MAPUTO, Mozambique – Mozambique is rapidly solidifying its position as a pivotal trade and logistics hub for Southern Africa, propelled by significant, ongoing investments in its port and railway infrastructure. These strategic developments, driven by robust government policy and substantial private sector commitment, are unlocking the nation’s vast economic potential and enhancing regional connectivity, particularly crucial for the export of its abundant natural resources.
Port of Maputo: Doubling Down on Capacity
At the forefront of Mozambique’s infrastructure renaissance is the Port of Maputo, which is undergoing a remarkable transformation to accommodate growing trade volumes. In May 2025, global logistics giant DP World officially commenced a $165 million expansion of the Maputo Container Terminal. This ambitious project is set to more than double the terminal’s annual throughput capacity from 255,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) to a projected 530,000 TEUs.
João Jorge Matlombe, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, underscored the profound impact of this investment during the groundbreaking ceremony. He emphasized that the project would create “thousands of new jobs and contribute significantly to Mozambique’s economic growth,” a testament to the government’s vision of positioning Mozambique as a central logistics and trade hub for Southern Africa.
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, affirmed the company’s long-term commitment. He stated, “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 (MPDC).” 1Akoojee further highlighted the port’s strategic significance, recognizing its potential to “transform regional trade by linking landlocked Southern African economies to international supply chains.”
Key operational improvements from this expansion, as detailed by Captain Sumeet Bhardwaj, CEO of DP World Maputo, include:
- An increase in yard capacity by 6.48 hectares.
- An extended quay length of 650 meters and a deepened berth to 16 meters, allowing the port to accommodate larger, post-Panamax class vessels of up to 366 meters in length.
- The introduction of three new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and an expanded fleet of rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.
- A significant increase in reefer container capacity to over 700 plugs, crucial for the growing agricultural export sector.
- Advanced technological enhancements, including automated gate facilities with optical character recognition, an improved terminal operation system (TOS), a robust vehicle booking system (VBS), and a digitized client community system (CCS) to streamline connectivity with shipping lines, customs, and banks.
Captain Bhardwaj noted that these upgrades would lead to “faster, cost-effective carrier turnarounds and more competitive freight rates,” ultimately benefiting “farmers, manufacturers, and exporters across Mozambique and beyond” by providing them “quicker and cheaper access to global markets.”
Revitalizing Rail: Backbone of Cargo Transport
Complementing the port developments, Mozambique is undertaking substantial investments in its railway network to ensure the efficient transport of critical bulk cargo, particularly minerals. The government has announced a significant €193.3 million (approximately $208 million USD) investment in the period between 2025 and 2030.
Minister Matlombe revealed that a key focus is the completion of the track doubling on the remaining 25km of the Maputo-Ressano Garcia railway line, which connects Mozambique with South Africa. The first phase of this €80 million project was completed in September 2024, significantly boosting freight capacity on the route from 13 million tonnes to 24 million tonnes per year.
Furthermore, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), the state-owned ports and railways company, is set to acquire over 30 new passenger coaches, 15 new locomotives, and 250 wagons. The first three new 1.62MW SDD1 locomotives from CRRC Ziyang were inaugurated in April 2025, specifically designed for African operating conditions. Agostinho Langa, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of CFM, highlighted the company’s strong financial performance, with provisional operating results for 2024 showing a 55% increase to nearly 2.52 billion meticais (approximately €34.7 million), providing a solid foundation for these ambitious investment plans.
Northern Ports: Unlocking New Frontiers
Beyond Maputo, the northern ports are also gaining strategic importance. In June 2025, the government approved the concession of the Port of Pemba to Pemba Bulk Terminal, Limitada (PBT) for a 20-year period. This concession includes plans for over $1 billion USD in investment, targeting a deeper berth and floating pontoon, pivotal for serving the burgeoning energy sector in Cabo Delgado province.
In Mocímboa da Praia, despite past security challenges, there are renewed expectations for the port’s role, particularly with the anticipated resumption of TotalEnergies’ large-scale LNG project. Helénio Turzão, administrator of the Port of Mocímboa da Praia, stated in May 2025 that “megaprojects are our pillars,” expressing optimism for increased cargo handling as gas projects return to full swing, while also acknowledging the long-term need for locally initiated cargo to ensure sustainable growth.
The Gas Factor: Powering Future Growth
Mozambique’s vast offshore natural gas discoveries, particularly in the Rovuma Basin, are powerful drivers for logistics and transport sector growth. While security concerns in Cabo Delgado have impacted some projects, the Coral South Floating Liquid Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, led by Eni, has been operational since November 2022. By April 2025, Coral South had successfully shipped its 100th LNG cargo, firmly establishing Mozambique as an emerging global LNG producer.
Furthermore, TotalEnergies has indicated plans to resume its significant $20-billion Mozambique LNG project in 2025. Estevão Pale, Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, has been a key advocate for this, stating in June 2025 that the government is “doing everything that we can to be able to resume the project” and that security conditions have “improved considerably.” The resumption of this project, poised to monetize up to 65 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources, will further boost demand for specialized logistics and transport services.
Ensuring Integrity: The Role of Expert Surveys
As these colossal projects reshape Mozambique’s economic landscape, the integrity, efficiency, and reliability of cargo movements become paramount. This critical need is met by specialized services from companies such as Observater Surveys and Services, MWS. Their dedicated teams operate across all major Mozambican ports, including Maputo, Beira, Nacala, and increasingly in the strategically important northern ports like Pemba and Mocímboa da Praia.
Robin Michael, a Senior Surveyor at Observater Surveys and Services, MWS, highlighted the crucial nature of their work amidst this development surge: “The dynamic growth in Mozambique’s port and logistics infrastructure demands an equally robust commitment to quality assurance and risk mitigation in cargo handling. Our presence across all of Mozambique’s major and developing ports, including Pemba and Mocímboa da Praia, allows us to provide essential, independent support.”
Michael further elaborated, “Our expert teams are actively involved in marine and cargo surveys, draft surveys, project cargo and heavy lifts MWS, and comprehensive container inspections. This ensures that from project cargo for the new gas fields to bulk mineral exports and general containerized goods, every movement is accurately assessed for compliance and condition. Our services provide vital verification for ship owners, insurers, and cargo interests, upholding international standards and contributing to the seamless flow of trade that is so fundamental to Mozambique’s national development and its role as a key regional player.”
Future Outlook: Connectivity and Economic Resonance
Beyond the immediate projects, Mozambique’s transport sector is continuously evolving. Plans for inter-corridor connectivity are gaining traction, aiming to link the southern, central, and northern railway systems more effectively. This long-term vision seeks to create an integrated logistics backbone for the entire country, reducing transit times and costs for goods moving between the interior and the coast, as well as across borders with neighboring countries. The government’s Economic and Social Plan and State Budget (PESOE) for 2025, currently under parliamentary discussion, forecasts a 26.6% increase in rail traffic this year, demonstrating the immediate impact of ongoing investments and the acquisition of new wagons. This anticipated growth highlights the increasing reliance on rail as a primary mode for both passenger and freight transport, reinforcing its role as a key facilitator of economic activity.
The developments in Mozambique’s ports and railways are not isolated; they form part of a broader national strategy to diversify the economy, attract further foreign direct investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities. The nation’s strategic location on the Indian Ocean coast, coupled with these significant infrastructure upgrades, positions Mozambique to become a central player in regional and international trade. The ongoing improvements are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Mozambican exports, support the growth of its industrial and agricultural sectors, and serve as a reliable transit corridor for the broader Southern African region, fostering shared prosperity.
For coverage on shipping innovation, logistics transformation, and marine energy transition, stay with All in Maritime News.
Contact: news@allinmaritime.com | Tel: +27 063 069 1191
Offices: Durban | Dar es Salaam | Nairobi | Dubai
Website: www.allinmaritime.com
All in Maritime News – Your Source for Global Maritime Intelligence
