DP World has further committed itself to the growing Mozambique port of Maputo, investing more than $32 million in the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) and joining a partnership with Grindrod International Ltd and Mozambique Gestores SARL.

The Dubai-base company holds the concession to operate the container terminal at Maputo Port and is already a 60 per cent shareholder in Maputo International Port Services (MIPS), the container terminal operating company, with the Mozambique Ports and Railways Company holding the remaining 40 per cent. The terminal has 100,000 teu capacity.
DP World has now purchased 48.5 per cent of Portus Indico – Sociedade de Servicos Portuarios, SA. Grindrod International Ltd holds another 48.5 per cent, with Mozambique Gestores, SARL, holding the remaining 3 per cent.
Portus Indico has a 51 per cent interest in MPDC which holds the concession for the overall Port of Maputo until 2018, with an option to extend to 2028. Portus Indico separately also holds the agreement for the management of MPDC. The Government of Mozambique holds the remaining 49 per cent share interest in MPDC.
DP World CEO Mohammed Sharaf said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to invest in Maputo. The port is the backbone of the economy and we look forward to helping develop the infrastructure there and contribute to the growth of Maputo and Mozambique.
He noted that Maputo was one of the main corridors for the Southern African hinterland.
“We plan to invest further in container-handling facilities there but we also believe there is potential to grow commodity traffic as well, and with our expertise in general cargo, bulk and break bulk handling we believe we can contribute significantly to fast tracking the growth in this cargo sector through Maputo.
Sharaf said both Grindrod and Mozambique Gestores were experienced and professional operators in this market. The partnership would support the investment required to build the Port of Maputo into a notable force in the logistics chain in Southern Africa.