Story by Gay Matambo
ZIMBABWE’S ambition to become Southern Africa’s premier energy distribution hub has received a major boost following the commencement of a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Beira Port Fuel Terminal in Mozambique.
The coastal infrastructure upgrade is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s fuel supply chain, with the country remaining the primary user and largest client of the Beira energy corridor.
The Executive Director of Mozambique Ports and Railways, Engineer Lucas Vidigal, said the expansion will increase the terminal’s annual handling capacity from five million tonnes to seven million tonnes.
“These engineering upgrades will double the port’s pumping velocity to 3,000 cubic metres per hour from 1,500 cubic metres. By reducing vessel offloading times from three days to just 24 hours, the project will eliminate costly anchorage delays and congestion,” he said.
Speaking after touring the fuel terminal this Thursday, Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the project will significantly reduce shipping bottlenecks through the installation of twin 16-inch pipelines along a five-kilometre corridor and advanced automated loading systems.
“This development perfectly complements our own domestic infrastructure upgrades under the Second Republic, moving us closer to our shared vision of turning this trade axis into the primary energy and logistics gateway for the entire SADC region,” he said.
The project follows ongoing cooperation between Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development and Mozambican transport authorities to align regional trade infrastructure.
Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Beira, Mr Malvern Bere said the expansion would strengthen bilateral trade while improving fuel logistics.
“This expansion project at the Port of Beira is a step forward for cross-border trade and bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. As the primary user of this fuel corridor, Zimbabwe will see immediate dividends through enhanced supply chain security and a drastic reduction in port turnaround times,” he said.
About 70 per cent of Zimbabwe’s liquid fuel imports pass through the Beira Fuel Terminal, making the country the facility’s largest customer and a key economic partner.
