AsiaPorts and Logistics

ICTSI to dredge Congo River for improved port access

Filipino port management company International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) and have signed a memorandum of understanding with dredging contractor Dredging International to co-operate in the further deepening of the Congo River.

With support from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, the consortium intends to deepen the Congo River to an eventual depth of 40ft and beyond in different phases, which will eliminate current draught restrictions in the Divagante area near Boma, and enable direct calls by mainline vessels at the ports of Matadi and Boma.

Following the completion of the project, both ports will resume their historic roles as natural gateways to the capital city of Kinshasa and its surrounding hinterland. The initial investment in the project is about EUR35m ($40m).

“We look forward to working with Dredging International and the DRC Government to realize this important project and the diverse benefits it will deliver to the transportation sector and the economy as a whole. It builds on the co-operative approach taken to the development of the Matadi Gateway Terminal and will represent a key component in the modernization of DRC marine infrastructure with benefits felt along the whole supply chain,” said Hans-Ole Madsen, senior vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa region, ICTSI.

ICTSI commenced operations of a new terminal at Matadi, the major seaport of DRC in June 2016. The terminal is located 90 miles inland from the mouth of the Congo River.

Jason Jiang

Jason is one of the most prolific writers on the diverse China shipping & logistics industry and his access to the major maritime players with business in China has proved an invaluable source of exclusives. Having been working at Asia Shipping Media since inception, Jason is the chief correspondent of Splash and associate editor of Maritime CEO magazine. Previously he had written for a host of titles including Supply Chain Asia, Cargo Facts and Air Cargo Week.
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