ANGOLA
The Transformation of Luanda Terminal
In a significant move towards modernization, the Luanda Multipurpose Port Terminal in Angola is set to undergo a major upgrade. This development comes as a result of a 20-year concession agreement, extendable for another 10 years, signed by AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry.
The agreement, signed on April 23, 2024, involves the operation and upgrade of the existing terminal. The AD Ports Group has committed a substantial USD 251 million towards the modernization of the terminal and development of the logistics business over the next three years (2024-2026). This investment could potentially increase to USD 379 million over the concession term, in line with market demand.
The Port of Luanda plays a pivotal role in Angola’s domestic economy, handling more than 76% of the country’s container and general cargo volumes. It is strategically positioned to capture the anticipated growth in the country’s container volumes, projected to rise at an average annual rate of 3.3% over the next decade.
The upgrade will transform the existing multipurpose facility into a container and Ro-Ro terminal. The concession area will be enlarged from 178,000 sqm to 192,000 sqm. The quay wall will be upgraded, and additional ship-to-shore cranes, gantry cranes, and other state-of-the-art equipment will be installed. The draft will be expanded from 9.5 meters to 16 meters, and the IT systems will be modernized.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed in Q3 2026. Upon completion, the terminal’s container handling volumes are expected to boost from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles.
This upgrade marks a significant milestone in Angola's mission to modernize infrastructure and expand global trade access. It promises a prosperous future for Angola and its partners, stimulating economic growth across Central-West Africa.
Sources: www.adportsgroup.com | www.gccbusinessnews.com | www.gulfnews.com/business | www.marketscreener.com | www.container-news.com
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BENIN
Four brand new park gantries for the port of Cotonou
The Port of Cotonou, a significant maritime gateway in West Africa, has recently seen a significant upgrade in its infrastructure. Benin Terminal, operator of the container terminal of the Port of Cotonou, received four brand new park gantries (Rubber Tyre Gantry).
These new gantries are more imposing than the previous ones and will optimize storage capacities and reduce processing times for loading and unloading containers at the terminal. The total cost of this new equipment was 6.650 billion CFA francs (approximately 10 million euros).
The acquisition of these four new RTG cranes is part of a major investment program which will allow Benin Terminal to provide the port of Cotonou, by the end of 2024, with a new Quay gantry (STS) and in 2026, 6 new RTGs and 3 quay gantries (STS).
This Investment is expected to significantly impact the operational efficiency of the terminal, now bringing to 16 units the number of park gantries operating at Benin Terminal. The goal is to make Benin Terminal a true regional logistics hub of growth for Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso, and Nigeria.
The General Director of Bénin Terminal, Fabrice TURE, declared that they are committed to continuing their investment program and working for the modernization and development of port activities at the Port of Cotonou. This is indeed a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the Port of Cotonou.
Sources: www.railwaysafrica.com | www.maritimafrica.com | www.logupdateafrica.com | agenceecofin.com
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IVORY COAST
Green Initiatives in the Maritime Sector
The maritime sector plays a crucial role in global trade, with over 90% of worldwide trade transacted via ocean-going vessels. However, this sector is also one of the most challenging to decarbonise. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has challenged the shipping industry to cut annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least half by 2050, compared to 2008.
Decarbonising the Maritime Sector
The maritime sector's decarbonisation strategy must involve a combination of energy efficiency and renewable fuels. In the short term, advanced biofuels will play a key role in the reduction of CO2 emissions. In the medium and long-term, green hydrogen-based fuels are set to be the backbone for the sector’s decarbonisation. Renewable e-ammonia will play a pivotal role. While renewable fuels production costs are currently high, in the next decades renewable fuels will become cost competitive and can shield the shipping sector from the volatility that characterises the fossil fuels market.
The French shipping company CMA CGM has announced the launch of a €200 million fund in partnership with the public investment bank Bpifrance. It is intended to promote the implementation of energy transition projects carried out by companies in the sector.
Improving Energy Efficiency of Ports
Energy efficiency in port buildings is a critical aspect of the green transition.
As an example, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal (CIT), operator of the 2nd container terminal of the Port of Abidjan, has obtained the Excellence in Designing for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE-Advanced) Certification. This certification recognises CIT's mastery of environmental aspects in its design and construction phase, as well as the energy efficiency of its buildings (maintenance workshop and operations building).
This certification attests to the compliance of the buildings built by the port operator with the EDGE standard, which incorporates some of the most advanced requirements in terms of environmental management (eco-design, materials, sustainability, water savings, energy savings, etc.). According to the IFC, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal's EDGE Advanced certified buildings allow energy savings of at least 23% compared to a conventional building, water savings of 30% and energy efficiency of building materials of 49% to 55%.
In addition to the eco-responsible commitments on its buildings, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal is committed to reducing the impact of its operational activities on the environment through several eco-responsibility programs, including the acquisition of electrically powered equipment and handling equipment.
Sources: www.irena.org | www.unctad.org | www.energy.ec.europa.eu | www.agenceecofin.com | www.gggi.org/country/cote-divoire
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EAST AFRICA
The Gauge Rail Corridors Project: A Beacon of Hope for Landlocked East African Countries
The East African region, home to several landlocked countries, has long grappled with the challenge of accessing the sea, a vital gateway to global trade. However, the Gauge Rail Corridors Project, part of the East African Railway Master Plan, promises to revolutionize this scenario.
The project aims to rejuvenate existing railways in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and construct new ones to serve Rwanda and Burundi. The ultimate goal is to enhance the economic development of East Africa by improving the efficiency, speed, and cost of transporting cargo between major ports on the Indian Ocean coast and the interior.
The new railways will be standard-gauge, a significant upgrade from the existing narrow-gauge railways¹. This shift to standard-gauge is expected to increase the capacity and speed of rail transport, thereby boosting trade and economic growth.
A key component of the project is the 2190km line that will link Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. This line will run from Dar es Salaam to the lake port of Mwanza on Lake Victoria, following roughly the same route as the metre-gauge Tanganyika Railway built by the German colonial authorities at the beginning of the 20th century.
The project is also expected to extend the East African railway network to South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This expansion will further enhance the region's connectivity and access to the sea, opening up new avenues for trade and development.
In conclusion, the Gauge Rail Corridors Project is a game-changer for the landlocked countries in the East African region. By improving access to the sea, it promises to unlock new opportunities for trade and economic growth, paving the way for a brighter future for the region.
Sources: www.en.wikipedia.org | www.railjournal.com | www.theconversation.com | www.eac.int | www.agencedcofin.com
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