Maputo Port reports record 32 million ton volume for 2025

Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) reported record volumes through 2023, while the expansion and investment of its logistics systems continued.

JSE-listed trade corridor focused Grindrod said Tuesday the port handled a total of 32 million tons, a 3.4% increase compared to the previous year's 30.9 million tons. To provide an indication of the relative size of the port, the Port of Durban handles about 80 million tons a year, while Rotterdam's port in the Netherlands handled 435.8 million tons in 2023.

"This performance reinforces the port's position as a key regional logistics hub and reflects the resilience and efficiency of the integrated port and corridor system," said MPDC CEO Osório Lucas in a statement.

In Maputo Port, Grindrod operates and manages dry bulk and automotive terminals, handling exports and imports of commodities like coal, chrome, magnetite, and vehicles, and it is a key player and shareholder in the MPDC, which runs the port under a government concession.

MPDC's direct operations also reached a record 15.2 million tons handled, corresponding to 6.4% year-on-year growth. This reflected the impact of sustained investments in infrastructure, systems, and human capital, as well as improvements in operational efficiency, said Lucas.

Rail volumes, a major component of the port's sustainability strategy, increased by 17%, rising to 11.7 million tons from 9.7 million tons.

Lucas said MPDC strengthened its contribution to the Mozambican state through concession fees of $48.9 million, compared to $46.8m the previous year, which excludes additional benefits to the government in taxes and dividends.

This increase reflected both the growth in activity levels and MPDC's commitment to generating economic value for the country, said Lucas.

"Our focus remains on building a competitive, integrated and sustainable corridor that supports Mozambique's long-term economic development," said Lucas.

The year was also marked by progress in infrastructure projects. The Kanyaka island pier bridge was completed. The project will improve access, mobility, and logistical integration for the island community, said Lucas.

At the same time, investment to increase port capacity and improve the logistics system continued. This included the expansion of the bulk terminal to 16 million tons, expansion of the DP World container terminal to 530 000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units); capacity expansion works at Grindrod's magnetite and coal terminal, and progressive efficiency improvements along the logistics corridor at key nodes such as Km4, Kudumba, TRAC, among others.

"These investments are aligned with MPDC's long-term strategy to position the Port as a modern, competitive, and integrated logistics hub, supporting regional trade and the sustainable development of Mozambique," said Lucas.

BUSINESS REPORT