The first phase of a US$30 million modernisation programme for the Madagascar International Container Terminal in Toamasina has been completed.

Madagascar International Container Terminal Services Ltd (MICTSL) is a subsidiary of Manila-based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).

The multi-million investment covers modern container handling equipment, infrastructure and information technology.

The terminal has been newly equipped with container handling equipment including a $5.2 million twin-lift mobile harbour crane from Gottwald, four rubber tired gantries (RTG) from Noell-Reggiane costing a further $5 million, and miscellaneous equipment from Kalmar such as terminal trucks and reach stackers worth $2 million, a statement from ICTSI said.

Other investments include the $7 million rehabilitation and development of the terminal's container yard to enable the use of RTGs and over $1 million in terminal operating systems from Navis Sparcs.

Enrique Razon, ICTSI chairman and president, said that the recent upgrade of the terminal marks a milestone in development of Malagasy port. He said the investment is a major step in achieving ICTSI's vision of transforming the terminal into one of the most modern and efficient ports in Africa.

Mr Razon also pledged support for the government's "Madagascar Action Plan," a programme to further infrastructure development.

"We hope that through current and future modernisation plans here at MICTSL, we will be able to do our part in helping Madagascar achieve a vibrant, high growth economy that is able to meet the demands of globalisation," he said.