Billions for upgrade of Maputo port

Mozambique approved an extended deal for DP World, Grindrod and other operators of its biggest port, including a US$2 billion or R38 billion expansion that will further draw cargoes away from neighbouring South Africa’s creaking trade infrastructure.

The group, which also includes Mozambique’s state-owned railway operator, won a 25-year extension to run the port in Maputo, the capital, ending in 2058.

The council of ministers approved the deal on Tuesday, according to a statement. The agreement includes investments of nearly US$1.1 billion by 2033 when the original concession was due to end.

Rapid growth

Maputo’s port has grown rapidly in recent years, as it caters to demand from Mozambique’s growing economy and exports from neighbouring South Africa.

Miners of coal, chrome and magnetite, a type of iron ore, have been sending increased volumes by truck to Maputo as snarl-ups at Transnet have cost them billions of US dollars in lost revenue.

Capacity at the port is set to increase to 54 million tonnes per year by 2058, from 37 million tonnes this year, according to the extended concession agreement.

That includes expanding a coal terminal in Matola next to Maputo to 18 million tonnes yearly, from 7.5 million tonnes.

Annual shipping-container capacity will almost quadruple to a million units over the same period. – Fin24/Bloomberg