At the heart of the Malagasy economy, the Port of Toamasina continues its expansion to support the country’s commercial ambitions
The Port of Toamasina provides more than 80% of Madagascar’s maritime traffic. Located on the East Coast, in the Atsinanana region, about 370 kilometers from Antananarivo, it is now the main gateway to and exit the country’s goods.
With an area of 63 hectares, the Port of Toamasina plays an essential role in the national economy. Every year, millions of tons of goods pass through it. Food products, equipment, raw materials, but also export products such as vanilla, cloves and minerals.
Every day, more than 600 containers leave the port. Thanks to its docks, storage spaces and modern equipment, the port can accommodate ships from different parts of the world.
Classified as a « Port of National Interest », the Port of Toamasina also benefits from a favorable natural environment. It is protected by several coral reefs, including the Hastie Reef, the Great Reef and the Small Reef. « These natural formations make it possible to keep a relatively quiet rade and facilitate maritime operations, » according to experts.
The port is managed by the Autonomous Management Port Society of Toamasina, SPAT. It supports the development of port activities and the modernization of infrastructure.
To respond to the increase in maritime trade, Madagascar plans to extend the port with the Port Sec III project, integrated into the future Multimodal Logistics and Port Platform of Tsarakofafa. « Currently, the port processes about 8.4 million tons of goods per year. The goal is to triple this capacity, » explains RANDRIAMBAHOAKA Heritiana Anicet, Director General of the SPAT.
This project represents an estimated investment of approximately $760 million. Of this amount, $410 million has already been committed for the work carried out in the port. « The development of Port Sec III will also require nearly $200 million to build logistics infrastructure, storage areas, truck parking and road and rail connections, » adds the General Manager.
Eventually, Toamasina aims to become a major maritime platform in the Indian Ocean, capable of hosting more ships from Europe and Asia, and then redistributing goods to neighboring countries.
The project is expected to increase state revenues, develop local economic activities and create nearly 1,500 permanent jobs.
source : AA.com
