BEIRA

• MZBEW
• Latitude: -19.8115
• Longitude: 34.8305
• East Africa
• Port in Mozambique

Location: Beira Mozambique

Web-site: https://www.bm.com.mz/

Port of Beira - Mozambique

Overview

The Port of Beira is one of the most significant maritime ports in Mozambique and Southern Africa. It serves as a crucial logistics hub for the region, linking landlocked countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi to international shipping routes. The port is managed by Cornelder de Moçambique, a joint venture between the state-owned Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM) and Cornelder Holdings.

Location

• Coordinates: 19°50′S 34°50′E
• Geographical Position: Located in Beira, Sofala Province, along the Pungue River and the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Terminals:

1. Container Terminal:

   • Capacity: Approximately 300,000 TEUs per year.
   • Equipment: Includes gantry cranes, mobile cranes, reach stackers, and terminal tractors.
   • Storage: Offers both open and covered storage areas.

2. General Cargo Terminal:

   • Capacity: Equipped to handle various types of general cargo including timber, bagged cargo, and steel products.
   • Facilities: Warehousing, open storage areas, and specialized handling equipment.

3. Bulk Terminals:

   • Coal Terminal: Specialized facilities for the handling and storage of coal.
   • Liquid Bulk Terminal: Handles petroleum products and other liquid commodities.
   • Grain Terminal: Equipped with silos and conveyor belts for efficient grain handling.

Berths:

• Total Berths: 11 berths.
• Draft: Varies between 8 to 12 meters, depending on the quay.
• Length: Combined quay length of approximately 1994 meters.

Other Facilities:

• Railway Connectivity: Linked to the central Mozambican railway network, facilitating cargo movement to surrounding countries.
• Road Access: Good roadway connections to major cities and neighboring countries.
• Warehousing: Extensive warehousing options including refrigerated storage for perishable goods.
• Customs and Security: Modern customs processing facilities and stringent security measures to ensure the safety of goods.

Services

• Pilotage and Towage: Mandatory and readily available services for maneuvering vessels.
• Bunkering: Fueling services provided within the port.
• Ship Repairs: Basic vessel repair services available, with more comprehensive repairs in nearby facilities.
• Logistics Support: Various services including freight forwarding, cargo handling, and distribution.

Strategic Importance

• Trade Gateway: Acts as a critical gateway for international trade for the inland countries in Southern Africa.
• Economic Impact: Plays a key role in the economic development of Mozambique and the region by facilitating export-import activities.
• Expansion Developments: Ongoing and planned infrastructure upgrades to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Challenges

• Siltation: Frequent dredging required to maintain adequate depth due to siltation from the Pungue River.
• Weather Conditions: Prone to cyclones which can disrupt port operations.

Conclusion

The Port of Beira is an essential maritime hub with a comprehensive range of facilities and services designed to support regional commerce and connectivity. Its strategic location and ongoing development projects make it a pivotal port in Mozambique and the broader Southern African region.