Connecting Zimbabwe to the world
With offices in Harare and Bulawayo and an unrivalled global network, we help connect Zimbabwe’s businesses to the world. Whatever you need to ship, we have the local and global expertise needed to get it to its destination on time wherever in the world that happens to be. From our container depot in Harare’s industrial area, our road and rail network connects you via the ports of Beira in Mozambique and Durban in South Africa. From here, the rest of the world is just a short hop away. MSC Zimbabwe was established in 1981.
Fully digitalised, we connect to MSC's worldwide computer network so Zimbabwean exporters and importers can manage their shipments online. In 2001, we opened a dedicated empty container depot in Harare's Industrial Area. The MSC Container Depot facilitates the fast and smooth release of equipment to shippers and delivery of empty containers to customers in Zimbabwe. In addition to convenient road access for trucks, Zimbabwe also offers direct rail links to and from Beira and Durban.
Our strengths and features MSC is the only line in Zimbabwe to:
● Own and run a container depot
● Have self-owned offices
● Provide reliable landside delivery by rail and road
● Offer a full package of services from customs clearance, import and export road and rail carrier haulage, door collections and delivery
● Be linked globally through gateway ports to destinations across the globe
● Offer customs clearing services for both imports and exports
● Facilitate the release of containers in both Harare and Bulawayo. We look forward to providing you with second-to-none transportation solutions!
Contact our team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services
Detention, demurrage and storage charges
Demurrage and storage charges
What is demurrage? Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal, port and or at the bonded warehouse for the use of MSC equipment.
Please contact MSC Zimbabwe for current demurrage tariffs: email: zwe-marketing@msc.com
What is storage?
A storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers left inside the rail ramp / container yard (for the use of the land). Demurrage and storage charges must be paid by bank transfer.
MSC Zimbabwe does not handle cash.
SOLAS VGM information for Zimbabwe
What is VGM?
Verified gross mass (or VGM) refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
In line with Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, all marine terminals are now allowed to use their certified scales to record shipment VGM in case of any doubt regarding customer submissions.
What to include in VGM instructions
You must include the following on all VGM instructions:
- Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
- Container number
- VGM and weight measurement unit (lbs or kgs)
- Name of responsible party
- Digital signature of the authorised signatory in CAPITAL LETTERS.
How to submit VGM instructions
- myMSC (free of charge)
- Email: zwe-exports@msc.com
Guidelines for submitting your VGM instructions
- MSC prefers to receive a Shipper-Verified Gross Mass (VGM) 24 HOURS before vessel arrival in port Beira or Durban. This helps to avoid any unexpected weighing charges being levied against Zimbabwean cargo by both Ports of Loading, which will be billed to the Shipper of Record. This also helps to avoid cargo being declined at load port.
- Currently all cargoes loading from both ports of loading servicing Zimbabwe abide by the SOLAS policy.
- All rail shipments must have the VGM submitted within 24 hours of the container gating in at the origin rail ramp, to avoid any extra fees levied by the terminal for weighing services.
Prohibited cargo
Restricted and Prohibited Goods into ZIMBABWE.
Imports
- Secondhand clothing
- Vehicles with over 10years of manufacture date
- Left hand vehicles
- For more details on prohibited and restricted goods please view this link
Exports
- Narcotics and some medication containing prohibited substances
- Hunting trophies
- Here is a link with details of import and export requirements
List of terminals
Ports and main destinations
MSC ZIMBABWE is serviced by two major Ports.
| Ports | Mutare /Distance-KM | Harare/Distance | Bulawayo/Distance |
| Beira | 298 | 560 | 860 |
| Durban | 1655 | 1680 | 1420 |
Container Weighing (VGM)
Our Solutions
As well as being a global leader in container shipping, our worldwide teams of industry specific experts mean we can offer our customers round-the-clock personalised service. This ensures we deliver fast and reliable transit times, and that we provide the best solutions for your needs.
As well as being a global leader in container shipping, our worldwide teams of industry specific experts mean we can offer our customers round-the-clock personalised service. This ensures we deliver fast and reliable transit times, and that we provide the best solutions for your needs.
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Last update: 21/05/2025