Mauritius's Council of Ministers on 24 July 2026 approved the governance framework for the Island Container Terminal, the most ambitious port project in the island's history. Total investment: Rs 47.3 billion. The goal — positioning Port-Louis as the Indian Ocean's leading logistics hub.
A landmark public-private partnership
At the core of the project is an unprecedented PPP: Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), two of the world's largest shipping groups, will hold a 40% stake in Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHC Ltd). The new terminal will cover 50 hectares with a 1.2-kilometre quay designed to berth next-generation vessels currently unable to call at Port-Louis.
The cabinet also established a Steering Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary — a clear sign that port modernisation has become a top-priority state affair.
Rs 56 billion across seven infrastructure projects
The ICT forms part of a broader port master plan worth Rs 56.3 billion spread across seven projects. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and run for 6 to 8 years. Scope includes expanding the cruise terminal to accommodate larger vessels, developing the Fort William area, and deepening the access channel.
Why it matters
Port-Louis currently handles only a fraction of the containerised traffic crossing the Indian Ocean. With Colombo, Djibouti and Durban competing aggressively for regional trade, Mauritius must reinvent its maritime offering. The ICT is a bet that the island can capture a meaningful share of East and Southern African commerce. For Mauritian businesses, lower freight costs and shorter transit times translate directly into better global competitiveness.
Sources: Maurice Info, mauritiusimportexport.com, allAfrica – Cabinet meeting, 24 July 2026