MG Prefix and Three-Character Location Code
UN/LOCODE entries for Madagascar begin with MG. For example, MGTOA identifies Toamasina in the Ecer Freight port sample, while MGANT identifies Antsiranana.
Seaports in Madagascar: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Madagascar has 46 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, supporting Indian Ocean trade through a dispersed network led by Toamasina and other regional gateways.
Explore Madagascar port codes, regional cargo roles, indicative trade lanes and practical shipping information for 2026.
Madagascar Port Overview
Madagascar is an Indian Ocean island market whose seaborne logistics are concentrated around the east-coast gateway at Toamasina, with additional facilities serving northern, western, southern and regional coastal demand. Indexed coverage and public throughput statistics are separate measures.
46
Madagascar ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
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National seaborne cargo volume, 2025; consolidated YoY change not publicly reported
MOT 2025 public information
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National container throughput, 2025; consolidated YoY change not publicly reported
MOT 2025 public information
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Commercial port berth count, 2025; national consolidated YoY change not publicly reported
APMF 2025 public information
How many seaports does Madagascar have?
Madagascar has 46 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its Nov 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed-coverage figure rather than a national legal count of every landing place.
What is Madagascar's main seaport?
Toamasina, also listed as Tamatave, is generally regarded as Madagascar's principal commercial gateway. The Ecer Freight sample includes Toamasina under MGTOA and Tamatave under MGTAM.
Which areas handle Madagascar's main seaborne cargo?
The east-coast Toamasina area handles the country's principal international cargo flows, while Mahajunga, Antsiranana and southern gateways such as Ehoala support regional and project-oriented activity. Sample codes include MGAMAH, MGANT and MGEHO.
Top Madagascar Ports by Commercial Relevance
The following ports are ordered using the Ecer Freight sample's business-activity sequence. Madagascar does not have a consistently published national port league table with comparable 2025 TEU and year-on-year figures for every gateway, so unavailable statistics are shown consistently as em dashes.
Indicative port ranking and 2025 public throughput availability
Madagascar Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Port activity is distributed around the island. The regional groupings below are operational guides based on the indexed port sample and should be confirmed against the carrier schedule and local terminal conditions.
East Coast and Toamasina Cluster
The east coast is the principal international gateway area, with Toamasina/Tamatave serving containerized cargo, general cargo and inland distribution toward Antananarivo.
East-coast indexed ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamatave | MGTAM | Toamasina / — | International container and general cargo gateway |
| Tamatave | MGTMT | Tamatave / — | Port and cargo-service reference for Toamasina |
| Toamasina | MGTOA | Toamasina / — | Primary commercial gateway and container handling |
| Manakara | MGWVK | Manakara / — | Regional coastal and general cargo activity |
| Mananjary | MGMNJ | Mananjary / — | Regional coastal cargo and agricultural supply flows |
| Mahanoro | MGVVB | Mahanoro / — | Local coastal and general cargo |
North and Northwest Coast
Northern and northwest ports support regional distribution, fisheries, agricultural exports, tourism-related supply chains and selected general cargo movements.
Northern and northwest indexed ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antsiranana | MGANT | Antsiranana / — | North-coast commercial and general cargo gateway |
| Mahajunga | MGAMAH | Mahajunga / — | Northwest regional gateway and general cargo |
| Majunga | MGMJN | Majunga / — | Alternative Mahajunga port reference |
| Nosy Be | MGNBE | Nosy Be / — | Island supply, tourism and regional cargo |
| Antalaha | MGAHA | Antalaha / — | Regional agricultural and coastal cargo |
| Sambava | MGSAM | Sambava / — | Regional export and general cargo |
South and Southwest Coast
Southern and southwest gateways serve regional coastal demand, project cargo and local export supply chains. Sailing frequency and equipment availability can be more variable than at Toamasina.
Southern and southwest indexed ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ehoala | MGEHO | Ehoala / — | Southern commercial and project cargo gateway |
| Fort Dauphin | MGFTU | Fort Dauphin / — | Regional southern cargo reference |
| Tulear | MGTUL | Tulear / — | Southwest coastal and general cargo |
| Tulear | MGTOL | Toliara / — | Toliara regional cargo gateway |
| Morondava | MGMOQ | Morondava / — | West-coast coastal and agricultural cargo |
| Morombe | MGMBE | Atsimo-andrefana / — | Local coastal and regional cargo |
Madagascar Port Codes and UN-LOCODEs
Madagascar port identifiers normally use the country prefix MG followed by a three-character location code. A code should be checked against the actual bill of lading, booking request and carrier routing before shipment release.
City-Level and Terminal-Level References
One commercial area can appear under more than one name or code, including Tamatave and Toamasina references. The exact code should match the booking party's nominated facility, terminal, discharge port and transport document.
How to Verify a Madagascar Port Code
Verify the location in the UNECE UN/LOCODE system and cross-check it with the current Ecer Freight port code directory. Carrier schedules and local agents remain the final operational references.
Shipping from Madagascar: Main Trade Lanes
Madagascar shipping schedules are subject to vessel rotation, transshipment, seasonal conditions, equipment availability, customs clearance and terminal confirmation. Transit times below are indicative rather than guaranteed.
Madagascar to Southeast Asia
Containerized cargo from Toamasina commonly connects with Asian hub networks and may require transshipment.
Madagascar to Europe
European-bound cargo generally moves through scheduled Indian Ocean and Mediterranean connections, with routing dependent on the carrier.
Madagascar to East Africa
Regional Indian Ocean services can connect Madagascar with East African gateways, subject to transshipment and sailing frequency.
Madagascar Coastal and Regional Distribution
Coastal cargo may use smaller regional gateways where direct container service and inland delivery options require advance confirmation.
Data Sources and Methodology
This page separates Ecer Freight's indexed port coverage from official or publicly reported operational statistics. Port names and codes are filtered to the Madagascar sample supplied for the Nov 2026 snapshot.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party indexed coverage of 46 Madagascar ports and terminals, snapshot Nov 2026.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — maritime geographic and port reference information.
- Government of Madagascar — official government information and institutional references.
- Agence Portuaire, Maritime et Fluviale — Madagascar port-sector and maritime administration reference.
Madagascar Port FAQ
How many seaports does Madagascar have?
Madagascar has 46 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the Nov 2026 database snapshot. The figure describes indexed coverage and is not a claim that every coastal landing point has been counted.
What is the largest or busiest port in Madagascar?
Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is generally Madagascar's main commercial port. Ecer Freight lists Toamasina as MGTOA and Tamatave as MGTAM; current vessel schedules and terminal data should be checked for shipment-specific confirmation.
What do Madagascar port codes begin with?
Madagascar UN/LOCODEs begin with MG and are followed by three location characters. Examples in the indexed sample include MGTOA, MGANT and MGEHO.
Which regions are important for Madagascar sea freight?
The east coast around Toamasina is the main international gateway area. Mahajunga and Antsiranana serve northern and northwest demand, while Ehoala and Toliara support southern and southwest cargo requirements.
How current is the Madagascar port information?
The first-party indexed-port snapshot is dated Nov 2026, and the page is reviewed quarterly. Public throughput, berth and schedule data may be reported on different timetables and should be reconfirmed before booking.
Can freight rates be requested for Madagascar?
Yes. Shippers can request indicative FCL or LCL sea-freight pricing through the relevant Ecer Freight quote pages. Final rates depend on origin, destination, cargo details, equipment, routing, season and carrier confirmation.
Editorial note: Madagascar port names and UN/LOCODE references are based on the Ecer Freight first-party database snapshot for Nov 2026, while public institutional sources are used for methodology and context. Port coverage and editorial content are reviewed quarterly; schedules, terminal operations and throughput figures remain subject to official updates and carrier confirmation.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Madagascar: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact