Port Overview

The island of Sainte Marie has 3 port facilities. All essentials, including fuel, food and other needs of the inhabitants, are met by items imported from other ports.

The port has a general cargo quay of 150m with a draft of 4.5m which can accommodate only small cargo ships, weighing no more than 250 tons.

The main facility called Port de l'Ilot Madame handles all imports. There is a second port which is frequented by passenger ships carrying tourists. The third facility is being developed to handle the growing number of cruise ships and to promote tourism on the island.

Goods from the port of Ilot Madame are transported to other parts of the island. However, the process is slow as the facility is congested, with little operational port equipment. Financial constraints have prevented the development of this important but local port.

All type of fuel was previously coming by barrel of 200L but since 2018 the company Logistique Petroliere is providing the fuel for trucks, cars and boats.

For the passengers, several companies are offering boat transfer between Sainte Marie (Bar à Choix) to Soanierana Ivongo or Mahombo with the possibility to continue by road to Toamasina. The full Pointe Sainte Marie crossing has ceased since 2021.

Port website: This port has no specific website available

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

 Port Picture

The port has only one berth which limits the number of vessel

The port can receive vessels of 250 t max.

The port is often congested due to the lack of planning and communication within the different actors.

Beach operations with landing crafts can be executed on the south part of the port.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Only 1 company is registered at that port :

• SOCIETE DE PECHE DE SAINTE MARIE (SPSM)

Contact : +261 34 35 488 36

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link:  4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

All handling operation are made by manpower, prices have to be negotiated on site with the dockers depending on the weight and packaging of the goods.

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is managed by the government( APMF)

Container Facilities

No container facilities available

 

 

Customs Guidance

Not on site. the closest office is the airport (10 km)

For more information on customs in Madagascar, please see the following link:  1.3 Customs Information

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

Platform of 60 meters long  available to accommodate medium-sized fishing vessels and cargo vessels. No installation for Ro-Ro ships nor Container ship available.

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

No handling facilities available: loading and unloading of goods is done manually.

• No bagging companies
• The SPSM has its own handling tools but only for its needs

 

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

No storage warehouse available

The SPSM has a storage unit but for its exclusive use

Stevedoring

Stowage activities are carried out under the supervision of a crew member (often either the ship's captain or the pointer).

Hinterland Information

Port berth can be accessed by any trucks between 5t and 20t.

Port Security

Nothing has been done in term security, there is no fence, no security guard, no barrier, and anybody can access the berth.