Luanda — The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Lobito, Celso Rosas, reaffirmed on Tuesday (24), in Luanda, the commitment to a modern, efficient and results-oriented management model aligned with the trajectory of affirmation as a leading port.
According to the official, who spoke at the signing of the concession contract for the oil industry support terminal with Sonamet Industrial, the Port of Lobito constitutes a promoter of investment and a catalyst for economic growth.
He also highlighted the fact that the oil sector continues to play a decisive role in the Angolan economy.
Celso Rosas stated that the oil industry support terminal is a strategic infrastructure, whose operational efficiency directly impacts the energy sector's logistics chain.
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"By reinforcing this concession with Sonamet, we are guaranteeing continuity, operational stability and the capacity to respond to the technical and industrial demands of this segment," he explained.
He acknowledged that Sonamet is a partner with large experience, institutional solidity, and deep technical knowledge, and that its performance over the years has been crucial in ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and operational performance.
Celso Rosas also emphasized that the parties involved are confident that this new phase will consolidate efficiency gains, strengthen the port's competitiveness, and expand its contribution to the national economy.
He stated that this concession is also part of the strategy to enhance port assets, promote private investment, and strengthen the logistics chains associated with the Lobito Corridor.
"Every step we take must translate into a greater capacity to generate employment, create value, and position the Port of Lobito as a regional benchmark logistics platform," he stressed.
In turn, the Sonamet Industrial's general director, Domingos Augusto, stated that this moment represents much more than the formalization of a legal commitment.
He added that this is a strategic act for the port sector and for the final oil industry, consolidating a management model based on rigor, operational efficiency, transparency and unequivocal respect for the public interest.
He emphasized that the relationship between Sonamet and the Port of Lobito is historic and fundamental, as over the years they have built a solid partnership, based on mutual trust, technical competence, and the sharing of a common vision, in order to effectively contribute to the development of the offshore industry and the sustained growth of the Angolan economy.
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According to Domingos Augusto, Sonamet will carry out this responsibility with strict adherence to the highest standards of safety, quality, sustainability, and compliance, aligned with the best international practices in the energy and port sectors.
The contract establishes the legal and operational framework for the management and operation of the terminal, dedicated to logistics and port operations inherent to the construction of metal structures and support platforms for the oil industry, in accordance with the legislation applicable to the maritime-port sector and the general principles of port concessions.
With a 25-year term, the concession reinforces the Port Owner model adopted by the Port of Lobito, in which the port authority ensures regulatory, supervisory, and coordinating functions, while specialized operators guarantee the technical and industrial exploitation of the concessioned infrastructure.
The terminal has a total area of 762,613 m² and 323 meters of berthing quay, consolidating itself as a strategic infrastructure supporting the oil industry and the value chain of the national energy sector.
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