(Ecofin Agency) - The port of Maputo, the largest in Mozambique, continues to improve its operational performance. In 2019, the platform handled 21 million tons of cargo, setting a new record after the 19.5 million tons in 2018.

According to the port's management, this 8% growth was mainly driven by the processing of higher volume of chromium, and the increase in the number of containers and volume of magnetite. Of the total volumes handled, chromium accounted for 30% of traffic or 6.4 million tons.

Following the extension of the container terminal, container traffic grew by a 53% compared with 2018, reaching 162,000 TEUs. This was helped by the acquisition of new equipment for processing cargo such as the two new mobile port cranes, loaders, tractors, digger, etc.

In 2020, with the completion of the dock rehabilitation project (first phase to be delivered in May 2020 and second phase in July 2020), further growth and increased efficiency in cargo handling is expected. This rehabilitation will not only create docks with a draft of up to 16 meters but will also improve occupancy rates by creating a larger docking area.

Romuald Ngueyap