Port of Lobito Renews 15-Year Towing and Marine Services Concession with Timoneiro
Port of Lobito has renewed its concession agreement with Timoneiro for towing, berthing and vessel assistance services for an additional 15 years, reinforcing operational continuity at one of Angola’s key logistics hubs.
The agreement was formalised on Thursday in Lobito and marks a new contractual cycle set to commence on 17 May 2026.
Strategic Commitment to Maritime Safety
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Celso Rosas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Lobito, emphasised that the renewal goes beyond a legal formality.
“This is not merely the renewal of a concession, but the affirmation of an operational model that underpins maritime safety and the credibility of the Port,” he stated.
Rosas highlighted that public towing services are critical to port operations, ensuring precise control of vessel manoeuvres during berthing and departure the most sensitive phases of maritime activity.
He noted that the performance of these services directly influences operational fluidity, risk mitigation and the institutional reputation of the port platform.
Against the backdrop of growing expectations surrounding the Lobito Corridor and its expanding international profile, Rosas stressed the need for every link in the maritime value chain to operate with discipline, responsiveness and high technical standards.
Stability Under the Landlord Port Model
Under the new 15-year agreement, the port authority will maintain its regulatory and supervisory role within the framework of the Landlord Port model.
This structure ensures that public interest, operational safety and environmental protection remain central to the concession.
According to Rosas, the renewed contract provides legal certainty, operational stability and shared responsibility between the port authority and the concessionaire.
Investment and Traffic Growth
Timoneiro administrator Diogo Marques Carreira indicated that maritime traffic at the Port of Lobito is expected to increase, creating opportunities for the company to further demonstrate its operational efficiency.
A partner of the port since 2010, Timoneiro has committed to making additional investments in equipment and service capacity in the near future to strengthen its performance and support anticipated growth in vessel movements.
The concession renewal reinforces the Port of Lobito’s strategic positioning within Angola’s logistics network and supports its ambition to serve as a key gateway for regional and international trade.
