Nacala is East Africa’s deepest natural port and a key trade gateway linking Mozambique to inland Southern Africa.
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.
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.
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.
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 of Nacala, Mozambique – Key Statistics (2024/2025):
