Transformative Changes at Port of Lobito Result in 60% Reduction in Expenses
Celso Rosas, President of the Board of Administration at the Port of Lobito, announced yesterday that the port has successfully reduced costs related to salaries, health services, food provisions, training, and other expenditures by 60%.
This achievement follows the transfer of 850 workers to assets now under the concession of Lobito Atlantic Railways and Africa Global Logistics.
Speaking at a staff meeting commemorating the 96th anniversary of the Port of Lobito, Rosas highlighted the significant financial impact of transferring employees to concessioned assets.
With reduced personnel costs, the port can now allocate more resources towards infrastructure development, enhancing its overall financial sustainability.
Rosas disclosed that 128 employees were transferred to Lobito Atlantic Railways, responsible for managing the mineral terminal, while 730 were transferred to Africa Global Logistics, which now operates the multipurpose pier for general and containerized cargo.
Emphasizing the value added by the concession of terminals under the Port Lord status, Rosas outlined how this move facilitates the implementation of the Port Development Plan.
This plan encompasses growth strategies, necessary investments, and actions vital for the terminals’ development.
Highlighting key clauses in the agreement, Rosas underscored the provisions ensuring smooth transition conditions and job security for the transferred employees.
Structural Enhancements
As a result of these changes, the port received its first locomotive with an experimental load of copper ore from the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 31, 2023, courtesy of Lobito Atlantic Railways.
Africa Global Logistics (AGL), operating the Multipurpose terminal at the Port of Lobito, welcomed its first cargo ship at the General Cargo terminal on February 5th.
The vessel, managed by Seatrade and carrying 6,500 tons of rice, docked at the South Pier, marking a significant milestone for port operations.
Under the concession agreements, the companies will make substantial investments in equipment, infrastructure, and staff training, ensuring employment opportunities for the local workforce.
Secretary of State Rui Carreira commended the port’s transition from operator to port owner, enabling public management of the Port of Lobito while private entities oversee port infrastructure under concession agreements.
This transformation is expected to enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and service diversification, while promoting cost reduction and competition in the maritime sector.
SOURCE:https://freighttrendsglobal.com
