By Abbas Nazil
Maritime works have officially commenced on the $1.2 billion Port of Ndayane in Senegal, spearheaded by UAE-based logistics giant, DP World.
The dredger Willem Van Rubroeck of Jan De Nul Group has arrived to begin dredging a 5-kilometer-long shipping channel, a crucial step in building the high-capacity port aimed at transforming Senegal’s trade infrastructure.
Phase 1 of the project will feature an 840-meter quay and the newly dredged channel, designed to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
This initial phase is set to create a capacity for handling 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. A planned second phase will add a 410-meter quay to further boost capacity.
The project, which is expected to generate over 1,800 jobs during construction, promises to create 2.3 million jobs across Senegal, including 22,000 directly tied to expanded trade, upon completion.
DP World is collaborating with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance agency, to deliver the massive infrastructure project.
The Port of Ndayane builds on the success of DP World’s operations at the Port of Dakar, which has expanded from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023.
However, the Port of Dakar’s location in a densely urbanized area limits further expansion, making the Ndayane project a strategic solution to support Senegal’s long-term trade and economic growth ambitions.
Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the broader economic impact of the project, stating, “We believe in Senegal’s economic potential and fully support the government’s ambitions for the nation.
The Port of Ndayane will elevate Senegal and impact trade across the African continent.” He also highlighted plans to develop an economic zone near the port and Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is projected to create more jobs than the port itself.
The Port of Ndayane is positioned to become a key trade hub for the region, aligning with Senegal’s aspirations for economic transformation.
The project marks a significant milestone in DP World’s partnership with Senegal, which began with laying the foundation stone for the port’s construction several years ago. END
Source: Offshore