THE Mediterranean Shipping Company has signed a 45-year concession agreement to develop a “state of the art” terminal at Nigeria’s Snake Island Port.

The agreement has been signed with maritime and logistics operator Nigerdock, which runs the free port zone at Lagos.

When complete, the terminal will have a 910 m quay fitted with ship-to-shore cranes and mobile harbour cranes. It will be able to accommodate both deepsea vessels and barges. A potential expansion area designed for rubber tyre gantry cranes has also been earmarked in the plans.

MSC president Diego Aponte said the investment demonstrates his company’s “commitment to providing excellent service to our customers in Nigeria and throughout Africa”.

“The new terminal will open-up opportunities, enhance efficiency, and elevate Snake Island Port as a major global shipping centre.

“Together with our group’s other long-term investments in Nigeria, it will generate many local jobs and significantly increase economic revenue and resilience.”

MSC has led the charge into West Africa by major lines, starting with its deepwater terminal at Lome, Togo. Since then, the region has grown in stature and emerged as a market for ultra-large containerships.