Dubai’s state-owned port operator, DP World, has launched the construction of Senegal’s first ever deep-water port in Ndayane, a mere 50 km from the capital city Dakar. In what is considered to be the largest private investment in the country’s history, this development is set to establish the West African nation as a regional trade hub.
H.E. President Macky Sall laid the first stone at the port during a ceremony celebrating the start of the construction, in which he stated that “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”.
Also present at the stone laying ceremony was DP World Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who stated that “Today’s 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”.
The first phase of development includes a container terminal, 840m of quay, and 5km of marine channel to accommodate two 336m vessels at a time – the largest containers currently on the market. 410 meters of quay and the additional dredging of the channel to handle 400 million tons of cargo will be developed during phase two.
The ‘Port of the Future’ will be critical for economic and energy sector growth. Creating new and improved trade opportunities, spurring job creation, and enhancing associated sectoral growth such as maritime logistics, the port will be instrumental for Senegal’s economic future.
