MSC Group, the parent company of the world's largest shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has signed a landmark 45-year concession agreement with Nigerdock to develop, operate, and maintain a state-of-the-art container terminal within Snake Island Port (SIP) in Lagos.
The agreement, announced on March 11, 2026, forms part of MSC Group's broader commitment to Nigeria's infrastructure and logistics sector, with investments exceeding USD 1 billion. Alongside the concession, MSC has finalized an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with ITB Nigeria Ltd. and DEME Group for the terminal's development. The facility is expected to be completed by 2028.
The new terminal will span 30 hectares and feature a 910-meter quay capable of accommodating Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHCs). It will serve both deep-sea vessels and barges, with an initial dredging depth of -16.5 meters Chart Datum (CD)—matching the current navigation channel—and provisions for future expansion to -18 meters CD to handle larger vessels. The yard design includes potential for hybrid Rubber Tired Gantries (RTGs), underscoring the project's scalability.
This development reflects MSC's strong confidence in Nigeria's growing role as a key shipping hub in West Africa and the continent.
Diego Aponte, President of MSC Group, stated: "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. The new terminal will open up opportunities, enhance efficiency, and elevate Snake Island Port as a major global shipping center. Together with our Group’s other long-term investments in Nigeria, it will generate many local jobs and significantly increase economic revenue and resilience."
The project is anticipated to alleviate congestion at Lagos ports, boost foreign direct investment, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria's maritime capabilities. Snake Island Port, an 85-hectare facility operated by Nigerdock, already includes multiple terminals serving the broader Lagos port complex.
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