Transform the Port into a Regional Force

The ambition of local authorities is clear: make the port a major player in the region. And for good reason: the development of international trade, the desire to become a hub in the Indian Ocean have guided the modernization of port infrastructure. A winning strategy since the Mauritian port, considered one of the most dynamic in the region, is ranked in fifth place behind the South African ports but before the Reunion. A performance that owes much to the arrival in recent years, three of the largest shipowners in the world, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), Maersk and P & O Nedlloyd Mitsui OSK Lines. Result: freight traffic increased by 51.42% between 2000 and 2010, from 3,367,890 tons to 5,099,828 tons.

A figure rising steadily since the port has continued to increase the good results. It is enough to be convinced, take a look at the figures compiled by the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA). The volume of goods transited the local infrastructure has increased by 9.2% in 2012 to 7.1 million tonnes. The number of containers has also jumped: 417,467 during the same period. An increase of 19.1% over the previous year. A record! " These figures show that the Mauritian port infrastructures are stretched. That said, we still need a lot of effort if we want to compete with ports in the region , "let go, unanimous sector operators.

One of the major projects of the port remains the extension work, which the tender will be launched in October. This research will aim to develop facilities that will accommodate ships carrying 8,000 containers at 10 000 and with a draft of 15 meters. " This new structure will be a significant contribution to our business transfer "emphasizes Kris Appadoo, Chief Officer of the Administrative Services Department at the Mauritius Ports Authority. This project, supported by the French Development Agency, should be completed in late 2016.

Attract international brands

The success of the port of Mauritius owes much to the development in recent years, its free port. Managed by the Mauritius Freeport Development (MFD), Freeport displays a dynamism that has enabled it to position itself as one of the most active in the region platforms. But far from being satisfied with this success, the industry wants to continue to attract large international companies with the aim of making it a regional distribution center.

In 2010, 6.2 million tonnes of cargo passed through the port, for a value of Rs 954 billion. A year later, in 2011, the MFD has made a profit of Rs 19.7 million and is proposed to raise Rs 150 million in exchange to finance its final phase of development. A strategy that demonstrates the willingness of local authorities to position the maritime and port sector as a regional leader.

A more feasible goal as world leaders, who chose Mauritian facilities already operating in Freeport: Princes Tuna , a subsidiary of English Princes Ltd, global food giant, and Sapmer, among others. " Their presence demonstrates the quality of our facilities , "let there be heard in the direction of local authorities. With all these advantages, the Freeport hopes to attract prestigious brands to definitely establish its influence in the region.

To port shipping platform

One of the challenges facing the port would become a leader in the region for customs clearance and shipping of goods, says does one side of the Customs Department of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). Already, the port operates on a 24/7 basis. The Customs Department must be prepared to provide service 24/7 for the benefit of the port and the economy in general, if necessary. " Our goals are to improve our ranking in the 'Doing Business and Logistics Performance Index' of the World Bank. It also aims to improve the security of the supply chain in accordance with the requirements of the WCO Safe Framework. All this is consistent with the strengthening of the fight against smuggling and illegal trade while facilitating and promoting legal trade and consistent " , emphasizes James Lenaghan, director of the MRA Customs Department.

To achieve this, the department has set as priorities the introduction of a " Single Window System "which allows one set of documents and information (instead of several submissions) to cover all the needs of agencies borders. Also reduce clearance times, which lead to a reduction in the residence time of the cargo. The department also aims to reduce the rate of physical examinations through better risk management. This can also be achieved through the increased use of non-intrusive inspection, including through scanners, sniffer dogs and a weighbridge.

James Lenaghan added that to meet the challenges of the port, the MRA Customs Department strives to continuously improve its systems and operations to facilitate trade and compliance at the same time, through appropriate training, advice and information stakeholders.

Increase storage capacity

Another challenge stemming the development of the port would be the level of storage fuels, the demand is growing year by year. Anne-Solange Renouard, Managing Director of Total Mauritius, shows that significant investments have been made in recent years to develop a cargo logistics will meet the growing demand for ships passing through Mauritius and wishing to refuel fuel or diesel.

There was the adaptation of storage and pipeline network to supply bunker docks, and the establishment, in 2010, a barge of 1,500 tons, 'Menorca'. These are important elements for the development of Port Louis as a place of bunkering reference on maritime routes between East and West. To support and assist the development of the activity, additional investments are being made.

" With three other oil companies operating in Mauritius, we are working to build a structure of 15,000 tons of gasoline in the area of Sea Red, it will supply reliable country , "suggests Anne-Solange Renouard.