The Port of Maputo is rapidly establishing itself as a leading logistics hub for project cargo in southern Africa, following major investments in its infrastructure and operational capabilities. According to the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), the port has seen a 25% year-to-date increase in project cargo volumes compared to the same period last year. This growth is largely driven by ongoing regional infrastructure development and a growing preference for Maputo as a strategic import-export gateway, especially for landlocked neighboring countries.
One of the key contributors to this growth is Mozambique’s domestic energy sector. The port has been handling significant equipment for the Temane Gas-to-Power project, including electric transformers and other critical components. MPDC’s commercial director, Neusa Saranga, noted that global demand for renewable energy infrastructure, large industrial projects, and cross-border mining operations is boosting activity in the project cargo sector. She highlighted southern Africa’s emergence as a crucial logistics corridor, with Maputo at its center due to its modern facilities, efficiency, and strategic location.
A notable development is the resumption of Total Energies’ LNG operations in Afungi, northern Mozambique—a project expected to greatly impact regional energy logistics. MPDC is positioning itself to support the logistics demands of such major undertakings. According to Saranga, the port has enhanced its capabilities by acquiring specialized cargo handling equipment, upgrading slab areas, and offering flexible storage solutions. The improvements include optimized coordination between vessel scheduling and landside logistics, significantly reducing turnaround times for high-value and oversized cargo.
To further support the growing oil and gas industry, MPDC has created a dedicated coordination unit that oversees logistics for oil and gas projects, including ship-to-ship (STS) transfers. This step ensures complex operations are executed safely and reliably. These advancements come at a critical time, addressing a longstanding challenge in the region—the lack of specialized infrastructure and equipment for complex cargo. Despite these improvements, Saranga acknowledged that difficulties remain, particularly with road and rail connectivity for out-of-gauge cargo, and navigating complex regulatory and permitting processes.
Nevertheless, opportunities for project cargo remain strong across Mozambique’s mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Rising investment in regional road and rail networks, as well as Mozambique’s own infrastructure expansion, is driving demand for cargo solutions. Major projects underway include Eni’s Coral Norte FLNG, the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Dam, and the Temane Gas-Fired Power Plant. Saranga emphasized that Mozambique is undergoing a comprehensive logistics transformation, with upgrades to ports, railways, pipelines, roads, and power systems to support project cargo, particularly for energy and mineral resource exports.
The port’s growing capability was recently demonstrated in the successful discharge and management of 3,000 tons of specialized subsea equipment destined for offshore mining operations in northern Mozambique. The project, completed safely and efficiently, showcased the port’s ability to handle complex cargo logistics. With increased infrastructure stability and rising demand, the Port of Maputo is set to play an even greater role as a critical project cargo hub in southern Africa.
