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Global port operator DP World has further committed to the growing Mozambique port of Maputo, investing more than US$32 million in the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), joining in a partnership with Grindrod International Ltd and Mozambique Gestores SARL.

DP World holds the concession to operate the container terminal at Maputo Port and is already a 60% shareholder in Maputo International Port Services (MIPS), the container terminal operating company, with the Mozambique Ports and Railways Company holding the remaining 40%. The terminal has 100,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container unit) capacity.

DP World has now purchased 48.5 % of Portus Indico – Sociedade de Servicos Portuarios, SA.  Grindrod International Ltd holds another 48.5%, with Mozambique Gestores, SARL holding the remaining 3%.

 Portus Indico has a 51% interest in MPDC which holds the concession for the overall Port of Maputo until 2018, with an option to extend to 2028. Portus Indico separately also holds the agreement for the management of MPDC. The Government of Mozambique holds the remaining 49% share interest in MPDC.

 DP World CEO Mohammed Sharaf said:

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to invest in Maputo. The port is the backbone of the economy and we look forward to helping develop the infrastructure there and contribute to the growth of Maputo and Mozambique.

 “Maputo is also one of the main corridors for the Southern African hinterland. We plan to invest further in container handling facilities there but we also believe there is potential to grow commodity traffic as well, and with our expertise in general cargo, bulk and break bulk handling we believe we can contribute significantly to fast tracking the growth in this cargo sector through Maputo. 

Mr Sharaf added:

“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Grindrod and Mozambique Gestores in Portus Indico. They are both experienced and professional operators in this market.    Together we have created a partnership that will support the investment required to build the Port of Maputo into a notable force in the logistics chain in Southern Africa.”