Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Establishment of a comprehensive maritime transportation system to improve sea connectivity among the Comoros Islands, enhancing inter-island mobility and economic integration. The project includes development of port infrastructure on the main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli, and Mayotte), acquisition of modern passenger and cargo vessels, establishment of navigation aids and safety systems, and implementation of a sustainable operational framework. This integrated maritime network will provide reliable, affordable, and safe transportation for people and goods between the islands, addressing current connectivity challenges that hamper economic development.
Objectives
Establish a reliable and regular maritime transportation service between the Comoros Islands to enhance inter-island connectivity; improve safety and efficiency of maritime transportation through modern vessels and infrastructure; reduce transportation costs for people and goods moving between islands; strengthen economic integration among the islands through better connectivity; enhance access to essential services including healthcare and education for residents of smaller islands; facilitate tourism development through improved accessibility; create sustainable employment opportunities in maritime and related sectors; and build institutional capacity for maritime transportation management.
Strategic Importance
This maritime link project is critical for national development and social cohesion in the Comoros archipelago, where inadequate inter-island connectivity has historically limited economic integration and development. As a small island developing state, the Comoros economy depends heavily on efficient maritime connections for domestic movement of people and goods, and current limitations significantly impact quality of life and economic opportunities. The project aligns with SDG 9 (resilient infrastructure) and represents a fundamental enabler for achieving multiple other development goals. By enhancing connectivity, the project will unlock economic potential across sectors including fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and services, while also strengthening integration with neighboring countries and the broader Indian Ocean region. The maritime link further supports climate resilience by providing reliable transportation alternatives during extreme weather events and facilitating emergency response capabilities across the archipelago.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The project will employ modern maritime transportation solutions appropriate for the specific conditions of the Comoros archipelago. Key design elements include multi-purpose vessels capable of carrying passengers and cargo, port facilities designed for climate resilience, digitally-enhanced booking and cargo management systems, and renewable energy integration where feasible.
Capacity & Size
The maritime network will serve all inhabited islands with appropriate vessel types and frequencies based on demand. Infrastructure components include: 4 major port upgrade projects; 6 smaller landing facilities improvements; acquisition of 3 medium-sized multi-purpose vessels (150-200 passengers, 30-50 tons cargo); 4 smaller vessels for secondary routes; comprehensive navigation aids and safety systems throughout the archipelago
Technical Details
Port infrastructure improvements including reinforced quays, passenger terminals, cargo handling facilities, and safety equipment; Multi-purpose passenger-cargo vessels designed for Indian Ocean conditions with appropriate safety features; Navigation aids and vessel tracking systems compliant with International Maritime Organization standards; Digital booking and cargo management systems; Renewable energy systems for port facilities where feasible; Safety and emergency response equipment and facilities
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Project structuring and financing arrangements: 2023-2024; Technical design and bidding: 2024-2025; Implementation of port infrastructure: 2025-2027; Vessel acquisition and training: 2026-2028; Full operational capability: 2028-2029
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-06-23 — World Bank Implementation Status & Results (ISR, Seq. 9) confirms active procurement/implementation for the Interisland Connectivity Project (P173114) with climate-resilient port upgrades and safer passenger-boat program. Link: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/966311653399845824/comoros-interisland-connectivity-project
Financing Structure
The project will be financed primarily through concessional loans from development finance institutions, with a small grant component for technical assistance and capacity building. Confirmed financing includes: AfDB loan of USD 25 million; Islamic Development Bank loan of USD 15 million; and World Bank loan of USD 15 million under the regional integration facility. Remaining financing gap of USD 48 million to be secured through additional development partners and potentially private sector involvement in vessel operations.
Capital Structure
100% loan financing for basic infrastructure and initial vessel acquisition, with potential for introducing public-private partnership arrangements for vessel operations and terminal management in later phases.
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2023
Expected Completion
December 2028
Development Timeline
Project structuring and financing arrangements: 2023-2024; Technical design and bidding: 2024-2025; Implementation of port infrastructure: 2025-2027; Vessel acquisition and training: 2026-2028; Full operational capability: 2028-2029
Project Status History
Status 2020
Initial Assessment
Status 2022
Structuring
Status 2024
Structuring
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 2.20M
Construction Timeline
Port infrastructure development: 2025-2027; Vessel acquisition and commissioning: 2026-2028; Navigation aids and safety systems: 2025-2026
Legal & Financial Advisors
Maritime Transport Consultants Ltd providing technical advisory services; financial advisory services by Deloitte
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
The Comoros Islands have a combined population of approximately 850,000 people with significant inter-island movement needs for business, education, healthcare, and family connections. Current maritime services are irregular, expensive, and often unsafe, with demand severely constrained by limited supply. Analysis indicates latent demand of approximately 600,000 passenger journeys annually and 120,000 tons of cargo, with growth potential as connectivity improves. The tourism sector, currently underdeveloped due to accessibility constraints, represents a significant growth opportunity with improved maritime services.
Market Demand
The maritime link will serve the entire population of Comoros (approximately 600,000 people), with particular benefits for residents of smaller islands currently facing significant isolation. Annual capacity designed for 750,000 passenger journeys and 200,000 tons of cargo to accommodate projected growth. Services will include daily connections between major islands and regular scheduled services to smaller islands.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Transport Ministry of Comoros
Key Parties
Transport Ministry of Comoros, National Maritime Administration, Comoros Port Authority, Regional Maritime Safety Authority
Investors
African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), World Bank Group (WBG)
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding following financing arrangements
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Key risks include: operational sustainability challenges due to relatively small market size; vulnerability to extreme weather events in the Indian Ocean; technical capacity limitations for maritime operations and management; potential cost overruns in port infrastructure development; and governance challenges in implementing new institutional frameworks. Risk mitigation strategies include phased implementation, comprehensive capacity building programs, climate-resilient design, and technical assistance for institutional development.
Regulatory Risks
Requires establishment of a robust regulatory framework for maritime safety, vessel operations, environmental protection, and tariff setting. A dedicated Maritime Management Authority will be established with appropriate regulatory powers. Key regulatory risks include challenges in enforcing maritime safety standards, implementing effective tariff structures that balance affordability with sustainability, and maintaining service obligations to smaller islands with lower commercial viability.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project will require Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for port infrastructure development and maritime operations. Key environmental considerations include: impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems during port construction; potential for marine pollution from increased vessel operations; waste management at port facilities; and climate change considerations including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Mitigation measures will include marine ecosystem protection programs, advanced waste management systems, and climate adaptation features in all infrastructure designs.
Social Impact
The maritime link will provide affordable and regular transportation between islands, supporting social cohesion, economic opportunity, and access to essential services. Specific benefits include: improved access to healthcare and education, particularly for residents of smaller islands; enhanced economic opportunities through better market access for agricultural and fishery products; employment creation in maritime and tourism sectors; reduced isolation for remote communities; and improved emergency response capabilities across the archipelago. Social inclusion measures will ensure services are accessible to vulnerable populations through appropriate pricing policies and accessibility features.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Private sector opportunities include vessel operations and management (potentially through management contracts or lease arrangements), maritime services provision, terminal operations, maintenance services, catering and hospitality services on vessels, and tourism-related activities integrated with maritime transportation. The operational framework will include specific mechanisms for private sector participation.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Finalize project structuring and implementation arrangements; secure remaining financing; establish Maritime Management Authority; develop operational framework and capacity building program; initiate procurement processes for port infrastructure development
Offtake Agreements
Service level agreements will be established for vessel operations whether under public or private management. These will include minimum service frequencies, safety standards, maintenance requirements, and performance metrics. For any private sector involvement, structured agreements will ensure public service obligations are maintained while allowing commercial viability.
Contact Information
Hon. Mohamed Ali Soilihi, Minister of Transport, Comoros, Email: minister.transport@gouvernement.km, Tel: +269-773-5421; Dr. Abdou Soimadou, Director, Maritime Affairs, Email: maritime@transport.gov.km; Garba Sani, Senior Programme Officer, Transport Infrastructure AUDA-NEPAD, Email: garbas@nepad.org
