Mozambique - Port of Nacala

Port of Nacala: Mozambique's Deep-Water Trade Powerhouse

The Port of Nacala, located in northern Mozambique, is a cornerstone of the region's economy and one of the deepest natural ports in Southern Africa. Its strategic positioning and deep-water capabilities make it a vital hub for Mozambique and landlocked neighboring countries, facilitating the export of coal, agricultural products, and minerals. This article explores the port's location, key figures, and operational details, highlighting its role in driving economic growth along the Nacala Corridor.

Location

The Port of Nacala, also known as the Nacala port complex, is situated in Nampula Province in northern Mozambique, on the mid-east coast at the southern end of Baia de Bengo, a sheltered bay within the larger Fernao Veloso Bay. Located at approximately 14°30′S latitude and 40°41′E longitude, it lies 465 nautical miles northeast of Beira and about 200 km northeast of Nampula City, making it accessible via a three-hour drive or a short domestic flight.

The port's entrance, which is 800 meters wide, opens to the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. Water depths in the bay reach up to 60 meters, making Nacala the deepest port in Southern Africa and one of the finest natural harbors on the continent. The port serves the cities of Nacala and Nacala-a-Velha, with the commercial port located in Nacala and a coal terminal situated in Nacala-a-Velha across the bay. It is a key terminal for the 931-km Nacala railway, connecting to landlocked Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique's Tete Province, notably the Moatize coalfields. The Nacala Corridor, encompassing rail and road networks—including the N12 highway—links the port to regional markets, enhancing trade for northern Mozambique's Nampula, Zambézia, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado provinces. Its strategic location supports maritime routes to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, positioning Nacala as a critical logistics hub.

Key Figures and Relevant Details

Historical Development and Management

Originally founded as a small settlement, Nacala grew into a deep-water port during the late Portuguese colonial period, officially opening in 1951 to serve its hinterland and Malawi. During the 1970s, it handled approximately 500,000 tons of cargo annually, making it Mozambique's third-largest port. However, the Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992) adversely impacted its activity. Post-war investments revitalized operations, and since January 2020, the port has been managed by Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) following the end of a concession with the Northern Development Corridor (CDN). The public-private joint venture Integrated Northern Logistical Corridor Society (CLIN) now administers licenses for cargo and passenger terminals.

Infrastructure and Capacity

The Port of Nacala features exceptional navigability, with operations running 24/7 and no restrictions on ship size or movement, aside from a 7–14-meter draft along the pier. The port comprises four general cargo berths (675 meters long, with a depth of 9.5 meters), one container berth (372 meters long, with a depth of 15 meters), a liquid bulk terminal (part of Quay 4, with a depth of 9.7 meters), and a coal terminal located at Nacala-a-Velha. The container and multi-purpose terminal currently manages 100,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, with plans to expand capacity.

The liquid bulk terminal is connected to fuel tanks operated by BP Mozambique (12,000 m³), Petromoc (28,000 m³), and Camel (32,000 m³) via a 3.5-km pipeline. This terminal supports imports of diesel, petrol, Jet A1, and palm oil.

In 2023, the port handled approximately 2 million tons of cargo, including coal, cotton, tea, tobacco, groundnuts, sisal, timber, maize, and hides. Coal exports from the Moatize coalfields have significantly driven this growth. The coal terminal, which became operational in January 2016, has a capacity of 6.5 million tons annually, with Vale Moçambique exporting coal via the Nacala railway. Currently, transit cargo accounts for 7% of TEUs, 2% of breakbulk, and 32% of bulk cargo, with the potential for growth as the port targets a tenfold increase in cargo volume by 2030 compared to 2011. The port employs shoreside cranes, forklifts, reach stackers, and mobile cranes, supplemented by two Kotug Rotortugs (RT Magic and RT Spirit) and one older tug for pilotage services, which are compulsory.

Economic Impact

The Port of Nacala is a vital linchpin of the Nacala Corridor, facilitating trade for both Mozambique and its landlocked neighbors, particularly Malawi and Zambia. It supports exports of coal, agricultural products, and minerals, alongside imports of fertilizers, sugar, wheat, and clinker. Recent developments highlight regional cooperation, as Mozambique has granted Malawi access to a portion of the port, potentially reducing Malawi's port travel time by nearly 50% and decreasing reliance on Tanzanian ports. This collaborative approach, which includes agreements on electricity supply and air services, underscores the port's significance in the region.

The port's modernization was bolstered by a $273.6 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), completed in 2023. The Nacala Port Development Project involved dredging to a 14-meter depth, reconstructing the North Wharf (400 meters), expanding container yards (over 100,000 m²), and procuring advanced equipment like two quay gantry cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry cranes. These upgrades aim to improve cargo handling efficiency and solidify Nacala's position as a hub for southeastern Africa. The port is ISPS-compliant (accredited in 2007) and features security measures such as gate checks and uniformed staff.

Recent Developments

The rehabilitation and expansion of the port, inaugurated in October 2023 by the presidents of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia, mark a significant milestone in regional integration. This project, supported by JICA and OC Global, addressed outdated facilities and limited capacity, streamlining logistics for the Nacala Corridor's mineral and agricultural resources. Plans are underway to accommodate more containers and refrigerated cargo, alongside exploring potential growth as a logistics hub for the oil and gas industry.

Additionally, the port's proximity to Nacala International Airport (just 9 km away) and its unique cultural blend of African, Portuguese, Arab, and Indian influences further enhance its appeal as a trade and tourism hub.

Conclusion

The Port of Nacala stands as Mozambique's premier deep-water port, leveraging its natural harbor and strategic location to drive economic development. Its modern infrastructure, ongoing investments, and critical role in the Nacala Corridor position it as a vital gateway for Southern Africa. With capacity expansions and regional partnerships—such as Malawi's increased access—Nacala is poised to become a leading logistics hub, fostering trade, job creation, and economic growth for Mozambique and its neighbors.