Port Overview

The Port of Toamasina is the first Port of Madagascar. Located in the Atsinanana region is located on the east coast some 370 km from the capital of Madagascar. Located at 18°09 South latitude and 49°25 East longitude, between Ivondro Bay and the long beach that borders the harbor and the Indian Ocean; the Port of Toamasina covers an area of ​​63 hectares. 

The Port of Toamasina is classified as a "Port of National Interest" (PIN) with sufficiently adequate port infrastructure (quay, draft, embankment, storage warehouses), allowing the carrying out of commercial loading and unloading of long-distance ships. 

In accordance with Article 3 of Law No. 2003-025, Decree No. 2004-702 confers on the Port of Toamasina the status of Port of National Interest with autonomous management, delimits its district, creates the Société du Port à gestion Autonome de Toamasina (S.P.A.T.) and authorizes the State to participate in its capital. The Port of Toamasina is subject to an autonomous management mode, hence the name of "Autonomous Management Ports" (PGA) 

A current project of extension will last 4 years and consists in of adding 474 m of quay to the container terminal , rehabilitating the old quays , extending the breakwater (protective dike) of a length of 345m, but also proceed with the coating of the 18 ha embankment for the storage of containers. 

Port web site: https://port-toamasina.com/ (under construction) 

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com.

Port Picture

Port of Toamasina View of the port from Pointe Tanio – belo 

Extension project of the Port of Toamasina Extension project of the Port of Toamasina: Installation of a 10Ha landfill on the Hastie Reef, including additional embankment and a breakwater – below 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.2.3 Madagascar Port and Waterways Company Contact List

Port Performance

The port can accommodate ships with a draft not exceeding 9.5 m and weighing about 50,000 tons. However, work is underway to extend the length of the berth by 450 m which would bring the draft to 15 m. After completion, ships weighing more than 70,000 tons could also dock at the port. 

Current monthly use by WFP 50 TEUs/ month - 1,000 MT/month 

Total cargo handling (m.tons) – 194 169 MT/month 

Total capacity of the port - 20 416 TEUs/month 218 750 MT/month 

(Current extension planning – 2026 - to reach 83 833 TEUs/month 900 000 MT/month ) 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: The collection of port tariffs will be available on the new website soon online.  

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is managed by the government.

The SMMC is managing the handling at the port of Toamasina. 

http://www.smmc-company.com/ 

Container Facilities

On 16 June 2005, Madagascar International Container Terminal Services, Ltd. (MICTSL) signed a 20-year concession with Société de Gestion du Port Autonome de Toamasina (SPAT) for the operation, management, financing, rehabilitation, and development of the container terminal in the Port of Toamasina, on a public-private partnership basis. The Port of Toamasina is Madagascar's main port. The Madagascar International Container Terminal handles over 90 percent of the country's container traffic.   

The concession represents a breakthrough in the Malagasy Government's efforts, backed by the World Bank, to develop a sustainable transport system for the country and, in the case of Toamasina, to equip it with improved container handling facilities designed to facilitate Madagascar’s growing international trade. 

Sector analysts, Ocean Shipping Consultants, forecast a positive outlook for Malagasy import-export container traffic. 

Container traffic is projected to reach in 2025 83 833 TEUs/month (currently 20 416 TEUs/month) 

Madagascar International Container Terminal Services Ltd. is part of ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) group companies created to manage the terminal in Toamasina, Madagascar. ICTSI is a global pioneer in container terminal management and operation having been involved in this activity since the early 1990s. ICTSI is widely acknowledged to be a leading developer in the sector specializing in container terminals in the 50,000 TEU to 1,500,000 TEU range. 

 Customs Guidance

Customs are available on site at any time for any declaration/clearance and can process to visa delivery on arrival. 

In emergency situations, the custom procedure can be streamlined. The cargo, which has been announced electronically prior vessel’s arrival (normal procedure), can be delivered after its discharge directly into the emergency area. The clearance-related administration and fees / duties can be settled afterwards. 

For more information on customs in Madagascar please see the following link: 1.3 Madagascar Customs Information

Terminal Information

Multipurpose Terminal

One berth capable of handling tankers up to 230 m length and 12 m draught. Limiting distance between stern and manifold is 115 m. Facilities for all petroleum products including liquefied gas.

Grain and Bulk Handling

Two grain silos of 20,000 and 32,000 tons for cereals, one cement silo of 20,000 tons. Conveyor belt for cereals.

Main Storage Terminal

 Stevedoring

- non-containerized cargo operation is managed by SMMC, a State-owned company. 

- container terminal equipment is managed by MITCSL, a private company 

- national cabotage: each company has its own workers 

Hinterland Information

The APMF is managing the hinterland traffic  

Due to the increase in fuel prices, all transporters gathered at the Fluvial Port today, July 13, 2022, and decided to raise all fares for passengers and all goods that leave and call at the Port. Fluvial Manangareza Toamasina. 

Charbon/gony ………………………1500Ar                

Carée10/10…………………………… 1500Ar               

Bois rond/Tezavava ……..………1200Ar                 

Bois rond/échafaudage …………..300Ar  

Riz, ciment, sac de 50kg……………. 2000Ar         

Mangahazo /Voajabo/gony…………4000Ar  

Charbon/gony ………………………2000Ar                

 Bois rond/échafaudage ………..600Ar                  

 Tezavava/Bois rond………………1500Ar 

Traverse……………………………….. 3000Ar 

Carrée de 10…………………………. 2000Ar 

 Carrée 12/12 ………………………..3000Ar 

Madrié …………………………………..3000Ar 

Vary, Ciment/Gony………………. 4000Ar 

Cageot …………………………………..2000Ar  

Port Security

In 2021 the port received two new fire trucks

Port Overview

Mahajanga is the third busiest port in Madagascar, but no rehabilitation has been taken place since many years. The port is mainly used for local traffic on Madagascar's West coast and neighboring islands, as well as by local operators. Big prawn farms are located South and North of Mahajanga and use the port to export their products. 

Mahajanga port has no strategic importance for humanitarian activities, unless cyclones and floods result in major road cuts. In that case, humanitarian aid could be dispatched from Mahajanga to North (Antsohihy) or South (Maintirano, Morondava) using coasters or landing crafts (beachers). 

Long haul vessels cannot berth at Mahajanga port and a transhipment to barges has to take place for any big or medium sized vessel. The barges are towed to the berth by the tugs of two stevedore companies, where the cargoes are handled and stored in warehouses or respectively stacked in the relevant container yards. 

Only cargo for Comoros, fishing vessels and small crafts for national trades are operated directly at the berth. Long haul vessels or container ships may anchor in deeper waters at best position of the port. Draught at quay is 4.50 meters only and is calculated on high tide. Transhipment can result in more damages caused by double handling. 

Service vessels, tugs, barges etc. fall dry, the small craft area (Quai d’Oranges / Quai des Boutres) used by wooden sailing vessels falls completely dry, too. 

Same counts for the main anchorage area with a stated depth of 12 meters, according to international standards it should read 8 meters. Considering this, a maximum draft of 6.5 to 7 meters is the limit. The data for the fairway channel are from the end of the 1950s, more actual soundings have not been carried out. Sedimentation from the Betsiboka River increases the uncertainties. According to the Port Authority, new soundings are planned for the next years. 

The draft restrictions for Mahajanga roads also limit the vessel size. 

In average, 800 TEU vessels are in service. 

Port website: This port has no specific website available 

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com 

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

- SEMS, manutentionnaire: Mr Michel Le Treust, directeur des opérations, 0340260250, michellt@semsmjn.mg 

- COMAMA, manutentionnaire: Mr BAKARY Fanomeza Angelo, responsable classe 2 , 0340224279, exploitation@comama.mg 

- SMOI PT: Steering / boatage 

- EUSTRATIOU: BAC Boeny operator 

OPERATORS: 

GASY NET: Scanner control 

LPSA: Setting up fuel pipe line 

VITOGAZ: Setting up fuel pipe line 

SOMAPECHE: Fishing and Treatment Company 

REFRIGEPECHE: Fishing and Treatment Company 

COLAS: Logistics base 

SEMS: Slipway and fairing 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges 

To warehouse/trucks - Breakbulk: 200/gang/crane 

Pilotage fees compulsory, request to be cabled 24 hours prior to arrival. A launching boat assists with the in and out manoeuvres. 

28 containers per hour may be discharged to barges to transfer to the quay where there is another handling/lifting from barge to quay. 

Berthing Specifications 

General Cargo Handling Berths 

 Port Handling Equipment 

 Container Facilities 

Customs Guidance 

Customs are available on site at any time for any declaration/clearance and can process to visa delivery on arrival. 

In emergency situations, the custom procedure can be streamlined. The cargo, which has been announced electronically prior vessel’s arrival (normal procedure), can be delivered after its discharge directly into the emergency area. The clearance-related administration and fees / duties can be settled afterwards. 

For more information on customs in Madagascar, please see the following link:  1.3 Customs Information 

Terminal Information 

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL 

N/A 

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING 

N/A 

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL 

The SEMS warehouse is generally feasible to store bagged cargo / foodstuff. 

Another warehouse used by COMAMA for the storage of cement is contaminated with cement dust and difficult to clean for the purpose of food storage. 

Stevedoring 

The cargo handling activities in the port and for the barge operation are shared by two stevedore companies. COMAMA (blue equipment) operates CMA/CGM vessels; SEMS (red / green equipment) handles MSC. The stevedore companies have an agreement to share the equipment (pooling), which counts for reach-stackers, trucks and forklifts. 

Mobile berth cranes to load / unload the barges are more dedicated to the relevant berth area adjacent to the container stacks of the two container shipping lines. Next to the equipment share of the stevedores, it can be estimated that the handling rates of both are similar or same. SEMS also operates a feeder vessel and a landing craft. 

Hinterland Information 

Despite the presence of an international airport, the port of Toliara is mainly connected to the hinterland destinations by road. 

All types of truck can have access on the port and his berth for cargo off take but the majority are containers trucks (20ft and 40 ft). 

Port Security 

*No fire service in the port. 

Each company has fire trucks and works together with MJN firefighters 

Port Overview

Diego Suarez is a Medium-sized Port. The types of vessels regularly calling at DIEGO SUAREZ are Fishing Vessel (30%), General Cargo (15%), Oil Products Tanker (5%). The maximum length of the vessels recorded to having entered this port is 229 meters.

The maximum draught is 8.8 meters. The maximum Deadweight is 79403t.

This port has long time been the third busiest port of Madagascar and the centre of social activity of the citizen.

Today, it is specialized on container handling and most of the fishing companies have stop their activities decreasing consequently the vitality of the port.

• Water depth of 8.5 m at the berth is sufficient for relevant vessel / feeder traffic
• RoRo operation is possible with side- and quarter-ramp vessels
• Passage into the bay for larger vessels may be critical
• Road connections to the South in bad condition
• Berth is feasible for both breakbulk and RoRo operations (upon vessel acceptance)
• Ships gear mandatory, no berth cranes
• 2 very small operational tug for berthing assistance
• Small coaster and landing craft can also be found alongside in the tugs docking area

The PFOI (Pêche et Froid de l'Océan Indien) and La Saline (a salt factory) still operate it, as does the SECREN (Société d'Exploitation, de Construction et Réparations Navales) - which is in fact the former DCAN (Direction of Constructions and Naval Weapons).

Port website: This port has no specific website available

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

CMDMD: Stevedoring for MSC container line / contact@cmdmd.mg

COMADIE / SGTPSM: Stevedoring for CGA-CGM container line / comadiecompte@moov.mg

SMOI PT: Steering / boatage / smoi.mar@moov.mg

SOMAPOR: Manufacture of metal cans

PFOI: Fishing and storage / 020 82 221 21
 

CSM: Salt Company / 020 82 293 94

GASY NET: Scanner control / mgdiego@sgs.com

LPSA: Setting up pipe line / contact@logpetro.com

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance

Going in line with a further containerization of ports, the Port of Antsiranana was converted from a multipurpose facility to an almost exclusive container terminal. Sheds and warehouses on the berth have been demolished in favour of storage area for containers.

Two container lines (MSC and CMA/CGM) are serving the port, the cargo mainly transhipped in Port Louis / Mauritius. The terminal is in a good condition and the storage of the containers is handled in a proper manner.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

Container handling productivity is between 12 and 18 containers / hour with two cranes.

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is managed by the government (APMF).

No fixed cranes, gantries or transtainers are available; the stacking is done by reach-stackers only.

The mobile handling equipment is shared by the two stevedore companies COMADIE and CMDMD. 

For loading / unloading of containers vessels ship’s gear is mandatory. The feeder vessels calling the Madagascan ports are normally equipped with two cranes, limited in size in order to fit into other ports apart from Antsiranana, too. Container handling productivity is between 12 and 18 containers / hour with two cranes.

Container Facilities

Customs Guidance

Customs are available on site at any time for any declaration/clearance and can process to visa delivery on arrival.

In emergency situations, the custom procedure can be streamlined. The clearance-related administration and fees / duties can be settled afterwards.

For more information on customs in MADAGASCAR, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information  

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

N/A

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

N/A

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

Stevedoring

There are two stevedore companies COMADIE and CMDMD for the two container lines (MSC and CMA/CGM) which are serving the port. 

Both stevedore companies charge the same rates to their customers.

CMDMD – MSC containers

COMADIE – CGA CGM containers

Hinterland Information

N/A

Port Security

A thorough Port Assessment was undertaken in the second half of 2015 with the friendly support of Capt. Wolf Lampe and Capt. Ferdinand Moehring of BLG LOGISTICS, Bremen, Germany. The information found in this section has been updated according to their final report.

Port Overview

In 2004 loading of vessels at the anchorage in Port of Mananjary was suspended. Previously barges had transported coffee and spices out to vessels the anchorage. Open sea and lagoon/canal are connected by one or two gaps in the sand dune separating both bodies of water.

The(se) entry channel(s) become(s) more pronounced during the rainy season. The sea in front of the channel is rough; the seabed is dotted with reefs and rocks. Finding a possible passage from the ever-changing gap in the dune (permanent marking of an access with buoys is consequently not feasible) to the anchorage was a task that was reported to have taken days before cargo handling could commence. During the passage out, cargo on the barges was likely to suffer from waves breaking over the barges. After careful sounding off the beach and preparation entering the lagoon with a beacher might be possible, but it is still a risky operation.

The “Canal des Pangalanes” was until 1999 able to transport containers (two 20ft Cont. on each barge) with relief cargo from Tamatave to Mananjary. The traverse of the channel took 8 days. A stripping site was used next to the IMI’s (Institut Malgache d’Innovation) huge barge repair hangar, which would have doubled as a warehouse should no trucks have been available. Usually the cargo was manhandled directly from the containers onto the trucks.

A sunken dredger at the former landing indicates the general degeneration of navigation on the channel.

Key port information can also be found at: Maritime Database information on Madagascar

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For information on Madagascar Port of Mananjary contact details, please see the following link: 4.2.3 Madagascar Port and Waterways Company Contact List

Port Performance

Berthing Specifications

Port Handling Equipment

Customs Guidance

For information on Madagascar Customs details, please see the following link: 1.3 Madagascar Customs Information

Terminal Information

Main Storage Terminal

Hiterland Information

Presently rehabilitation works are announced for Ambalavontaka, Analapotsy, Andrangazavaka between Mananjary and Mahanoro. There is road access from Tamatave to Mahanoro.

Of some 560 km to Tamatave, only about 200 km up to Mahanoro are still navigable for larger barges. Towards the south just 60 km to Namorona are navigable for smaller craft, carrying up to 10 tons. The lack of availability of this inland waterway is even more frustrating as the bridge spanning Mananjary River some 12 km west of Mananjary on RN25 has a limited capacity of 10 tons – further reducing the agility of trucking cargo into the Mananjary-zone. Bigger trucks have to use a barge allowing 25 T max. Chef of the barge 0341348758 Mr Jean Claude.

Transport capacities:

Ambava-sahavato : 20000 Ar per pax / 5000 Ar per bag 50 KG / 18 T max

Nousy varika 15000 Ar per pax / 4000 Ar per bag 50 kg / 18 T max

Ambohitsara 8000 Ar per pax / 2000 Ar per bag 50 kg / 18 T max

Andara 8000 Ar per pax / 2000 Ar per bag 50 kg / 18 T max

Mahaela 1000 Ar per pax / 1500 Ar per bag 50 kg / 18 T max

Ambodiria Sahafary 20000 Ar per pax / 5000 Ar per bag 50 kg / 18 T max

60 boats available in total

Currently each owner is independent. An association is being set up gathering all the boats.

Contact of 2 owners: 0344080458 ; 3 boats / 0349703542 ; 1 boat

APMF Director Mr Edgard 0341143038

Adjoint APMF Mr Christian 034489310

Port Overview

The port of Manakara is situated inside a lagoon which is part of the Canal des Pangalanes. The entrance channel has a depth between 1.5 m (low tide) and 2.5 m (high tide)

In 2013 the bridge connecting the two parts of Manakara town on both sides of the Canal des Pangalanes collapsed under a truck. Repair has been done and the bridge is functional..

Of the port’s warehouses (offering a total storage space of 4,700 m²) three are in relatively good condition. The remaining would need to be rehabilitated

Beaching operations have been conducted on several sites in and around Manakara. Using landing crafts remains the most feasible option as long as the channel into the lagoon is not dredged and maintained on a sufficient depth for barge operations.

Key port information can also be found at: Maritime Database information on Madagascar

Port Picture

The APMF is currently rehabilitating the access for the boats: (6 months project started 07/11/2022)

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For information on Madagascar Port of Manakara contact details, please see the following link: 4.2.3 Madagascar Port and Waterways Company Contact List

Port Performance

Lighthouses are in existence. Gutted of their lighting equipment they still offer orientation during daytime and facilitate the passage through the coastal reef.

Standard procedure for the beachers is to approach the shore bow first, dropping a stern anchor in safe distance to the shore while still going slow ahead and letting out chain. Two forelines are brought out to the beach and made fast on sand anchors or other suitable objects. Once the beacher is in position two aft-springs are put in position and the ramp is lowered onto the beach.

Berthing Specifications

Port Handling Equipment

Customs Guidance

For information on Madagascar Customs details, please see the following link: 1.3 Madagascar Customs Information

Terminal Information

Main Storage Terminal

Hinterland Information

Manakara is connected to Fianarantsoa (on RN7) by railway. While there used to be two trains daily the service is down to two trains a week, creating a notable drop of trade and tourism.

Port Overview

The island of Sainte Marie has 3 port facilities. All essentials, including fuel, food and other needs of the inhabitants, are met by items imported from other ports.

The port has a general cargo quay of 150m with a draft of 4.5m which can accommodate only small cargo ships, weighing no more than 250 tons.

The main facility called Port de l'Ilot Madame handles all imports. There is a second port which is frequented by passenger ships carrying tourists. The third facility is being developed to handle the growing number of cruise ships and to promote tourism on the island.

Goods from the port of Ilot Madame are transported to other parts of the island. However, the process is slow as the facility is congested, with little operational port equipment. Financial constraints have prevented the development of this important but local port.

All type of fuel was previously coming by barrel of 200L but since 2018 the company Logistique Petroliere is providing the fuel for trucks, cars and boats.

For the passengers, several companies are offering boat transfer between Sainte Marie (Bar à Choix) to Soanierana Ivongo or Mahombo with the possibility to continue by road to Toamasina. The full Pointe Sainte Marie crossing has ceased since 2021.

Port website: This port has no specific website available

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

 Port Picture

The port has only one berth which limits the number of vessel

The port can receive vessels of 250 t max.

The port is often congested due to the lack of planning and communication within the different actors.

Beach operations with landing crafts can be executed on the south part of the port.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Only 1 company is registered at that port :

• SOCIETE DE PECHE DE SAINTE MARIE (SPSM)

Contact : +261 34 35 488 36

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link:  4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

All handling operation are made by manpower, prices have to be negotiated on site with the dockers depending on the weight and packaging of the goods.

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is managed by the government( APMF)

Container Facilities

No container facilities available

Customs Guidance

Not on site. the closest office is the airport (10 km)

For more information on customs in Madagascar, please see the following link:  1.3 Customs Information

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

Platform of 60 meters long  available to accommodate medium-sized fishing vessels and cargo vessels. No installation for Ro-Ro ships nor Container ship available.

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

No handling facilities available: loading and unloading of goods is done manually.

• No bagging companies
• The SPSM has its own handling tools but only for its needs

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

No storage warehouse available

The SPSM has a storage unit but for its exclusive use

Stevedoring

Stowage activities are carried out under the supervision of a crew member (often either the ship's captain or the pointer).

Hinterland Information

Port berth can be accessed by any trucks between 5t and 20t.

Port Security

Nothing has been done in term security, there is no fence, no security guard, no barrier, and anybody can access the berth.