Madagascar: A cabotage service from coast to coast
Improved cabotage service in Madagascar to reduce shipping costs around the island.
Challenge
Only a small share of the coastal population in Madagascar had access to a formal maritime transportation system – a cabotage service. Even so, those fortunate enough to use the service still had to contend with unpredictable schedules and safety hazards.
Considering that Madagascar has the longest coastline among all countries in Africa, this was not ideal.
As such, InfraCo Africa asked CPCS to make the cabotage service more effective, reliable and safer for the island’s businesses and communities.
Solutions
CPCS began by identifying several suitable ports around the island.
“Next was to consult partners such as local transport firms and international shippers that are willing to develop and operate the service,” says Jan Grabowiecki, a CPCS expert.
A key factor for this project was to target areas with the highest commercial potential and development impact.
“Underserved ports were our priority,” adds Jan. “But first, a due diligence study guided us from point A to B.”
CPCS looked at potential upgrades to existing ports and warehouse facilities. It also conducted financial and market studies on the size of freight traffic in ports.
Impact
With a revamped cabotage service in operation, Madagascar can expect the following changes:
- A more dependable sea transit
- Lower price for imported goods in poorer areas
- Increased accessibility around the island
- Improve export options for littoral communities
