Shipping giant, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has signed a 45-year concession agreement with Nigerian maritime company, Nigerdock, to develop, operate and maintain a new container terminal at Snake Island Port in Lagos.
A statement by MSC on Thursday noted that the new container terminal would be completed by 2028 with a 910-meter quay, six Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, two ship berths, three barge berths, and up to 18 meters of draft.
The dedicated MSC terminal would be part of the company’s announced $1 billion investment in infrastructure and logistics in Nigeria.
“We are thrilled to take this step forward in our partnership with MSC to develop a world-class container terminal within Snake Island Port.
“This gives the world’s leading shipping line a home in Nigeria and brings significant foreign direct investment into the country to accelerate growth in the maritime and logistics industry,” it said.
Global shipping companies are pushing to secure long-term footholds in emerging markets as supply chains are reconfigured worldwide.
MSC said the terminal, to be built by ITB Nigeria and DEME Group, is expected to be ready by 2028.
It will occupy 30 hectares (74 acres) and feature a 910-metre (3,000 ft) quay capable of handling ship‑to‑shore cranes and mobile harbour cranes, serving both deep-sea vessels and barges.
MSC President, Mr Diego Aponte, said: “Completing this key phase in the development of Snake Island Container Terminal with Nigerdock and our trusted partners demonstrates MSC Group’s commitment to providing excellent service to our customers in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
“The new terminal will open up opportunities, enhance efficiency, and elevate Snake Island Port as a major global shipping centre.
“Together with our Group’s other long-term investments in Nigeria, it will generate many local jobs and significantly increase economic revenue and resilience.”
Snake Island Port is an 85-hectare facility operated by Nigerdock, a maritime and logistics company, and comprises three terminals serving the Lagos port complex.