Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Comprehensive modernization and expansion of Beira Port facilities to enhance capacity, efficiency, and resilience, strengthening its role as a key gateway for Mozambique and landlocked countries in the region. The project includes rehabilitation and expansion of cargo terminals, deepening of access channels and berths, modernization of port handling equipment, development of logistics zones, and implementation of digital port management systems. This integrated development will transform Beira into a modern, efficient port capable of handling growing regional trade volumes while addressing climate resilience challenges facing this low-lying coastal infrastructure.
Objectives
Expand cargo handling capacity at Beira Port to meet growing regional trade demands; improve operational efficiency through modernized infrastructure and equipment; deepen access channels to accommodate larger vessels and reduce maritime transport costs; enhance port resilience against climate change impacts, particularly rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity; develop integrated logistics services to support regional value chains; strengthen Beira's role as a gateway port for landlocked countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and parts of DRC; integrate digital technologies for efficient port operations and customs procedures; and create sustainable employment opportunities in port operations and related sectors.
Strategic Importance
Beira Port serves as a critical maritime gateway not only for central Mozambique but also for multiple landlocked countries in the region, making it an essential component of the regional transport network. The port performance directly impacts economic competitiveness across a broad hinterland encompassing parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As one of the most climate-vulnerable ports in Africa due to its low-lying location and exposure to cyclones and sea-level rise, Beira modernization with climate resilience features represents a strategic priority for regional economic resilience. The port is integrated with the Beira Development Corridor including road and rail connections to the hinterland, and its enhancement will strengthen this vital economic corridor. By improving maritime access and operational efficiency, the project will significantly reduce transportation costs for regional trade, enhance export competitiveness, and strengthen supply chain reliability for essential imports.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The project will employ modern port design and operational technologies appropriate for Beira's specific conditions. Key design elements include climate-resilient infrastructure (elevated platforms, reinforced structures, flood protection systems), efficient cargo handling equipment, advanced dredging techniques for channel maintenance, and digital port community systems for streamlined operations and documentation.
Capacity & Size
The expanded port will have capacity for approximately 18 million tons of cargo annually, including: Container terminal capacity of 500,000 TEUs annually; Dry bulk handling capacity of 7 million tons annually; Liquid bulk capacity of 3 million tons annually; General cargo capacity of 4 million tons annually; Access channel depth increased to 14 meters to accommodate vessels up to 60,000 DWT; Berth length extended by 600 meters; 25 hectares of additional terminal area; 50 hectares of logistics zone development
Technical Details
Access channel deepening to 14 meters to accommodate vessels up to 60,000 DWT; Quay walls reinforced and extended by 600 meters; Container terminal expansion with modern handling equipment (ship-to-shore cranes, RTGs); Bulk terminals with specialized loading/unloading systems; Climate resilience features including elevated platforms (minimum 2.5m above current sea level), reinforced structures, and flood protection systems; Integrated port community system for digital documentation and operations management; Green port elements including solar power generation and electrified equipment where feasible
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Pre-feasibility studies (2022-2023); Detailed feasibility and technical studies (2023-2025); Financing arrangements (2025-2026); Detailed design and tendering (2026-2027); Construction and implementation (2027-2030); Phased operational launch (2029-2030)
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-06-23 — Intermodal Africa 2025 announced Beira as host (programme 22–24 July) incl. guided tour of port operations—spotlighting current capacity/expansion works. [https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9743429/beira-to-host-intermodal-africa-2025-in-july/]
2025-08-04 — Club of Mozambique: concessionaire Cornelder de Moçambique to invest €8.6m for Port of Beira expansion/modernisation (equipment & yard capacity upgrades). [https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-cornelder-will-invest-e8-6-million-to-expand-the-port-of-beira-288574/]
Financing Structure
The project will employ a blended financing approach combining: public financing through concessional loans from multilateral development banks (AfDB, World Bank); climate finance targeting resilience components; commercial financing for revenue-generating components; equity contributions from Mozambique Ports and Railways Authority (CFM); and private sector participation through PPP arrangements for terminal operations and equipment. Technical assistance grants will support project preparation and capacity building.
Capital Structure
Base infrastructure (65%): Public financing through sovereign loans with climate finance components; Operational infrastructure and equipment (35%): Mixed public-private financing with potential PPP arrangements
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2022
Expected Completion
December 2030
Development Timeline
Pre-feasibility studies (2022-2023); Detailed feasibility and technical studies (2023-2025); Financing arrangements (2025-2026); Detailed design and tendering (2026-2027); Construction and implementation (2027-2030); Phased operational launch (2029-2030)
Project Status History
Status 2020
Structuring
Status 2022
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2024
Pre-Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 8.50M
Construction Timeline
Phase 1 (Access channel deepening and critical infrastructure): 2027-2028; Phase 2 (Terminal expansion and equipment): 2028-2029; Phase 3 (Logistics zones and advanced systems): 2029-2030
Legal & Financial Advisors
Royal HaskoningDHV providing technical advisory services; financial advisory services by IFC
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Beira Port currently handles approximately 8 million tons of cargo annually, with severe capacity constraints limiting growth. Demand analysis indicates potential for 15-18 million tons annually by 2035 based on regional economic growth projections and trade patterns. Key cargo segments include containers (currently 240,000 TEUs annually with growth potential to 500,000 TEUs), dry bulk (agricultural products, minerals), liquid bulk (petroleum products), and general cargo. The port serves a hinterland with a population of approximately 25 million people and combined GDP of $45 billion.
Market Demand
The expanded port will have capacity for approximately 18 million tons of cargo annually, including: Container terminal capacity of 500,000 TEUs annually; Dry bulk handling capacity of 7 million tons annually; Liquid bulk capacity of 3 million tons annually; General cargo capacity of 4 million tons annually; The project will benefit a hinterland population of approximately 25 million people across multiple countries.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Mozambique Ports and Railways Authority (CFM), SADC
Key Parties
Mozambique Ports and Railways Authority (CFM), Ministry of Transport and Communications (Mozambique), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Beira Corridor Group
Investors
African Development Bank, World Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Private terminal operators
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding following project structuring and financing
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Key risks include: climate-related challenges given Beira's vulnerable coastal location; complex dredging operations in dynamic estuarine environment; potential traffic disruptions during construction in an operational port; governance challenges in implementing new operational frameworks; and competition from alternative corridors. Risk mitigation strategies include phased implementation to minimize operational disruptions, comprehensive climate resilience design, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building initiatives.
Regulatory Risks
Requires updating of port regulatory frameworks to accommodate modernized operations and PPP arrangements. The Port Authority role will evolve toward a landlord model with enhanced regulatory functions. Key regulatory risks include challenges in implementing efficient customs procedures, enforcing environmental standards, and maintaining competitive tariff structures while ensuring financial sustainability.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project will require a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment given its coastal location and scale. Key environmental considerations include: impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems during dredging and construction; management of dredged materials; water quality protection; climate change considerations including sea-level rise and increased storm intensity; and air quality management for bulk cargo operations. Extensive mitigation measures will be implemented, including marine ecosystem monitoring programs, advanced dredging material management, climate adaptation features, and environmental management systems meeting international standards.
Social Impact
The port development will generate approximately 2,500 direct jobs during construction and 1,500 permanent jobs during operation, with wider employment effects throughout the logistics chain. Socioeconomic benefits include improved trade efficiency benefiting consumers and businesses throughout the hinterland, enhanced export opportunities for agricultural and mining sectors, skills development in maritime and logistics operations, and urban regeneration in Beira city. Specific programs will ensure benefits reach local communities through local content requirements, skills development initiatives, and SME integration into the port service ecosystem.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in terminal operations and management, cargo handling equipment provision, logistics services development, warehousing and distribution facilities, port service provision (pilotage, towage, bunkering), and digital systems implementation. The PPP frameworks being developed will provide specific structures for each project component, with opportunities for both international and local private sector partners.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete comprehensive feasibility studies; secure technical assistance funding for detailed designs; develop PPP frameworks for terminal operations; finalize environmental and social impact assessments; secure financing commitments; establish project implementation unit
Offtake Agreements
Concession agreements will be established for terminal operations with performance-based metrics for cargo handling rates, equipment availability, environmental performance, and service quality. These will include minimum investment requirements, maintenance standards, and operational key performance indicators.
Contact Information
Eng. Victor Gomes, Director of Ports, CFM, Email: info@cfm.co.mz, Tel: +258-21-308000; Dr. Paulo Zucula, Director, Beira Port Development, Email: beiraporto@cfm.co.mz; SADC Secretariat, Transport Division, Email: transport@sadc.int
