Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has secured a 45-year sub-concession to develop, operate, and maintain a dedicated container terminal at the Snake Island Port in Lagos. The agreement, signed with Nigerian maritime firm Nigerdock, covers a 30-hectare site within the 85-hectare port facility.
The new Snake Island Container Terminal is slated for completion by 2028. Its specifications include a 910-meter quay, two ship berths, three barge berths, and up to 18 meters of draft. The facility will also feature six ship-to-shore cranes, positioning it to handle large vessels and enhance regional shipping capacity.
Kevin Johnson-Azuara, Chief Marketing Officer for Nigerdock, confirmed the partnership, highlighting its role in advancing the port’s infrastructure. Nigerdock’s Chief Executive Officer, Maher Jarmakani, stated the venture brings “significant foreign direct investment” and accelerates growth in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector by providing MSC, the world’s leading container shipping line, with a “home in Nigeria.”
MSC President Diego Aponte described the project as a key phase in developing the terminal, underscoring the company’s commitment to customers across Nigeria and Africa. He projected the terminal would create numerous local jobs, increase economic revenue, and elevate Snake Island Port into a “major global shipping centre.” This aligns with MSC’s broader strategy, having operated in Africa since 1971 with a network spanning over 45 countries.
Snake Island Port, operated by Nigerdock, already comprises three terminals that have expanded Lagos Port’s overall capacity. Nigerdock runs an integrated port and free zone in Lagos, facilitating trade with the African market. MSC, a privately held global logistics giant founded in 1970, operates 1,000 vessels and 675 offices worldwide.
The long-term concession signals a major investment in Nigeria’s port infrastructure. Upon completion, the terminal is expected to boost international shipping efficiency, support supply chain resilience, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key logistics hub in West Africa.
