DP World Invests $165 Million to Transform Maputo Port into a Regional Trade Powerhouse 

DP World, a global leader in trade and logistics, has officially launched a major expansion of its container terminal at the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. The $165 million project is set to double the terminal’s current capacity and significantly enhance its role as a critical gateway for trade in Southern Africa, including South Africa. 

A Strategic Investment for Southern Africa 

The Port of Maputo is strategically located to serve not only Mozambique but also several landlocked nations in the region, including Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa’s own northern provinces. This expansion project positions the port as a vital link in Southern Africa’s logistics chain, enhancing connectivity between regional markets and global trade routes. 

According to Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, the expansion is a clear signal of the company’s commitment to Mozambique’s economic development. “The port of Maputo is at the heart of transforming trade on the African continent. It has the potential to connect the land-locked countries of Southern Africa to the rest of the world,” he said. 

Doubling Throughput Capacity 

The terminal yard and quay will undergo complete modernisation, increasing yard space by 6.48 hectares. This will effectively double the container throughput from 255,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 530,000 TEUs annually. The quay length will be extended to 650 meters, while the berth depth will be increased to 16 meters, allowing the terminal to accommodate post-Panamax vessels up to 366 meters long. 

This upgrade will enhance operational capacity and allow the port to handle more diverse cargo types efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Cutting-Edge Equipment for Greater Efficiency 

The expansion will see the introduction of modern equipment to support the increased container volumes. Notable additions include: 

• Three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes capable of servicing post-Panamax ships 

• An expanded fleet of rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes 

• Enhanced mobile harbour crane (MHC) capabilities 

• Over 700 reefer plugs to accommodate temperature-controlled containers – a big win for the agricultural sector 

These enhancements are expected to boost productivity, improve container handling speeds, and lower freight costs, making the port more competitive on the global stage. 

Boosting Economic Growth Across Borders 

Captain Sumeet Bhardwaj, CEO of DP World Maputo, emphasised the far-reaching impact of the expansion. “The project will unlock economic opportunity across borders and create new possibilities for local industries,” he stated. 

This is great news for South African exporters, farmers, and manufacturers, particularly those in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo regions who use the Maputo Corridor for shipping goods. The improved efficiency and cost savings could open up new global markets and empower communities throughout the region. 

Embracing Technology for a Smarter Port 

The expansion isn’t just about physical infrastructure; it’s also about smart, digital transformation. The project includes several technology-driven upgrades designed to streamline operations, increase transparency, and minimise turnaround times. 

Key innovations include: 

• Automated gate facilities using optical character recognition (OCR) to identify containers, assess conditions, and verify client details 

• An upgraded Terminal Operating System (TOS) for seamless container management 

• A new Vehicle Booking System (VBS) to regulate truck movements and reduce congestion 

• A digitised Client Community System (CCS) for improved connectivity between customs, shipping lines, and financial institutions 

Prioritising Workforce Wellbeing and Safety 

Alongside the operational upgrades, DP World is also focusing on the welfare of its workforce. New staff accommodation and welfare facilities will be introduced to support the growing team. These efforts ensure the port can sustain a skilled and healthy workforce as operations scale. 

Security has also been ramped up, with broader live monitoring systems and advanced CCTV installations, ensuring safer and more reliable operations. 

Why This Matters to South African Business 

The transformation of Maputo’s container terminal is a major boost for the South African logistics and export sector. It offers a more efficient and cost-effective shipping route, particularly for businesses in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo that rely on the N4 trade corridor. 

Increased capacity, better infrastructure, and lower freight rates will mean that local businesses can remain competitive while exploring new international markets with greater confidence. 

Final Thoughts 

The $165 million investment by DP World in the Port of Maputo is more than just an infrastructure upgrade – it’s a strategic shift in how Southern Africa connects with the world. With enhanced capacity, advanced technology, and a focus on sustainability and workforce welfare, this project is set to redefine regional trade dynamics. 

For South African exporters, logistics providers, and manufacturers, this development presents a wealth of opportunities for growth, expansion, and global competitiveness.