CHINA DAILY T h u r s day, A u g u s t 1 8 , 2 0 1 1 angolaspecial 3 Modernization of Lobito Multiterminais: $50 We’re already seeing million to improve port right on schedule improvements and reaping the benefits. We’ll be able port services Lobito port is rapidly becoming capacity of six to eight vessels. The port modernization plan to handle 12 to 15 ships at a catalyst for economic growth The overall plans are big: covers three main areas: improv- once; double the current and development for the entire increasing the port capacity, from ing productivity, replacing worn- capacity.” Deciding to spend $50 mil- and is starting to make a dif- region, and is looking to help 2 million tons a year to 11 mil- out equipment, and providing ‘‘ lion on a port in Angola is not ference. Benguela province return to its lion tons, a 700,000-container training for employees. Anapaz Neto as easy as it may sound, but, for Multiparques has allocated glory days as an industrial power. working capacity. By 2010, the And, it does not stop with the Chairman, port of Lobito the consortium in charge, it is an additional $70 million to Thanks to the nearly completed handling capacity was already up external improvements that Neto not only reasonable, it is the develop a dry port at Viana, Benguela Railways (Caminhos 10 percent. referred to. Another plan calls for start of a much longer business 15 miles inland from Luan- de Ferro de Benguela) and a local The port is not aiming to out- alleviating the excessive amount project. da’s port. This is expected to cement factory, along with the port shine the major port in the coun- of bureaucratic involvement that The business group is Mul- help ease congestion and keep modernization program, its indus- try at Luanda, but it is all part of characterized the import process titerminais — consisting of transportation and cargo costs tries are beginning to flourish. a national plan to improve the in the past. the Nile Dutch Africa Line BV, lower, so Angola’s consumers The modernization project is a maritime infrastructure to boost “My idea is to be a one-stop NDS Lda, and Copinol SARL can ultimately reap the ben- top-dollar item, with more than growth by lowering the costs for agent so that, when a boat arrives, — and the $50 million is being efits, as the price of goods goes $1 billion already spent on docks importers and exporters. everything can be taken care of in used over the next five years down. and terminals. “In fact, we’re not competing that one place. This is something to build new warehouses and Rocha Pinto said that he sees In commenting on the renova- with the port of Luanda. In a way, we must do to make us competi- offices, increase security, and the benefits since containers tion, the port’s chairman, Anapaz we’re working with them. As we tive,” he added. expand the cargo terminal for can be removed immediate- Neto, said, “We’re already see- create more capacity here, we The port celebrated its 83rd the port of Luanda. ly after they are emptied and ing improvements and reaping help alleviate the overcrowding year as a separate, independent The upgrade is part of a the merchandise stored. This the benefits. We’ll soon be able to in Luanda. That’s all part of the entity from the Benguela Rail- drive to turn Angola’s major means lower costs and a short- dock 12 to 15 ships at once.” national economic plan,” Neto ways company earlier this year, port into one of Africa’s leading er turnaround time, with con- That will be double the current explained. and is proud to show how the transshipment hubs. tainers being returned to the modernization process is on It is also part of a vision. schedule. According to Leonel da Rocha Work on a 500-meter-long, Pinto, general manager of Mul- 300-meter-wide loading and titerminais, “The port is an unloading terminal for miner- agent for change and the cargo als is underway, along with a dry terminal will contribute to that. dock, which is expected to be “Moreover, the improve- completed by the end of the year. ments are very important Several parts of the expansion because the country is widen- and modernization project have ing its horizons and making an been finished. Most important, effort to boost production.” there is the paving, lighting, and The Angolan government a new railway line to carry cargo privatized the port in 2005 and in and out of the port. One with gave Multiterminais a 20-year more far-reaching effects is the lease because they were better, VTS building, which will house faster and more efficient than an information and location sys- the competition. tem to track ships moving about Because port logistics are Leonel da Rocha Pinto, general in the Lobito area. important for the local econ- manager of the Multiterminais Neto said that the port manage- omy and space at the port has and Multiparques companies ment can take credit for its leader- always been a premium, a sister ship in the modernization effort. company, the Angola-owned clients in only two to five days. But, he is quick to point out, the Multiparques, is working with Rocha Pinto is also spear- speed and efficiency at which it Multiterminais to provide bet- heading a drive to build new is being carried out are thanks to ter cargo handling and stor- cold storage facilities. This new the China Harbour Engineering age solutions for importers and phase of development will be Co which is in charge of the work. exporters. useful to importers of perishable They deserve praise, Neto said, Multiparques is in charge of goods, and will provide a storage and, “They meet deadlines, and management, terminal vehi- facility for the growing number Photos provided to China Daily do the work on time and very cles, containers, warehouses, of local producers, before dis- Significant investments mean the port of Lobito will be more competitive regionally and nationally. efficiently.” and the distribution of goods, tributing their goods in Luanda.