Mozambique: Over 13 million tons of coal transported to port of Nacala via Malawi
More than thirteen million tons of coal (13,639,000) were transported from Moatize in Tete to the port of Nacala via Malawi during the past year.
The coal was transported under a concession agreement between the former Vale Logistics Limited, now Vulcan Logistics Limited, and the Malawian government, which allows coal trains to pass through the country to Nacala.
In addition to the volume of cargo handled, Malawi has experienced significant development and strategic positioning for the future in railway development, particularly od effective regional integration.
According to the Director of Railway Services in Malawi, Geoffrey Magwede, the figures demonstrate that rail transportation is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to road transport for regional trade.
Magwede revealed that rehabilitation of the railway section from Marka to Bangula up to Limbe in Blantyre, connecting the Mutarara district in Tete, currently involve bridge construction on the Limbe-Salima section.
Through the connection with Mozambique, Malawi benefits from direct railway access to the ports of Nacala and Beira.
Magwede also announced that Malawi had launched a feasibility study, set to be completed this year, of railway expansion to the north of the country, possibly connecting to Tanzania.
Through rehabilitating the railway network, the Malawian government aims to shift about 60% of its cargo from road to rail, thereby reducing costs and increasing benefits while at the same time helping reduce inflation in the country.
