Nacala, Mozambique

Port Overview

Nacala is located in northern Mozambique on the Indian Ocean and is the country’s deepest natural port, with a sheltered bay and an access channel 60 meters deep. It ranks as Mozambique’s third most important port and is a key logistics hub for southern Africa, serving not only Mozambique but also landlocked countries like Malawi and Zambia via rail connections. Its strategic importance lies in its ability to handle large vessels year-round and facilitate regional exports, including coal and agricultural products. In 2024, Nacala handled a record 100,000 TEU, with further growth projected.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Nacala Port features a deep-water natural harbor with specialized terminals for containers, coal, bulk, and general cargo. Key facilities include a modern container terminal (500,000 TEU annual capacity), a dedicated coal terminal with 1 million tonnes of storage, and multiple berths totaling about 1,200 meters. The port is equipped with modern container cranes (50-meter outreach), advanced cargo tracking systems, and direct rail connectivity. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently reported as part of its equipment.

Container Terminals

Nacala’s container terminal has 2 berths with a quay length of 375–400 meters and a depth of 14–15 meters. The annual container handling capacity is around 100,000 TEU, with projections to increase further. The terminal uses reach stackers and forklifts, with limited automation and no dedicated ship-to-shore cranes. The major operator is Portos e Caminhos-de-Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), overseeing port management and modernization.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with modern equipment, reach stackers, and stacking capacity for thousands of TEUs.
• Cargo operations: Specialized berths for bulk, general, and liquid cargo; advanced stevedoring and cargo tracking systems.
• Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, pilotage, tugboat assistance, and marine safety protocols.
• Warehousing: Multiple covered and open warehouses, including inflatable and secure facilities for bulk and general cargo.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance, logistics support, and international compliance screening.

Global Connectivity

Nacala, Mozambique, is a deep-water port strategically positioned on the Indian Ocean, serving as the main maritime gateway for northern Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia. It is directly connected to these regions via the Nacala Corridor, which includes rail and road links. Nacala handles shipping routes to major markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, supporting bulk, container, and fuel cargoes, and is increasingly integrated into global supply chains through ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Port Statistics

Port of Nacala, Mozambique – Key Statistics (2024/2025):

• TEU Throughput: 102,000 TEU in 2024; projected 115,100 TEU for 2025
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of Berths: 7 main berths, including a 400-meter container quay
• Port Area: Approximately 100 hectares
• Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers, connecting Europe, Asia, Middle East, Americas, and regional African markets