The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has renewed its maritime services contract with P&O Maritime Logistics, a leading international provider of marine solutions.
Through its subsidiary company, P&O Maritime Moçambique S.A., it has played a vital role in pilotage, tugboat, and mooring operations at the Port of Maputo since 2012. This contract renewal guarantees stability and continuous improvement until 2033, spanning over a decade of further collaboration.
As per the agreement, P&O Maritime Logistics will invest approximately USD$14million in acquiring state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly vessels designed to boost operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The partnership reflects shared ambitions of sustainable and innovative transformation in the maritime industry driven by the commitment of shaping a low-carbon future.
A notable milestone of this renewed contract is the implementation of an integrated tug and bridge simulator, tailored to the specific needs of operations in the ports of Maputo and Matola. This simulator, when installed at the Port of Maputo, will play a crucial role in the assessment, training and continuous improvement of tug masters and maritime pilots who must navigate a range of challenging weather conditions and emergency scenarios. In addition, incoming vessels at the port will have the opportunity to be assessed in the simulator before their actual arrival, further enhancing safety and efficiency.
In a groundbreaking move, the simulator will also be used as a training ground for young cadets from the Nautical School, as part of P&O Maritime Logistics’ training memorandum with the Escola Nautica. The maritime simulator is expected to be fully operational by the end of the first half of 2024, further improving the safety and efficiency of the Port of Maputo.
Since 2014, 45 young Mozambicans from the Nautical School have been trained abroad, gained valuable sea time experience aboard P&O Maritime Logistics vessels, thereafter returning to Maputo to contribute their expertise, furthering the maritime profession in Mozambique.
With continued dedication to nurturing the growth of today’s young talent, P&O Maritime Logistics offers internship programs in safety, information technology and human resources, providing hands-on workplace training. A significant number of these talented Mozambicans secure full-time employment opportunities within the company, contributing to sustainable growth in the local economy.
The contract renewal with P&O Maritime Moçambique S.A. reflects MPDC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Port of Maputo remains a beacon of safety, quality and efficiency for both users and shipping lines. This, in turn, plays a decisive role in the economic growth not only of Mozambique, but also of the entire region.
MPDC looks forward to continuing this productive partnership and the opportunity to further promote maritime excellence and sustainable development in the region.