US100m container expansion project begins

International Container Terminal Services’ (ICTSI) phase two expansion of its Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT) will more than double the terminal’s existing annual throughput capacity to 400,000 teu per year. Located on the left bank of the Congo River, MGT serves the fast-growing capital city of Kinshasa and surrounding hinterland.

“The expansion of MGT is aligned with actual and projected container growth rates for the DRC. and corresponds with cargo owner and shipping line requirements for the medium term,” said Hans Ole Madsen, senior vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, ICTSI.

“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 unrivaled efficiencies,” he elaborated.

Big changes ahead

Plans include extending the quay from 375m to over 500m; doubling the terminal yard area to 10.5ha; installation of two Ship-to-Shore container gantries; new landside yard handling equipment; and extended I.T systems coverage.

Matadi has the natural advantage of being the closest port to Kinshasa and as such offers the lowest inland transport cost that greatly benefits cargo owners.

New rolling equipment will be introduced onto the rail system between Matadi and Kinshasa by Société Congolaise des Transports et des Ports (SCTP), an MGT shareholder and operator of the public port and rail system.

In 2020, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme will see the Congo River dredged initially to a depth of 10m and subsequently to 12.5m.