MSC Signs 35-year Concession Agreement to develop and expand the San Pedro Container Terminal in Côte d’Ivoire

MSC and San Pedro Port have signed a 35-year concession agreement for the expansion of the San Pedro Container Terminal (“TCSP”) in Côte d’Ivoire in the presence of H. E. Mr Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire.

With a total initial investment of near CFA 300 billion (€ 460 million), this ambitious project will allow the Port to handle 14’000 TEUs cargo vessels and benefit from new shipping technologies, facilitating transhipment operations and generating vast opportunities to foster development. The Port of San Pedro will become one of the most competitive transhipment hub of the region, the sub-regions as well as of the West African coast.

After the initial phase, where the existing infrastructure will be developed and expanded by San Pedro Port, MSC’s investment, of the expected amount of around CFA 130 billion (€195 million), will be allocated to provide the superstructure and ultra-modern equipment, including latest IT technologies.

Mr Diego Aponte, MSC President & CEO, said: “The signing of this agreement today will further strengthen the strong links between MSC and the government of Côte d’Ivoire. It also confirms our long-term engagement to contribute to national efforts in supporting the country’s growing position on the international scene.”

He added: “Our structural investment and operations will allow San Pedro to become a state-of-the-art terminal, increase trade relationship with new and traditional business partners as well as enhance its competitiveness at both the national and global levels. We are also extremely proud to generate inclusive growth through job creation and vocational training, as the Terminal is expected to employ hundreds of people directly and a larger number of people indirectly.”

The concession agreement is signed just weeks after MSC celebrated its 15th anniversary in Côte d’Ivoire. Throughout this time, MSC has invested in container activities, including in San Pedro, and in inland transportation via its subsidiary MEDLOG, which has become a key player in the country. Through its initial bid in 2008, MSC positioned itself as the first international container carrier to believe in the potential of San Pedro to become a major maritime transhipment hub.

MSC has been investing in Africa since 1970, and today the Group is present in over 40 countries across the African Continent, employing over 8’000 people and operating 50 weekly services connecting Africa to the rest of the world. Recently, MSC has actively participated in the Africa CEO Forum, held in Geneva, Switzerland, where more than 1’000 participants from over 60 countries discussed how to contribute to Africa’s development ambitions.