DP World Updates Maputo Port Expansion Plan After Concession Extension

At the beginning of 2024, the Government of Mozambique approved the 25-year extension on the lease of the Maputo Port to the benefit of the Consortium called Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC). The Consortium comprises of Dubai Ports World (DP World), South Africa’s Grindrod, Mozambique state-owned railway operator (CFM), and Mozambican firm Gestores.

The initial port concession was set to expire in 2033 but under the new agreement, it will run until 13 April 2058. The longer term will pave the way for more investment to upgrade the port infrastructure.

MPDC plans to pump up to USD 2 billion to upgrade the Port of Maputo. In the 1st phase spanning the period 2025-2027, a #CAPEX of USD 600 million has been budgeted. Currently, the Port of Maputo employs 10,000 direct and indirect workers. The expansion plan will bring in an additional 2,000 employees.

As part of the plan, the capacity of the container terminal will increase from 170,000 to 530,000 #TEU. As for the bulk terminal, its handling capacity will rise from 10 million tonnes per annum (#mtpa) to 13 million mtpa during Phase I. By 2058, the bulk cargo volume is expected to exceed 50 mtpa while the container park will have to process one million TEU.

At the moment, the Maputo Container Terminal is 400 meters long and operates three Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes. After the Phase I expansion, the quay length will become 650 meters and there will be six STS cranes.

By virtue of its position, Maputo Port will contribute to improve #connectivity in the wider region and serve Zimbabwe, Zambia, DR Congo, South Africa and other landlocked countries in #SADC. Given that ships are experiencing undue delays at the saturated Durban Port, the expansion of Maputo Port will hopefully contribute to alleviate the bottleneck and provide capacity for future growth.