by Lloyd's List
7 January 2025 (Lloyd's List) - POLITICAL turmoil in Mozambique is significantly disrupting operations at the African country’s main ports, according to a report from NorthStandard.
The unrest follows a presidential election last October, with Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner with around two-thirds of the vote. The opposition is contesting the outcome, with mass protests in many cities.
The ports of Maputo, Beira, and Nacala have all been affected, according to the P&I club.
The ripple effect on cargo movements is being felt throughout the region, with extended transit times for goods impacting the entire supply chain.
“The violence has caused significant disruptions in port operations, leading to delays in loading and unloading cargo,” it warns on its website.
“This has resulted in extended waiting times for ships, increased costs for shipping companies, and challenges for businesses relying on timely deliveries.”
Security concerns have also heightened, making it difficult for port authorities to ensure the safety of personnel and cargo. This has led to a reduction in the number of vessels willing to dock at Mozambican ports, further exacerbating delays.
Additionally, the violence has caused damage to port infrastructure, including warehouses, and loading equipment, hindering the ports’ ability to handle cargo.
Maputo, one of the busiest ports in the region, is seeing delays in cargo processing and vessel handling due to stock shortages at the quayside.
The unrest has also caused damage to port infrastructure, further hindering operations.
There are also heightened security concerns at Beira, making it difficult for port authorities to ensure the safety of personnel and cargo.
Nacala seems relatively unaffected, with the port achieving a throughput in excess of 100,000 teu for the first time last year, although it is said not to be immune from the events.
Data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence appears to point to a slowdown in port activity at Maputo and Beira when December 2024 is compared to December 2023.
The overall number of vessel calls fell to 128 from 139. In deadweight terms, the decline was more marked, from 7.1m dwt to 6m dwt.
