ICTSI will introduce its management and operating expertise to Toamasina as well as undertake key investments in order to upgrade containerhandling services. Investment will take place on a phased basis in line with trade requirements, and will initially concentrate on developing and properly equipping a clearly defined container handling area at the rear of the two berths, C2 and C3, presently employed for container handling as well as consistently achieving efficient container handling operations over the quay.
The introduction of modern IT systems is also seen as a priority and, within a relatively short time span, also an expansion of quay infrastructure and handling capacity.
Sector analysts Ocean Shipping Consultants forecast a positive outlook for Malagasy import/export container traffic, the primary area of demand, with this projected to double over the next five years from 104,000 TEUs/yr in 2004 to 228,000 TEUs in 2009. There is also the possibility of achieving further traffic growth through the development of Toamasina as a secondary transhipment hub.
Commenting on the signing of the concession agreement, Enrique K. Razon Jr, ICTSI chairman and president, said:
“This is precisely the type of opportunity that ICTSI thrives on. We have an experience record second to none at establishing highly successful container handling operations in emerging nations including the first full container terminal concession awarded on the African continent.”