Mauritius is moving ahead with its Port Master Plan 2024 for Port Louis Harbour, with several priority projects already underway, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam told the National Assembly.
He responded to parliamentary questions on how the new master plan is being implemented and how the harbour is being developed.
The Prime Minister explained that the Mauritius Ports Authority Board approved the plan on 18 March 2025. It sets out development needs up to 2050 and includes seven major infrastructure projects worth about Rs 56.3 billion, aimed at improving capacity, efficiency and overall port operations.
He noted that the MPA has started work on three priority projects. These include expanding the current container terminal with more stacking space and a new gate system, expected to begin by the end of 2027; extending the cruise jetty to handle larger vessels, with construction planned for October 2027; and developing infrastructure at Fort William across 55 hectares, scheduled to start in April 2027.
He also said the authorities are considering rebuilding quays B and C, currently used by the National Coast Guard. In addition, private investors will finance and operate two jetty projects at Fort George and Fort William, mainly for petroleum storage. The MPA has already set aside three hectares of land at Fort George for this.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Mauritius and India have agreed to work together on redeveloping and restructuring the port sector following his state visit to India in September 2025. An inter-ministerial committee on port development strategy has also reviewed the next steps.
He added that the committee recommended opening up to 40 per cent of Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd to Maersk Ltd and Mediterranean Shipping Company Ltd as minority shareholders, subject to legal requirements. It also backed the Island Container Terminal project.
He explained that the project will include building a breakwater to create calmer waters near the existing container terminal, dredging a navigation channel to 18 metres, and developing a new 50-hectare container terminal with a 1.2 km quay. The project is expected to cost around Rs 47.3 billion and take six to eight years to complete.
He said the project will go beyond standard container operations and is being planned as a multipurpose port development for the future.
source: maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council