MATOLA

• MZMAT
• Latitude: -25.96
• Longitude: 32.4995
• East Africa
• Port in Mozambique

Location: Matola Mozambique

Port of Matola, Mozambique: Description and Specifications

Overview:

The Port of Matola is a significant maritime gateway located in southern Mozambique, operating as a crucial component of the Maputo Port Complex. Serving as a key conduit for international trade, especially for landlocked neighboring countries, Matola specializes in handling bulk cargo, such as coal and other minerals.

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 25° 57′S, 32° 29′E
• City: Matola, part of the Greater Maputo area
• Province: Maputo Province
• Country: Mozambique

Infrastructure and Facilities:

1. Berths and Terminal Facilities:

   • Number of Berths: Multiple, dedicated primarily to bulk cargo.
   • Draft Depth: Varies, generally accommodating vessels up to approximately 11-12 meters draft.
   • Primary Cargo Types: Bulk minerals like coal, alumina, and various ores; agricultural products; and petroleum products.
   • Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas for bulk goods.

2. Handling Equipment:

   • Equipped with modern bulk handling equipment, such as conveyor belts, cranes, and hoppers.
   • Specialized machinery for efficient loading and unloading of heavy bulk materials.

3. Rail and Road Connectivity:

   • Rail: Direct connections to the regional rail network, facilitating the movement of cargo to and from the hinterland.
   • Road: Well-connected to national road networks, enabling efficient land transport logistical operations.

4. Supporting Services:

   • Customs and Security: On-site customs for expedited processing and robust security measures to safeguard cargo.
   • Marine Services: Pilotage, towage, and bunkering available.
   • Emergency Services: Firefighting and emergency response readiness.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

The Port of Matola serves as a strategic international trade hub for Mozambique and its landlocked neighbors, such as Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and South Africa, particularly the mining regions. Its capabilities in handling bulk cargo make it a vital export point for minerals coming from the vast mining areas in the region.

Development and Expansion:

Recent and ongoing projects aim to enhance the port's capacity and modernize facilities, aligning with Mozambique’s broader goals of boosting trade efficiency and economic growth. This includes improving the port’s infrastructure, increasing storage capacity, and upgrading handling equipment.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

The Port of Matola adheres to stringent environmental regulations to minimize the impact of port operations on the surrounding environment. This includes measures for dust control, water management, and emissions reduction.

In sum, the Port of Matola stands as a pivotal maritime facility within Mozambique, underpinned by robust infrastructure, strategic positioning, and a strong focus on bulk cargo, thus contributing substantially to the region’s economic development.