Page 8 - MPA ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

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been developed into a leading container port in the region with a linear quay of 800 metres, thus enabling
the accommodation of larger container vessels. The navigational channel has also been deepened to 16.5
metres below Chart Datum in early 2017 and Port Louis Harbour is now the deepest port in the South West
Indian Ocean where container vessels up to a draft of 15.5 metres and capacity of 12,000 TEUs can be
handled.

With the realisation of this mega project at Port Louis Harbour, the following substantial strategic benefits
would be derived:

• simultaneous berthing of 2 large container vessels of 12,000+ TEUs capacity at any one time;
• faster turnaround of vessels;
• reduction in the time ships spend waiting for a berth;
• potential savings in freight rates;
• boost in container transhipment traffic; and
• increased connectivity

Accommodate large container vessels of the latest generation

With the extension of the MCT and deepening of the access channel to -16.5 metres ACD, Port Louis
Harbour will be called upon to accommodate large container vessels of the latest generation. The present
total bollard pull capacity of the existing tug fleet needs to be significantly increased to ensure the safe
handling of these vessels and other large bulk tankers, especially during adverse climatic conditions. The
MPA has thus come up with a renewal plan for its fleet of tugs, and in this context, the MPA procured a
new Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tug of 78 tonnes bollard pull capacity to the tune of Rs 340 million. The
tug, which was delivered in August 2016, is enabling faster and safer performance of manoeuvring and
consequently speed up the flow of goods through Port Louis Harbour. Moreover, with a view to enhancing
its armada of tugs, the Authority has launched a bidding exercise to procure three twin screw tugs of 12
tonnes bollard pull capacity and one harbour tug of 70 tonnes bollard pull capacity.

On the other hand, the MPA has drawn a roadmap for its business model to make informed choices and
achieve strategic objectives with the elaboration of a new corporate plan. This is yet another milestone in
the pursuit of the MPA’s objective to make of the port a customer-driven model of excellence. The MPA
business principles to guide planning and decision making were formally adopted within the framework
of the Corporate Plan 2016 – 2018. The Vision and Mission, developed with staff input, describe MPA’s
business intent. With the Corporate Values they provide the foundation for strategic planning and decision-
making helping to prioritise and work towards common goals.

In this respect, it is an undeniable fact that the port sector under the Blue Economy, is called upon to
play a major role in the future economic development of the country and therefore, in order to maintain
the position of Port-Louis as a transhipment port after 2030, it is planned to develop an Island Container
Terminal, opposite the MCT. The project will comprise the construction of a breakwater over a 2-km length,
and the construction of a terminal over an extent of 40 ha with a handling capacity of 1 million TEUs. In this
respect, MPA is proceeding with the techno-economic Feasibility Study for the development of the Island
Terminal at Mer Rouge, which is being financed under a Grant from the African Development Bank.

Mauritius is well poised to play the role of a major logistics hub

It is expected that container activities will benefit from an increase in volumes following increased trade
with the emerging new economic blocks. In this regard, Port Louis Harbour is now at a critical crossroad
with a window of opportunity that is unfolding in the region with regard to the development of container
traffic. Mauritius is therefore well poised to play the role of a major logistics hub and to capture substantial
incremental traffic as well as foreign direct investment in the port sector.

The adoption of the Human Resource Development (HRD) Plan with a new salary structure effective as from
January 2016 has motivated employees to develop their personal and organisational skills, knowledge, and
abilities. Several recommendations in the HRD Plan outline the identification of top talent and introduction

6 MAURITIUS PORTS AUTHORITY | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17