DP World-backed MDPC kicks off Maputo port expansion: Mozambique’s Maputo Port Development Company (MDPC) — a consortium including DP World, South Africa’s Grindrod, and Mozambique’s state-owned rail operator Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique — has broken ground on the first phase of Maputo port’s expansion project, Reuters reports, citing an unnamed senior port official. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost USD 164 mn and will be completed in the next two years.

The first phase is part of a USD 2 bn expansion project by MDPC, Reuters writes. The project seeks to establish the port as a key regional shipping hub. With logistics challenges in neighboring South Africa causing delays, the port is already seeing higher traffic as commodity exporters look for alternative routes.

What we know: The first phase will more than double the container terminal's capacity, increasing it from the current 255k TEUs per year to 530k TEUs. The infrastructure upgrades will involve extending the current quay by 400 meters, reaching a total length of 650 meters, and deepening the berth draft to 16 meters to accommodate larger vessels, MPDC’s CEO Osorio Lucas told Reuters.

REFRESHER- The agreement to expand the port received the greenlight from Mozambique’s cabinet in January 2024. The agreement extended the consortium’s concession by 25 years and included a further commitment of USD 1.1 bn investment into the port until 2033, when the original concession was due to end.

IN OTHER DP WORLD NEWS-

DP World reportedly interested in India’s Thoothukudi outer harbor project: UAE logistics giant DP World is reportedly one of several global players that have shown interest in the INR 7,056 crore (c. USD 817.23 mn) outer harbor project in India’s Thoothukudi Port in Tamil Nadu State, Indian news outlet Maritime Gateway reports. The project is planned over two phases, with the first to be operational by 2028.

A re-tender: The project had its initial tender canceled due to low response, prompting authorities to announce a re-tender in December with expanded eligibility criteria to attract larger participation, according to a post on X and logistics and supply chain company Glottis Limited. Bids for the project’s tender open on 11 February 2025.

The project’s details: The port project involves dredging, reclamation, and breakwater construction under a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model to develop two container terminals with a combined 4 mn TEU capacity. Each container terminal will feature a quay length of 1000 meters. Phase one — involving developing berths 1 and 2 — will cost INR 4,494 crore (c. USD 520 mn) — whereas Phase two will include developing berths 3 and 4, with required investments of INR 2,561 crore (c. USD 296 mn).

Other interested parties: Logistic players including Adani Ports, Vendata Group, JM Baxiget, DBGT, and Belgian off-shore constructor Jan De Nul have also expressed interest in the project, Glottis Limited said.

Tags: