that will, in turn, allow us to increase handling. In addition, we are in the process of acquiring additional equipment (Mobile Port Cranes and support equipment) to improve our productivity," concluded Osório Lucas. (Letter)