UN/LOCODE: MGTOA📍 Madagascar
Port of Toamasina (UN/LOCODE MGTOA)
❖ Coordinates: -18.1443°N, 49.3958°E
❖ Time Zone: Indian/Antananarivo
❖ UN/LOCODE: MGTOA
## About the Port
The Port of Toamasina, located in the Toamasina Province of Madagascar, is the country's primary port facility and a vital gateway for international trade. With the UN/LOCODE MGTOA, the port operates in the Indian/Antananarivo timezone and is situated at coordinates -18.1442811 latitude and 49.3957836 longitude. As the largest port in Madagascar, Toamasina plays a crucial role in the country's economy, handling a significant volume of cargo and serving as a key transportation hub.
### Port Overview
The Port of Toamasina is a major maritime facility, catering to a diverse range of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and general cargo vessels. With a water depth of up to 12 meters, the port can accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 10 meters, making it an ideal destination for medium-sized ships. The port's proximity to the Indian Ocean and its strategic location along the East African coast make it an essential component of regional and international trade routes.
## History
The Port of Toamasina has a long and storied history, dating back to the 19th century when it was a small trading post. Over the years, the port has undergone significant transformations, with major developments taking place during the French colonial era. The port's infrastructure was expanded and modernized, with the construction of new quays, warehouses, and other facilities. After Madagascar gained independence in 1960, the port continued to grow, with the government investing in further upgrades and expansions. Today, the Port of Toamasina is a modern, well-equipped facility, capable of handling a wide range of cargo and vessels.
### Colonial Era Developments
During the French colonial era, the Port of Toamasina underwent significant developments, with the construction of new infrastructure and facilities. The port's expansion was driven by the growing demand for commodities such as coffee, vanilla, and cloves, which were exported to Europe and other parts of the world. The French colonial authorities invested heavily in the port's development, building new quays, warehouses, and other facilities to accommodate the growing volume of trade. For more information on the history of the port, visit the World Port Source↗ website, which provides detailed information on ports around the world.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Toamasina is equipped with a range of modern facilities and infrastructure, including quays, warehouses, and cargo handling equipment. The port has a total of 12 berths, with a total length of 2,400 meters, and can accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 10 meters. The port's cargo handling facilities include cranes, forklifts, and other equipment, allowing for efficient and safe handling of cargo. The port also has a range of warehouses and storage facilities, providing secure and dry storage for goods.
### Terminal Facilities
The Port of Toamasina has several terminal facilities, including a container terminal, a bulk cargo terminal, and a general cargo terminal. The container terminal is equipped with modern handling equipment, including gantry cranes and reach stackers, and has a capacity of over 150,000 TEUs per year. The bulk cargo terminal is designed to handle bulk commodities such as grains, fertilizers, and minerals, and has a capacity of over 1 million tons per year. The general cargo terminal handles a wide range of breakbulk cargo, including project cargo and oversized shipments.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Toamasina is of significant economic importance to Madagascar, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. The port is a major driver of economic growth, with trade volumes increasing steadily over the years. The port's economic importance extends beyond the local community, with the port playing a critical role in regional and international trade. According to the Madagascar Ports Authority↗, the port handles over 70% of the country's international trade, making it a vital component of the national economy.
### Trade Volumes
The Port of Toamasina handles a significant volume of trade, with cargo volumes increasing steadily over the years. The port's trade volumes are driven by the export of commodities such as coffee, vanilla, and cloves, as well as the import of goods such as fuels, machinery, and manufactured goods. The port's trade volumes are also influenced by the growing demand for commodities such as minerals and metals, which are exported to countries such as China and India.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of Toamasina is strategically located along major trade routes, connecting Madagascar to the rest of the world. The port is a key hub for trade with countries in the Indian Ocean region, including India, China, and Southeast Asia. The port also handles significant volumes of trade with countries in Europe and the Americas, with major cargo including coffee, vanilla, and cloves. The port's trade routes are influenced by the growing demand for commodities such as minerals and metals, which are exported to countries such as China and India.
### Cargo Handling
The Port of Toamasina handles a wide range of cargo, including containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo. The port's cargo handling facilities are designed to handle sensitive and oversized cargo, including project cargo and refrigerated shipments. The port's cargo handling operations are carried out by a team of experienced and trained personnel, who ensure that cargo is handled efficiently and safely. With its strategic location and modern facilities, the Port of Toamasina is an essential component of regional and international trade routes, providing a vital link between Madagascar and the rest of the world.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MGTOA
Country
Madagascar
Province / Region
Toamasina
Latitude
-18.144281
Longitude
49.395784
Timezone
Indian/Antananarivo
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Toamasina?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Toamasina is MGTOA.
Where is Port of Toamasina located?
The Port of Toamasina is located in Madagascar, Toamasina. Its coordinates are -18.1443°N, 49.3958°E.
What time zone is Port of Toamasina in?
Port of Toamasina operates in the Indian/Antananarivo time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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