Damco opens in Maputo

According to Christian Roeder, Damco Mozambique country manager, "Beira is mainly served by feeder vessels via Durban (draft restrictions prevent larger vessels from calling the port) and this generally implies longer transit times. The company has made a conscious decision to improve on its existing service by facilitating sourcing and exporting directly through the port of Maputo.

"We will now offer inland transport solutions and stuffing services in Maputo and direct access to one of the most industrialized regions in Sub-Saharan Africa via the Maputo Corridor (which serves mainly South Africa's Mpumalanga, Gauteng/Johannesburg and Limpopo provinces). Damco has great expectations for the Maputo Corridor; we expect volumes through Mozambique to grow by 20% next year," says Roeder.

Maputo a cost-effective alternative to Durban, Beira

"The port of Maputo has recently experienced an increasing number of shipping lines offering direct calls from the Far East, making it a great time to expand our operation. Maputo is also a cost-effective alternative to Durban and Beira for many of our customers in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland."

The company says its expanded service profile will increase options for many of its customers, especially mining companies. It aims to become the preferred logistics provider for exporters and importers in the Sub-Saharan region. The company, which currently specialises in offering inland solutions, also plans to expand its business activities into other areas.

According to Nils Havsager, head of Damco in Africa: "The opening of operations in Maputo will not only allow us to offer a superior service to customers in countries around Southern Mozambique and those located within the capital city itself, but re-affirms our commitment to Africa."