Africa · Chokepoint assessment
Mozambique Channel
Insurgency ashore in Cabo Delgado has produced occasional coastal attacks; the channel is also a narcotics route. Extra traffic from Red Sea diversions increases exposure.
Cape diversion route and LNG developments off Cabo Delgado.
Main threats
- Coastal attacks by ISIS-Mozambique
- Narcotics smuggling
- Weather in cyclone season
What this means for shipping
- Port calls at Pemba and Mocímboa da Praia need local security checks
What to watch
- Cabo Delgado security incidents
- LNG project restart schedule
Ports on this route
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Moderate
Central Corridor gateway; cargo theft is the main concern.
Pemba, Mozambique Substantial
Cabo Delgado logistics base for the LNG projects.
Tanga, Tanzania Moderate
Northern Tanzanian port for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
Zanzibar, Tanzania Moderate
Island port; political sensitivity around elections.
Mtwara, Tanzania Substantial
Close to the Cabo Delgado insurgency across the border.
Nacala, Mozambique Moderate
Deep-water port for Malawi and Zambia cargo.
Beira, Mozambique Moderate
Corridor port for Zimbabwe and Malawi; high cyclone exposure.
Maputo, Mozambique Moderate
Post-election unrest disrupted the port and border in 2024–25.
Toamasina, Madagascar Substantial
Madagascar's main port; political unrest and cyclones.
Port Louis, Mauritius Low
Stable Indian Ocean transhipment hub.
Moroni, Comoros Moderate
Small port; migrant boats to Mayotte.
Sources
Threat level is an Mazin Intel analytical judgement from public sources, not a live feed or official rating.