Port of Lomé Launches Major Dredging to Accommodate World's Largest Container Ships

Logistics

Tuesday, 16 September 2025 14:23

Port of Lomé Launches Major Dredging to Accommodate World's Largest Container Ships

(Togo First) - • Port of Lomé launches major dredging to accommodate giant ships over 19,000 TEU and 400 meters long

• Port handled 30.64 million tonnes in 2024 (+1.85%) with strong transshipment role for landlocked Sahel countries
• €500+ million investment program aims to boost annual capacity to 2.7 million TEUs amid regional port competition

The autonomous port of Lomé has begun a new modernization phase with dredging operations at the Lomé Container Terminal. The work is designed to accommodate giant ships exceeding 19,000 TEU and 400 meters in length. DEME and Eiffage Génie Civil Marine are conducting operations to deepen the basin, turning circle and access channel.

The initiative comes as sub-regional port competition intensifies. Abidjan, Tema and Lagos are stepping up investments to capture growing maritime flows. Lomé's competitive edge rests on deep-water access and efficient customs procedures. The port also boasts high productivity of 32.5 crane movements per hour—above African standards.

Lomé is already positioned as a regional transshipment hub for Mediterranean Shipping Company. The port recorded 30.64 million tonnes of overall traffic in 2024, up 1.85% year-on-year. Container handling reached 2 million TEUs, a 5.19% increase. Nearly 20.2 million tonnes represented transshipment traffic.

This reinforces Togo's gateway role for landlocked countries including Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. The trend has strengthened with the emergence of the AES alliance. Lomé also maintains strategic links to Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

The port is pursuing an investment program exceeding €500 million. MSC via Terminal Investment Limited and China Merchants Ports Holding are jointly financing the initiative. The LCT targets annual capacity expansion to 2.7 million TEUs. These efforts aim to consolidate Lomé's position on the sub-regional and continental maritime landscape as shipping lines deploy increasingly large vessels across West African routes.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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