MSC Group signs 45 year concession to build new container terminal at Snake Island Port in Lagos

NIGERIA – MSC Group has signed a 45 year concession agreement with Nigerdock to develop a container terminal at Snake Island Port in Lagos, Nigeria.

The company also confirmed that it has signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contract with ITB Nigeria Ltd. and DEME Group to carry out the construction work. The development forms part of MSC Group’s wider investment in Nigeria’s logistics and port sector, which exceeds US$1 billion.

The planned terminal will include a 910 meter quay that will handle Ship to Shore cranes and Mobile Harbor Cranes. These systems will serve both large ocean vessels and smaller barges that move cargo along coastal and inland routes.

Engineers designed the facility with an initial dredging depth of minus 16.5 meters Chart Datum. This level matches the depth of the current navigation channel that leads into the port.

The terminal will also include a 30 hectare container yard. Operators will use hybrid Rubber Tired Gantry cranes in the yard to move containers across the storage area. The layout leaves space for future expansion if traffic increases.

Project planners also designed the berth to allow a deeper draft in the future. The depth could reach minus 18 meters Chart Datum, which would allow larger container ships to call at the terminal.

MSC signals long term commitment to Nigeria

Diego Aponte, President of MSC Group, said the agreement marks a major step in the company’s work in Nigeria.

“Completing this key phase in the development of Snake Island Container Terminal with Nigerdock and our trusted partners demonstrates MSC Group’s commitment to providing excellent service to our customers in Nigeria and throughout Africa,” Aponte said.

“The new terminal will open up opportunities, improve efficiency, and position Snake Island Port as a major global shipping center. Together with our Group’s other long term investments in Nigeria, it will create many local jobs and increase economic revenue and resilience.”

MSC Group continues to expand its role in Nigeria’s maritime sector through port infrastructure and logistics services. The Snake Island project forms part of that wider plan.

The company expects the terminal to support cargo growth at Lagos ports and improve cargo handling capacity in the region. Industry observers note that stronger port capacity could help reduce vessel waiting time and improve cargo flow for importers and exporters that rely on Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.