Logistics services and supply chain solutions company DP World has started the $165-million expansion of its container terminal at the Port of Maputo as part of a long-term strategy to meet global trade demand, create thousands of new jobs and contribute to Mozambique’s economic growth.

The project is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the port, positioning Maputo as a trade and logistics hub for Southern Africa and opening a gateway for larger container ships, the company said on May 1.

“The container terminal expansion signifies our intent to strengthen Mozambique’s economic growth, together with the government of Mozambique and our partners in the Maputo Port Development Company,” said DP World sub-Saharan Africa CEO and MD Mohammed Akoojee.

“The Port of Maputo is at the heart of transforming trade on the African continent, as it has the potential to connect the landlocked countries of Southern Africa to the rest of the world.

“This investment reinforces Mozambique’s role as a key cargo gateway, improves its global competitiveness and positions the country as a dynamic business hub. By working hand-in-hand with our partners, we are committed to developing innovative end-to-end logistics solutions that reinvent trade on the South-Eastern coast of Africa,” he said.

Specifically, the facility will be equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to boost operational capacity and efficiency, with the terminal yard and quay undergoing a complete revamp and modernisation.

Yard capacity will increase by 6.48 ha, doubling throughput to 530 000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from the current 255 000 TEU, while the total quay length will be extended to 650 m from 308 m and the berth deepened to 16 m from 12 m.

Further, to manage larger container volumes and a diverse range of commodities, new equipment, including three ship-to-shore cranes capable of handling post-Panamax ships and an expanded fleet of rubber-tyred gantry cranes, complementing the existing mobile harbour crane fleet, will be introduced.

Reefer container capacity will increase to 715 plugs from 450, supporting the growth of agricultural exports, the company added.

Considerable technological enhancements will also usher in fully automated and predictable operations, including the automation of gate facilities using optical character recognition technology, which will streamline container number, condition and client identification processes, thereby cutting transaction times and minimising liabilities.

In addition, the terminal operation system will be enhanced, a robust vehicle booking system will be implemented and the port’s client community system will be digitised for better connectivity with shipping lines, customs and banks, DP World said.

“The container terminal’s increased capacity will lead to faster, cost-effective carrier turnarounds and more competitive freight rates that will attract more vessels to the Port of Maputo,” said DP World Maputo CEO Captain Sumeet Bhardwaj.

“The project will unlock economic opportunity across borders and create new possibilities for local industries. For farmers, manufacturers and exporters across Mozambique and beyond, their goods will reach new global markets quicker and cheaper, empowering communities, enhancing livelihoods and driving inclusive economic growth,” he noted.

The project also prioritises the welfare of the workforce with new facilities to accommodate additional personnel, ensuring their wellbeing and the availability of a skilled labour force. Enhanced security measures, including broader live monitoring and advanced CCTV technologies, will improve operational safety, the company added.