International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has initiated the second phase expansion of its Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT), located 92 miles upstream on the left bank of the Congo River, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Phase 2 expansion will more than double MGT’s existing annual throughput capacity to 400,000TEU/yr.
“ The expansion of MGT is aligned with actual and projected container growth rates for the DRC ,” said Hans Ole Madsen, Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, ICTSI .
“ 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 $100 million expansion plan anticipates the DRC’s requirements over this period and will deliver unrivaled efficiencies, ” added Hans Ole Madsen.
One of the main features of this scheme is the dredging of the Congo River initially to a depth of 10 meters and subsequently to 12.5 meters.
Implementation of this project will commence in 2020 and will promote lower marine freight rates further enhancing Matadi’s natural competitiveness.