If you're shipping goods to or from Madagascar, you need to know about Toamasina Port. As the country's #1 port, it handles over 80% of Madagascar's international trade. Forget complicated jargon – here's what matters for your business:
Why Toamasina Port Dominates Trade
- Location & Scale: On Madagascar's east coast, Toamasina (often called "Tamatave") connects Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its deep-water terminals handle everything – containers, bulk cargo, vehicles, and perishables.
- Capacity: 11 berths, 14-meter drafts, and specialized terminals for containers, sugar, and petroleum. Translation: It's built for big ships and complex cargo.
- Real Impact: Faster turnaround = lower costs. Delays here can ripple across your supply chain.
Key Terminals & What They Mean for You
Container Terminal (ECTM):
- Handles 90% of Madagascar's container traffic.
- Capacity: 350,000+ TEUs/year.
- Your takeaway: If it's in a box, this is where it lands. Congestion happens – plan ahead.
Bulk & General Cargo Terminals:
- Critical for minerals, clinker, and heavy machinery.
- Watch out: Weather disruptions (cyclones) can slow operations.
3 Challenges Shippers Face (And How to Beat Them)
1. Congestion:
Peak seasons = delays. Solution: Book slots 4+ weeks early.
2. Infrastructure Gaps:
Rail/road links to Antananarivo need upgrades. Workaround: Use our bonded trucks for smoother inland transit.
3. Customs Hiccups:
Paperwork errors cause holdups. Fix: Partner with local experts (like us) who know port officials.
Why XMA Logistics Runs Toamasina Operations Smoothly
We've moved cargo through Toamasina daily for 12+ years. Here's how we cut the headaches:
- Port Relationships: Priority berthing access when slots tighten up.
- Customs Whisperers: Our team pre-clears shipments before vessels dock.
- End-to-End Control: From vessel discharge to warehouse delivery – no 3rd-party surprises.
Bottom Line: Toamasina Port is Madagascar's trade heartbeat. Master it, and you master the market.
