CHCL Plans Rs 5.3B Investment, Modernization, and 1.2M Containers

The Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) has presented its Business Plan for 2025-2030, outlining a five-year strategy to develop a “smart port” in Mauritius. The goal is to transform the country into an eco-friendly, technologically advanced port, positioning Port Louis as a regional hub for transshipment.

Chaired by Managing Director Gassen Dorsamy, the plan involves an investment of Rs 5.3 billion. Of this, 75% will come from CHCL funds, with the remaining 25% covered by loans.

The plan includes establishing a training center for CHCL staff and young workers interested in working abroad.

The Indian government will contribute Rs 25 million to supply a simulator for this training center, aimed at boosting local workforce skills and operational readiness, thus strengthening Mauritius’s logistics role in the region.

Dorsamy emphasized that building capacity will be a key focus in modernizing the port. The strategic priorities include upgrading port operations, improving efficiency, and maintaining Mauritius’s importance in regional and international trade.

He warned of regional competition, notably from Madagascar, which has attracted significant foreign investment and incorporated modern port technologies. These advances threaten Mauritius’s current standing in the Indian Ocean maritime network.

To stay competitive, the plan advocates updating port infrastructure, acquiring hybrid cranes, and automating key operations to increase productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Digital transformation is central: CHCL will move truck gates and implement fully automated systems to ease congestion, streamline traffic, and lessen the port’s carbon footprint.

Port infrastructure will also be enhanced with expanded storage and parking areas, plus a new exchange zone. Security and operational control systems will be upgraded for greater efficiency and safety.

In terms of freight handling, the plan includes increasing refrigerated container storage and services to diversify cargo, reduce turnaround times, and support sustainable development goals.

The long-term vision is to handle about 1.2 million containers annually by 2030, up from 700,000 today.

To achieve this, CHCL plans to acquire three Super Post Panamax cranes, eight Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes, and refurbish two older port cranes. Over the next three years, the company intends to invest Rs 3.8 billion, including Rs 2 billion in reserves.

In addition to port development, Dorsamy addressed recent conflicts within the industry. He filed a defamation complaint at Casernes Centrales against Gerard Bertrand, president of the port workers’ front, after Bertrand claimed he was earning more than the Prime Minister.

Regarding the union’s request to be recognized as the official port employees’ representative, CHCL’s legal team is reviewing the matter. Dorsamy also denied rumors that overtime work on weekends would be abolished.

He mentioned that on July 14, the Ministry of Labour informed the Prime Minister’s Office that there are no longer disputes between Port Louis Maritime Employees Union and CHCL.

Dorsamy questioned whether opposition from former employees’ relatives might be linked to his recent efforts to reorganize employee schedules, suggesting tension within sector relationships.

Source: Le Mauricien