Mediterranean Shipping Company Secures 45-Year Deal to Build 30-Hectare Exclusive Terminal at Snake Island Port

Global shipping giant MSC partners with Nigerdock to build a 30-hectare terminal at Snake Island Port, bringing major investment to Lagos by 2028.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 4:52 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAY

A Strategic Alliance for Nigerian Maritime Growth

Mediterranean Shipping Company has finalized a landmark 45-year sub-concession agreement with Nigerdock to develop a specialized container terminal within the Snake Island Port in Lagos. This partnership grants the world’s largest shipping line an exclusive 30-hectare footprint, designed to streamline cargo operations in Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor. According to Nigerdock CEO Maher Jarmakani, the alliance is a pivotal step that provides a permanent home for the global shipping leader while attracting substantial foreign direct investment into the nation's logistics infrastructure.

Infrastructure Specifications and Deep-Water Capabilities

The upcoming terminal is engineered to meet modern global shipping demands, featuring a 910-meter quay and a draft of up to 18 meters. These technical specifications will allow the facility to accommodate larger vessels that currently struggle with shallower berths in the region. Upon its projected completion in 2028, the terminal will be equipped with six Ship-to-Shore cranes and multiple berths dedicated to both deep-sea ships and inland barges, significantly expanding the port’s throughput capacity.

MSC Group’s Long-Term Commitment to Africa

Diego Aponte, the President of MSC, emphasized that the project reflects the group’s broader strategy to enhance its service footprint across Africa. By securing a dedicated terminal, MSC aims to provide more reliable and efficient services to its Nigerian clientele while integrating Snake Island Port into its global shipping network. According to Aponte, this development is a cornerstone of the company’s investment portfolio in the region, intended to elevate the port’s status as a top-tier international shipping center.