The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking a significant step toward rebuilding its maritime capacity, with Lignes Maritimes Congolaises (LMC) set to acquire two vessels.
The announcement was made by LMC Board Chairman Lambert Mende during a meeting with Kongo Central Governor Grâce Bilolo on May 5, 2025.
“I came to inform the Governor that we are acquiring two floating units to improve operations at our provincial directorate,” Mende stated after the meeting.
This move follows years of decline in the national maritime fleet, which once included 10 ocean-going vessels that were liquidated under a previous administration.
Mende described the loss as a “serious breach of the operating rules of a state-owned commercial company.”
To address this gap, the Congolese government has tasked LMC with the strategic responsibility of collecting maritime traffic rights, positioning the company as a key player in restoring state control over vital economic infrastructure.
Industry observers see this development as more than a logistical update—it reflects a broader political commitment to restoring economic sovereignty.
The reactivation of LMC’s fleet aims to reduce dependency on foreign maritime operators and regain control over shipping flows to and from the DRC.
The decision to base this revitalization in Kongo Central, the hub of the country’s maritime trade, underscores a pragmatic territorial approach aligned with national logistics.
However, experts caution that sustainable impact will depend on whether this momentum is matched by a comprehensive plan to modernize and professionalize the maritime sector.
