Mozambique: Govt approves decree on maritime cabotage

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Mozambique: Govt approves decree on maritime cabotage

7:27 CAT | 05 Aug 2016

The Mozambican government on Tuesday approved a decree to encourage the expansion of coastal trade (cabotage) by foreign and national registered ships.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the government spokesperson, Transport Minister Carlos Mesquita, explained that through the decree, foreign ships registered in Mozambique will receive the same treatment and arrangements offered to those sailing under the national flag.

According to Mesquita, “this will create the conditions for the revitalisation of maritime cabotage in Mozambique”.

Under the decree, a series of regulatory instruments will be implemented which will guarantee priority berthing and reduced port tariffs. There will also be a reduction in the fees charged by the National Maritime Institute (INAMAR) and the National Institute of Hydrography and Navigation (INAHINA).

A further measure will be a simplification of customs procedures. Finally, the government expects the company Transmaritima to be restructured and seek a partnership with a maritime cabotage company with proven experience and financial strength.

Mesquita argued that these measures will not only help the ship owners but will also benefit the population through lower prices.

The Cabinet decision is the formalisation of agreements reached in June between the Ministry of Transport and Communications and stakeholders.

On 22 June, Mesquita signed four memoranda of understanding with concessionaires of the ports of Maputo, Beira, Nacala and Quelimane. Stakeholders agreed to reduce port charges by 60 per cent in Beira and 50 per cent in Maputo, Nacala, Pemba, and Quelimane. It was also agreed that there be a reduction of 40 per cent in the rates charged to cabotage operators by INAMAR and a reduction in navigation fees charged by INAHINA.

Source: AIM