The multinational integrated logistics transport chain DP World announced yesterday it had successfully completed the first import by land transit of goods from the Port of Maputo to DP World Komatipoort in South Africa.
In a press release, the company said this is a significant milestone for DP World as it demonstrates that the Port of Maputo can easily be used as a gateway to South Africa through DP World Komatipoort.
“International containerized imports landed at the Port of Maputo and destined for inland South Africa can now be transferred under bond to Komatipoort, where full customs clearance is provided and prepared for delivery throughout South Africa,” it stresses.
The release also quotes DP World Maputo CEO Christian Roeder as saying that “the installation in Komatipoort of a bonded container depot is a disruptive milestone for the Maputo Corridor.”
“The success of this trial represents another step for DP World on the road to providing a more cost-effective, intuitive and efficient experience for our local customers, while also contributing to the improvement of trade links between Southern African countries,” he pointed out.
According to him, “the strategic location of DP World Komatipoort, as well as the provision of a full service and its continuous connection, through the Maputo Corridor, to the modern and efficient DP World Maputo container terminal, where there is no congestion of ships and ports and fixed berths are available for the main shipping lines, offer customers considerable savings in transport and avoid delays to consignees in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng.”
It should be noted that 69% of South Africa’s maritime imports currently take place through the Port of Durban.
“Local customers now have the option to consider using the Port of Maputo as a gateway for transporting their international cargo to Komatipoort – where it can be more easily and efficiently cleared through customs for customers based in and around Gauteng,” the statement said.
The source adds that once a shipment is received at DP World Maputo Port, the organization handles the entire logistics chain process from there to Komatipoort and other areas within the region without delay. Although the cost of this service is variable depending on the user, it is estimated to be equivalent, or cheaper, compared to the traditional route through Durban.
In either case, it is much more efficient – especially for those in the northern part of South Africa.
“For example, a Johannesburg company importing goods from Singapore may choose to route the shipment to Maputo, where it is unloaded on schedule, without delay. DP World Maputo arranges for transit clearance in Mozambique and container transport to Komatipoort, where the customer’s agent provides final dispatch to South Africa. DP World then sends the goods by road to Gauteng for fast delivery to destination,” he stresses.
