The Port of Maputo in Mozambique has reaped positive results due to its proximity to South Africa’s economic and mineral hubs. Another contributing factor to the continuing success of the port is the fact that South Africa currently has limited rail capacity which as seen the port double its own capacity between 2055 and 2011.

Maputo has been developing at a rapid pace over the years with numerous warehouses being built and various infrastructure projects being undertaken.

Along with the vast amount of development taking place, there are also the stats and figures which have shown to be quite impressive as the Port handled about 12 million tons of cargo in 2011 compared to around 6 million tons in 2005.

With a target of 36 million tons per annum by 2016 set by the Maputo Port Development Company, the steady growth and development needs to continue. The ambitious target can only be met if a viable rail logistics solution is found.

Transit exports account for 70% of the port’s operations, with South Africa providing 82%.

The port is ideally located as it is closer to the Gauteng industrial hub and South Africa’s main mining areas that that of both Richards Bay and the port of Durban.

With the port currently not operating at full capacity, infrastructure developments such as the building of new warehouses and increases in berths will be needed to maximise operations.