CHANNEL DEEPENING AT PORT MAPUTO

24 November 2003

Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has announced that Dredging International Group has been awarded the contract for maintenance dredging of the Maputo Port access channel.

Dredging International Group will restore the 100m wide port approach channel to its design depth of -9.4m, which will involve the removal of approximately 2 million cubic metres of spoil. This major contract is a key element of the civil works that MPDC is carrying out as part of its port rehabilitation programme.

‘When the depth and width of the Polana and Xefina Channels are fully restored, deep-draft bulk carriers will be able to enter the port by day and night at most stages of the tide. That will be another major improvement to the range of marine services that MPDC can offer its growing list of customers’, commented Ken Shirley, Operations Director.

Dredging International Group is deploying a large trailer suction dredger to Maputo, with work expected to commence on site beginning of December 2003. Completion is expected early February 2004.

"The pace of our Priority Works Programme is now accelerating," added Alec Don, CEO of Port Maputo. "Construction of the electrified perimeter fence will soon be finished and that means a fully secured operating environment for all our port users. Key operational buildings are in the process of refurbishment and productivity is improving significantly with the new equipment we have brought into the port. This major dredging contract represents possibly one of the most important steps forward in the process of improving the capacity and efficiency of the port for the benefit of all our customers."

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Sonia Mota
Tel: +258 1 313 920
Fax: +258 1 313 921
E-mail: sonia.mota@portmaputo.com
Picture available upon request.