Grindrod’s Matola terminal in Maputo received a second train from Botswana in mid May and successfully discharged 50 wagons using the terminal’s tipplers. The first train arrived at the end of April, marking a significant milestone for Grindrod’s drybulk terminal in the main Port of Maputo, Mozambique. The rail consignment of 40 wagons, each carrying approximately 2,000 metric tons (mt) of coal, was delivered from Botswana.
The train originated from Palapye in Botswana, transiting through Zimbabwe via the Chicualacuala rail network to its final destination. Grindrod discharged the wagons and loaded the cargo on a vessel destined for Europe. A sample load was sent to Grindrod’s Matola terminal, where the compatibility of the Botswana wagons on the terminal’s tipplers was confirmed.
The successful collaboration between the key stakeholders, African Railway Co., Botswana Rail, National Railways of Zimbabwe, Mozambican Railway Co. (Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique) and Grindrod, has created a revitalized export route to market for Botswana producers. Working with partners and customers, Grindrod said it is unlocking trade corridors that could realize an annual volumes of 350,000 to 400,000 mt of coal from Botswana.
In related news, the Port of Maputo recently completed the rehabilitation of 1,058 meters (m) of berthing area. The berths were expanded and dredged to depths of up to 16 m. They are now fully operational, allowing the port to receive and load an increasing number of larger vessels (capesize).
