President Daniel Chapo launched dredging works on 12 October to deepen the access channel of Maputo port so it can take container ships of up to 14,000 twenty-foot units (TEU) and about 366 metres long. The channel will handle drafts close to 15 metres and widen from about 110 to 210 metres on straight sections and to 295 metres at bends. The works form part of the investment plan tied to extending the concession of Maputo Port Development Company to 2058. Deeper access lets Maputo compete with Durban for South African, Zimbabwean and Eswatini mineral and container traffic and cut freight costs for the corridor.