Les Lignes maritimes congolaises (LMC) has allocated $21.5 million to acquire a vessel under its 2026 procurement plan, according to a document reviewed by Bankable. The contract will be put out to international competitive tender.

The plan also includes the purchase of 400 forty-foot containers for $3.342 million and 600 twenty-foot containers for $1.8 million, both through international tender.

Tender notices for all three lots were initially scheduled for February 2026. So far, Bankable has not identified any publication of those notices.

These acquisitions follow a series of announcements made in 2025 by the state-owned shipping company. In May, board chairman Lambert Mende Omalanga said LMC was in the process of procuring two vessels as part of its 2023-2027 recovery plan.

The plan aims to raise the company’s market share from 0.3% in 2021 to 2% by 2027, which would increase cargo volumes from 45,000 tonnes to 395,195 tonnes. It also calls for the acquisition of five ships to rebuild transport capacity under the national flag.

Separately, public statements have referred to a partnership with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Group. In May 2025, after a working session with a company delegation, Mende said a first vessel acquired through leasing was expected in 2025, followed by a second new ship in 2026. No further updates have been provided since.

Based on the procurement plan, the vessel is the largest single item scheduled for 2026, ahead of the container purchases. The document underscores that fleet renewal remains central to the company’s turnaround strategy.

Timothée Manoke