Two leading Indian Ocean ports – Toamasina in Madagascar and Victoria in the Seychelles are progressing major expansion plans.

Both need additional capacity to cope with new trade volumes and to promote greater levels of efficiency overall.

The largest investment is in the Port of Toamasina. This involves a US$639m loan package from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This will be realised via two so-called 'Packages' with Package I involving essential preparatory works well underway.

Package II will commence in 2020 and when all works are complete they will include the extension of the existing breakwater by 345m, construction of a new container berth and dredging alongside the existing berths as well as new container storage areas, and the deepening of bulk cargo berths. Extensive new equipment will also be introduced.

The Port of Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles is now implementing the detailed design works to realise a 600m quay with a deep draught alongside and associated channel dredging and turning circle improvements.

Landside arrangements will also be reconfigured with new yard areas for the multi-purpose cargo terminal, improved separation of port activities (e.g. cargo handling, cruise and fishing activities) as well the introduction of modern cargo handling systems. Detailed design works are expected to run throughout the current year.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a key financier of these expansion works.

Source: Port Strategy