Mozambique's Minister of Transport and Communications, Mateus Magala, has announced an ambitious project to introduce a coastal cargo ship in the province of Cabo Delgado, scheduled for April. This strategic step aims not only to increase mobility within the country but also to boost domestic trade in the northern region, which has been particularly affected by security challenges in recent years.
The vessel, supplied by the private sector, has impressive specifications: a draught of six metres, a length of 120 metres, equipped with two cranes, and a capacity to carry up to 6,500 tonnes of goods. The ship is expected to call at strategic points, including Pemba, Afungi, Ibo Island and Mocímboa da Praia, with all risk assessments already carried out to ensure safety in the movement of goods and people.
In addition, Mateus Magala announced the deployment of a second vessel dedicated to carrying passengers, vehicles and cargo. This measure aims not only to reduce travel time between various points in the province but also to guarantee greater safety for users of this service. The new passenger vessel has capacity for 80 people, 70 tonnes of cargo and four vehicles, presenting itself as a viable and efficient alternative for regional transport.
This effort to revitalise maritime transport in Cabo Delgado comes at a time when the province continues to face significant security challenges because of terrorist attacks. Although a coordinated military response has freed several districts and provided a period of relative stability, recent movements by armed groups have led to renewed concerns and to travel restrictions from some foreign bodies.
Minister Mateus Magala stressed that the aim of this initiative is to equip Cabo Delgado with infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of the local population and of promoting the business environment in the region. The deployment of these vessels will contribute to the local economy at a critical moment for the province.
