DP World starts constructing new port in Senegal

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Global ports operator DP World, and the Government of Senegal, have laid the first stone to mark the start of the construction of the new Port of Ndayane.

The stone laying ceremony follows the concession agreement signed in December 2020 between the two sides to build and operate a new port, about 50 km from the existing Port of Dakar.

The ceremony was attended by Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.

The investment of more than US$1 billion in two phases to develop Port Ndayane, is DP World’s largest port investment in Africa 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.

"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," said President Sall. 

"Today’s laying of the first stone not only marks the start of construction, but also turning the vision of President Sall, into reality," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

Phase 1 of the development of the port will include a container terminal with 840m of quay and a new 5km marine channel designed to handle two 336m vessels simultaneously, and capable of handling the largest container vessels in the world.

It will increase container handling capacity by 1.2 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) a year.

In phase 2, an additional container quay of 410m will be developed.

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.

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