INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, together with local partners, has initiated the second phase expansion of its Matadi Gateway Terminal, located 150km upstream on the left bank of the Congo River, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The expansion is expected to more than double MGT’s existing annual throughput capacity to 400,000TEU.
Matadi is said to have the natural advantage of being the closest port to Kinshasa and has the lowest inland transport cost that greatly benefits cargo owners.
“The expansion of MGT is aligned with actual and projected container growth rates for the DRC,” said Hans Ole Madsen, ICTSI senior vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“The market is seeing positive growth albeit off a relatively low base in terms of total demand.
“Studies suggest that Congo will achieve emerging market country status within the next 10-years and as such we are very confident that this nearly USD100 million expansion plan anticipates the DRC’s requirements over this period and will deliver unrivalled efficiencies.”
ICTSI operates Victoria International Container Terminal in Melbourne, an important player in the Australian stevedoring scene.
