DP World breaks ground on $ 1 b Senegalese port project

Monday, 10 January 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DP World, the world’s leading provider of smart logistics, and the Government of Senegal, have laid the first stone to mark the start of construction of the new Port of Ndayane.

Located about 50 km from the existing Port of Dakar, the new port is being developed in two phases at a total investment of more than $ 1 billion.

It is the largest port investment in Africa by DP World to date, and the largest single private investment in the history of Senegal. The infrastructure project reflects the growing partnerships between Dubai and African markets aimed at supporting development in the continent.

The stone laying ceremony follows the concession agreement signed in December 2020 between DP World and the Government of Senegal to build and operate a new port at Ndayane.

The ceremony was attended by Republic of Senegal President Macky Sall and DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, along with several senior officials of Government of Senegal.

DP World said the Phase One of the development of the port will include a container terminal with 840 m of quay and a new 5 km marine channel designed to handle two 336 m vessels simultaneously.

The port, which can handle the largest container vessels in the world, will aim to increase container handling capacity by 1.2 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) per annum. In Phase Two, an additional container quay of 410 m will be developed.

Speaking at the stone-laying ceremony, President Sall said: “The development of modern, quality port infrastructure is vital for economic development. With the Port of Ndayane, Senegal will have state-of-the-art port infrastructure that will reinforce our country’s position as a major trade hub and gateway in West Africa.”

“It will unlock significant economic opportunities for local businesses, create jobs, and increase Senegal’s attractiveness to foreign investors. We are pleased to extend our collaboration with DP World to this project, which has already delivered great results with the operation of the container terminal at the Port of Dakar,” he added.

Bin Sulayem said: “The laying of the first stone not only marks the start of construction, but also turning the vision of President Sall, into reality. As the leading enabler of global trade, we will bring all our expertise, technology and capability to this port project, the completion of which will support Senegal’s development over the next century.”

“DP World’s plans also include the development of an economic/industrial zone next to the port and near the Blaise Diagne International Airport, creating an integrated multimodal transportation, logistics and industrial hub,” he added.