Mozambican ports handled 70,170 tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 10.7% increase from 2023, despite a slight decline in traffic at the Port of Maputo, which accounted for nearly half of the total volume, according to official data compiled by Lusa. Cargo movement at the ports of Beira and Nacala grew by 12.9% and 13.6%, respectively, while Maputo saw a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to the previous year.
Category: Shipping News
Tanzania and Kenya Compete for Hub Status as Port Expansion Drives Regional Growth
Port expansion efforts, both underway and planned, are intensifying competition among operators as they vie for key hub status to support the growing integration of the region into global supply chains. The primary contenders in this race are Tanzania and Kenya. Tanzania’s plans have gained significant momentum with the European Union (EU) investing EUR 15 million into the Tanzania Trade and Transport Improvement Project, which is set to launch in
MSC Reallocates Fleet in Strategic Shift Amid Declining Rates on Asia-North Europe Route
The world’s largest container shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has decided to withdraw its largest vessels from the Asia-North Europe route in a move that appears to be a strategic realignment of its services. According to Alphaliner, MSC’s megamax vessels, ranging from 19,200 to 24,300 TEUs, will be redeployed to the Asia-Mediterranean and Asia-West Africa trades. Meanwhile, ships averaging around 14,700 TEUs will now service the Asia-North Europe corridor.
Durban Container Terminals Expands Fleet to Boost Port Efficiency
Durban Container Terminals (DCT) has received a new fleet of straddle carriers and rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes worth R892 million. These are among the first of 100 cargo-handling machines set to arrive this year as part of Transnet’s broader investment in port infrastructure. Speaking at the unveiling event at the Port of Durban, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips described the equipment delivery as a “game changer” that will significantly improve operational
Global Iron Ore Shipments Drop 7% Amid Weak Chinese Demand
Global iron ore shipments have declined by 7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first seven weeks of 2025, largely due to sluggish demand from China. Australia has been hit hardest, with exports down 10% compared to the previous year, while Brazilian shipments have fallen by 5%. The overall demand for tonne-mile sea freight shipments of iron ore has also dropped by 6% y-o-y, according to Filipe Gouveia, shipping analysis manager at
Transnet Increases Resources to Boost Cape Town Container Terminal Efficiency
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has ramped up resources at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) by deploying additional cranes and personnel to counter productivity losses caused by strong winds. In a statement on Wednesday, TPT reported that adverse weather over the past two weeks resulted in over 200 lost operational hours, leaving 12 vessels waiting at anchor. Wind speeds reached between 100 km/h and 120 km/h, exceeding the 80 km/h
EU Extends Red Sea Maritime Security Mission Until 2026
The European Union (EU) Council has extended the mandate of its maritime security operation in the Red Sea, EUNAVFOR Aspides, until February 28, 2026, to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region. In a statement, the Council confirmed that the extension follows a strategic review of the operation and comes with a reference budget of over €17 million for the period. “To enhance maritime situational awareness, Operation Aspides will not
Canadian Coast Guard Rescues 20 Crew Members from MSC Baltic III Grounding
The Canadian Coast Guard successfully rescued 20 crew members from the MSC Baltic III over the weekend after the vessel lost power and ran aground off the coast of Newfoundland. According to the Coast Guard, Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Port aux Basques received a mayday call from the ship on Saturday after it experienced a blackout about 12 nautical miles off the Bay of Islands. Severe weather and
Landmark Agreement to Digitize Seafarer Certification Signed by ICS, LROO, and Marina
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LROO), and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) of the Philippines Department of Transportation have signed a significant agreement to digitize seafarer certification processes. In a statement, ICS revealed that the parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a pilot project aimed at integrating seafarer certification systems and developing a new mobile application. The MoU, signed at the
Rising Port Charges Push Importers Away from Nigeria
Importers are increasingly diverting goods to neighboring West African countries to avoid soaring port charges in Nigeria. Over the past month, multiple government agencies, terminal operators, and shipping companies have raised their fees by nearly 100%, making cargo clearance unaffordable for many businesses. Lagos port, Nigeria’s busiest, has been particularly affected, with a sharp decline in activity, threatening the country’s ease of doing business agenda. According to The Guardian Nigeria,