Exploring alternatives to the Port of Durban

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa and multinational logistics company DP World, which holds the concession to operate the export terminal at the Port of Maputo, recently hosted stakeholders on a tour of the facilities in Mozambique.

- Lindi Botha

The case for South African producers to divert fruit exports from the Port of Durban to the Port of Maputo in Mozambique is growing stronger.

While delays and other problems in Durban persist, shipments from Maputo are progressing smoothly and quickly to their destinations, benefitting the entire value chain, according to stakeholders.

Exports through this port have taken place against the backdrop of continuing problems at the Port of Durban. Since last year, the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has intensified efforts to encourage the citrus industry to use the Maputo port after numerous citrus shipments from Durban failed to reach their destinations on time. Mitchell Brooke, the CGA’s logistics development manager, noted that Maputo’s port was not only closer to many citrus producers than Durban was, but was also closer to a number of the export markets.