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Press Statement: Historic partnership to expand Misrata Free Zone port.

Pulbished on:

Misrata, 19 January 2026 (Lana): Misrata Free Zone announced the signing of a strategic public-private partnership with Qatar's Maha Capital Partners (MCP) and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), the investment and operating arm of MSC Group, the world's largest container shipping company, with the aim to develop, modernize, and expand the Misrata Free Zone port, transforming it into a major logistics gateway in the Mediterranean and a regional transshipment hub.

In a press statement issued Sunday, the Free Zone stated that this agreement represents the largest non-oil infrastructure investment in Libya since 2011 and marks a turning point in the country's infrastructure reconstruction and integration into regional and global supply chains.

The partnership aimed to gradually increase the port's capacity to 4 million TEUs annually through a phased development program that includes a comprehensive upgrade of operating systems, equipment, berths, and yards; the introduction of advanced digital terminal operating systems (TOS) to enhance efficiency and reduce handling times; the development of facilities capable of accommodating mega container ships; direct connectivity of the port to the free zone and the surrounding industrial and logistics ecosystem; and the application of the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental sustainability in accordance with best international practices.

According to the statement, initial estimates indicate that the project will create 2,000 direct jobs at existing container terminals and the deep-water terminal, along with more than 40,000 indirect jobs in the transport, services, industry, and supply chain sectors; additionally, the investment in the strategic partnership is expected to reach $2.7 billion, which will help solidify Libya's role as a regional logistics hub connecting Europe, North Africa, and the heart of the African continent.

The statement noted that TIL/MSC will provide a global shipping network spanning more than 500 ports and operational expertise in managing major container terminals in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and this will ensure the attraction of major shipping lines and stable shipping volumes. Maha Capital Partners will also inject long-term investments and institutional expertise into financing major infrastructure projects in emerging markets, with a focus on governance, sustainability, and maximizing economic impact.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Dbeiba, affirmed that the project represents a strategic investment in Libya's economic future and positions the country on the map of pivotal ports in the Mediterranean and supports diversifying income sources, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and boosting international investor confidence in the stability and attractiveness of the Libyan market.

He stated that the project is being implemented in three main phases: (1) Immediate operational efficiency enhancement through equipment and operating systems upgrades; (2) Deep expansion of berths and docks to accommodate mega-ships and increase capacity; and (3) A long-term sustainability and growth phase to solidify the port's position as a regional transshipment hub.

For his part, the Chairman of the Misrata Free Zone Management Committee, Mohsen Al-Saqoutri, emphasized the Misrata Free Zone's role in leading the project, stating, "This partnership reflects the Misrata Free Zone's commitment to building a modern and globally competitive infrastructure that supports new industries, provides local employment opportunities, and strengthens Libya's position within regional and international supply chains. The Misrata Free Zone was established to be a gateway for investment and growth, and today we are taking a decisive step towards realizing this vision."

The Misrata Free Zone, which spans 2,576 hectares with expansion plans to 20,000 hectares, operates a port that handles 60–65% of Libya’s container trade, making it the country’s most important maritime gateway, and this partnership will transform the Misrata Free Zone port from a major national port into a Mediterranean logistics hub capable of serving transit trade, supporting industries, attracting investment, and enhancing Libya’s position as a hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

=Lana=