What is the largest port in Madagascar?

The Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) is Madagascar's largest port, handling roughly 90% of the country's seaborne trade. The container terminal is operated by MICTSL under CMA CGM Terminal. It serves as the primary gateway for containerised cargo, breakbulk, and project shipments.

How do I ship cargo through Mahajanga port?

Mahajanga handles regional cargo on the northwest coast, including livestock, agricultural products, and construction materials. Services are less frequent than Toamasina, with calls from regional carriers. Cargo moves through the port's general berth facilities, and your forwarder should confirm sailing schedules before booking.

Is Antsiranana port open for commercial cargo?

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) has deep-water berths and strategic value on the northern tip of Madagascar. Commercial cargo activity is limited compared to Toamasina, but the port handles some bulk and project cargo. Its deep-water capability makes it suitable for large vessel calls when required.

How many berths does Toamasina port have?

Toamasina has multiple berth clusters. The MICTSL container terminal operates dedicated container berths. Additional general cargo and breakbulk berths handle non-containerised shipments. The port authority manages berth allocation based on vessel type and cargo requirements.

What causes port congestion at Toamasina?

Congestion at Toamasina peaks during pre-holiday import surges, cyclone season backlogs, and periods of high container dwell time. Limited yard capacity and equipment downtime can extend vessel berthing waits. Planning buffer into your delivery schedule helps mitigate these delays.

Can I track my container at Madagascar ports?

Major carriers provide online container tracking for shipments through Madagascar ports. Your freight forwarder can also supply real-time updates on vessel movements, discharge status, and yard position. The BSC (Cargo Tracking Note) system provides an additional layer of shipment visibility.

How are dangerous goods handled at Toamasina?

Toamasina handles dangerous goods under IMDG code compliance. The port has designated storage areas for hazardous cargo, and handling requires advance documentation including the dangerous goods declaration. Not all berths accept hazardous materials, so your forwarder must confirm availability before booking.

What are the port fees at Madagascar ports?

Port fees include terminal handling charges (THC), berthing dues, storage charges, and documentation fees. Rates vary by cargo type, container size, and dwell time. Your freight forwarder provides a detailed breakdown based on your specific shipment parameters.

How do container yards work at Toamasina?

Container yards at Toamasina store discharged containers pending customs clearance or inland transport. Storage charges accrue after the free time period. Your forwarder monitors yard position and arranges trucking to move containers out within the free time window to avoid additional charges.

Which Madagascar ports handle project cargo?

Toamasina is the primary port for project cargo, with crane capacity and general cargo berths suited to heavy-lift and out-of-gauge shipments. Antsiranana's deep-water berths can accommodate larger project vessels when Toamasina capacity is constrained. Mahajanga handles smaller regional project shipments.

Operator's guide

Ports · Terminals · Capacity · Operations · Madagascar

Madagascar port logistics: Toamasina, Mahajanga, Antsiranana.

Madagascar has three commercially active ports. Toamasina handles the vast majority of containerised trade. Mahajanga serves the northwest coast. Antsiranana provides deep-water access at the island's northern tip. This guide maps the terminal operations, berth capacity, cargo handling procedures, and port services at each location, so you can plan shipments through the right port for your cargo.

The port network

Three ports, each with a different role.

Madagascar's port infrastructure centres on Toamasina, the country's primary commercial port on the east coast. To the northwest, Mahajanga handles regional trade. At the northern tip, Antsiranana offers deep-water berths with strategic value. Together, these three ports form the maritime gateway for imports, exports, and transit cargo.

For importers and freight forwarders, understanding port capabilities matters. Choosing the wrong port for your cargo type adds days to clearance and cost to delivery. Each port has different terminal operators, equipment, berthing conditions, and inland connectivity. The sections below cover each port in detail.

Madagascar ports

The three commercially active ports.

Toamasina

Primary gateway

Toamasina handles 90% of Madagascar's seaborne trade. The MICTSL container terminal, operated by CMA CGM Terminal, manages the bulk of containerised throughput. Mainline services from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa call here. Cargo moves inland on the RN2 corridor to Antananarivo, the economic capital.

Mahajanga

Northwest regional port

Mahajanga serves Madagascar's northwest coast. The port handles livestock, agricultural products, construction materials, and regional container traffic. Services are less frequent than Toamasina, typically from regional carriers. Mahajanga matters for exporters and importers in the Boeny and Sofia regions.

Antsiranana

Deep-water strategic port

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) sits at Madagascar's northern tip with deep-water berths capable of handling large vessel drafts. The port has strategic importance for bulk cargo, naval logistics, and project shipments requiring deep-water access. Commercial activity remains smaller than Toamasina, but the port's capacity makes it a viable alternative for specific cargo types.

Toamasina port

MICTSL terminal operations and capacity.

Toamasina is the commercial engine of Madagascar's port system. The MICTSL terminal, a CMA CGM Terminal subsidiary, operates the container facility. Mainline services from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa call here. The terminal handles containerised cargo, reefer containers, and general cargo across multiple berths.

Container terminal

MICTSL (CMA CGM Terminal subsidiary)

Annual throughput

Roughly 200,000 TEU across container and general cargo

Berths

Dedicated container berths plus general cargo and breakbulk berths

Cranes

Ship-to-yard gantry cranes and mobile harbour cranes

Free time

Typically 5-7 days for containers, varies by line

Operating hours

24/7 during peak periods, standard shifts otherwise

Satellite vessel tracking provides real-time visibility on vessel approach and berthing status. Your forwarder uses these systems to predict arrival windows and coordinate customs filing before the vessel docks.

Mahajanga port

Northwest regional port.

Mahajanga serves Madagascar's northwest coast. The port handles a mix of agricultural exports, construction materials, and regional container traffic. Services are less frequent than Toamasina, and the port lacks the deep-water berths and heavy equipment of the main port.

Regional cargo handling

Mahajanga handles agricultural exports (livestock, vanilla, cloves), construction materials, and regional container traffic. The port's general cargo berths manage breakbulk and bulk shipments.

Shipping routes

Regional carriers connect Mahajanga to Toamasina and Indian Ocean destinations. Services are less frequent than the mainline Toamasina routes, and schedules shift with seasonal demand.

Inland connectivity

The RN4 road corridor links Mahajanga to Antananarivo. Inland transport times depend on road conditions, which deteriorate during the rainy season from November to April.

Port limitations

Mahajanga lacks the deep-water berths and heavy-lift equipment of Toamasina. Large container vessels and project cargo require routing through Toamasina or Antsiranana.

Antsiranana port

Diego Suarez deep-water port.

Antsiranana sits at Madagascar's northern tip with natural deep-water access. The port has historical significance as a naval base and maintains commercial value for bulk cargo and project shipments requiring larger vessel drafts.

Deep-water capability

Antsiranana's berths handle larger vessel drafts than Toamasina. The port's natural harbour provides sheltered anchorage for bulk carriers and project vessels.

Strategic location

Positioned at the northern tip of Madagascar, Antsiranana sits on major Indian Ocean shipping lanes. The port has historical significance as a naval base and maintains strategic value for regional logistics.

Commercial activity

Commercial cargo volumes remain modest compared to Toamasina. The port handles some bulk commodities, fuel imports, and project cargo for northern Madagascar operations.

Development potential

Antsiranana's deep-water capacity positions it for future expansion as Madagascar's trade volumes grow. The port could absorb overflow from Toamasina during congestion periods.

Port operations

How cargo moves through Madagascar ports.

Berth allocation, terminal handling, and operating hours vary by port and terminal operator. Understanding these operational details helps you plan bookings, predict turnaround, and avoid delays at the quayside.

01
Berth allocation
The port authority assigns berths based on vessel type, cargo requirements, and scheduling priorities. Container vessels receive priority at MICTSL berths. General cargo and breakbulk use separate berth clusters. Advance booking through your forwarder secures preferred berthing windows.
02
Terminal handling
Container discharge and loading follow standard terminal operating procedures. Crane moves, yard stacking, and gate operations are managed by the terminal operator. Terminal handling charges (THC) apply per container and are included in your freight quotation.
03
Hours of operation
Toamasina operates on shift-based schedules with 24/7 capacity during peak periods. Standard operations run daytime shifts with overtime available for urgent vessels. Mahajanga and Antsiranana operate on more limited schedules.
04
Vessel turnaround
Vessel turnaround time depends on cargo volume, crane availability, and berth congestion. Toamasina typically completes container vessel calls within 24-48 hours. Delays occur during peak periods and equipment downtime.

Container yards

Storage, tracking, and free time at Madagascar ports.

Yard capacity and storage

Container yards at Toamasina store discharged containers pending customs clearance or inland transport. The MICTSL yard manages container stacking, reefer plug supply, and dangerous goods storage areas. Yard capacity fluctuates with import volumes and dwell times.

Free time and demurrage

Carriers grant 5-7 days of free time for container pickup. After free time expires, demurrage and detention charges apply. Your forwarder monitors free time expiry and arranges trucking to move containers before charges accrue.

Container tracking

Yard position tracking allows your forwarder to locate containers within the terminal. Major carriers provide online tracking for container status. The BSC system adds shipment-level visibility from origin to discharge.

Dangerous goods

Hazardous cargo handling at each port.

Dangerous goods require advance documentation, designated storage, and IMDG code compliance. Capabilities differ across the three ports. Your forwarder must confirm acceptance before booking hazardous cargo to any Madagascar port.

Toamasina

Toamasina handles dangerous goods under IMDG code compliance. Designated storage areas accommodate hazardous cargo during terminal dwell. Advance documentation, including the dangerous goods declaration and safety data sheet, must be filed before vessel arrival. Not all berths accept hazardous materials.

Mahajanga

Mahajanga has limited dangerous goods handling capability. Hazardous cargo requires advance coordination with the port authority. Storage options are more restricted than at Toamasina, and your forwarder must confirm acceptance before booking.

Antsiranana

Antsiranana can accommodate dangerous goods at its deeper berths with appropriate documentation. The port's smaller scale means less specialised hazardous cargo infrastructure compared to Toamasina. Advance coordination is essential.

Port fees and charges

What you pay at Madagascar ports.

Terminal handling charges (THC)

THC covers the cost of loading and discharging containers at the terminal. Rates are set by the terminal operator and vary by container size (20ft, 40ft, reefer). THC appears on your ocean freight quotation.

Storage and dwell charges

Containers stored in the yard beyond the free time period incur daily storage fees. Rates increase after the first week of extended dwell. Early pickup avoids these charges.

Berthing and port dues

The port authority levies berthing dues based on vessel tonnage and time at berth. These costs are typically included in the carrier's ocean freight rate rather than charged directly to the consignee.

Documentation and clearance fees

Documentation fees cover bill of lading processing, cargo release, and port authority paperwork. Your customs broker manages these charges as part of the clearance process.

Heavy-lift and special handling

Out-of-gauge cargo, heavy-lift shipments, and special handling requirements incur additional charges beyond standard THC. These are quoted per shipment based on equipment needs.

Cargo tracking

Visibility from origin to Madagascar port.

Carrier tracking systems

Major carriers calling Madagascar ports, including CMA CGM, MSC, PIL, and Maersk, provide online container tracking through their customer portals. Enter your bill of lading or container number to check vessel position, discharge status, and yard location.

BSC integration

The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) provides shipment-level tracking from origin to Madagascar. The Cargo Tracking Note system records cargo movements at each stage of the journey, giving your forwarder visibility into the entire supply chain.

Real-time vessel monitoring

Satellite-based vessel tracking tools monitor ship positions in real time. Your forwarder uses these systems to predict arrival windows and plan berth-side logistics. Delays at sea or at transhipment hubs are flagged early.

Yard and gate status

Terminal operating systems track container movements within the yard, from discharge to gate-out. Your forwarder receives notifications when containers are ready for pickup, enabling faster inland transport coordination.

Port congestion

What causes delays and how to avoid them.

Congestion at Madagascar ports, particularly Toamasina, follows predictable patterns. Knowing when and why delays occur lets you plan around them rather than react to them.

Seasonal import surges
Pre-holiday import peaks and cyclone season backlogs create vessel queuing and extended berthing waits at Toamasina. December and January see the highest congestion as importers stock ahead of the festive period and cyclone season disrupts schedules.
Container dwell time
Extended container storage in the yard reduces available capacity. When importers delay pickup due to customs or payment issues, containers occupy yard slots that discharge operations need. High dwell times compress throughput capacity.
Equipment and labour constraints
Crane breakdowns, limited yard equipment, and labour shortages extend vessel turnaround times. Toamasina has invested in equipment upgrades, but maintenance windows still affect operational capacity.
Mitigation strategies
Plan buffer into your delivery schedule during peak periods. File customs documentation before vessel arrival to accelerate clearance. Arrange inland trucking in advance to move containers within free time. Work with a forwarder who monitors port conditions daily.

Common questions

Madagascar port logistics, answered.

What is the largest port in Madagascar?: The Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) is Madagascar's largest port, handling roughly 90% of the country's seaborne trade. The container terminal is operated by MICTSL under CMA CGM Terminal. It serves as the primary gateway for containerised cargo, breakbulk, and project shipments.
How do I ship cargo through Mahajanga port?: Mahajanga handles regional cargo on the northwest coast, including livestock, agricultural products, and construction materials. Services are less frequent than Toamasina, with calls from regional carriers. Cargo moves through the port's general berth facilities, and your forwarder should confirm sailing schedules before booking.
Is Antsiranana port open for commercial cargo?: Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) has deep-water berths and strategic value on the northern tip of Madagascar. Commercial cargo activity is limited compared to Toamasina, but the port handles some bulk and project cargo. Its deep-water capability makes it suitable for large vessel calls when required.
How many berths does Toamasina port have?: Toamasina has multiple berth clusters. The MICTSL container terminal operates dedicated container berths. Additional general cargo and breakbulk berths handle non-containerised shipments. The port authority manages berth allocation based on vessel type and cargo requirements.
What causes port congestion at Toamasina?: Congestion at Toamasina peaks during pre-holiday import surges, cyclone season backlogs, and periods of high container dwell time. Limited yard capacity and equipment downtime can extend vessel berthing waits. Planning buffer into your delivery schedule helps mitigate these delays.
Can I track my container at Madagascar ports?: Major carriers provide online container tracking for shipments through Madagascar ports. Your freight forwarder can also supply real-time updates on vessel movements, discharge status, and yard position. The BSC (Cargo Tracking Note) system provides an additional layer of shipment visibility.
How are dangerous goods handled at Toamasina?: Toamasina handles dangerous goods under IMDG code compliance. The port has designated storage areas for hazardous cargo, and handling requires advance documentation including the dangerous goods declaration. Not all berths accept hazardous materials, so your forwarder must confirm availability before booking.
What are the port fees at Madagascar ports?: Port fees include terminal handling charges (THC), berthing dues, storage charges, and documentation fees. Rates vary by cargo type, container size, and dwell time. Your freight forwarder provides a detailed breakdown based on your specific shipment parameters.
How do container yards work at Toamasina?: Container yards at Toamasina store discharged containers pending customs clearance or inland transport. Storage charges accrue after the free time period. Your forwarder monitors yard position and arranges trucking to move containers out within the free time window to avoid additional charges.
Which Madagascar ports handle project cargo?: Toamasina is the primary port for project cargo, with crane capacity and general cargo berths suited to heavy-lift and out-of-gauge shipments. Antsiranana's deep-water berths can accommodate larger project vessels when Toamasina capacity is constrained. Mahajanga handles smaller regional project shipments.

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