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The first phase of the project will include a new container terminal with 840 metres of quay and a 5-kilometre marine channel to handle 366-metre vessels. The estimated cost for this first phase is US$837 million. The second phase will add 410 metres of container quay and further dredging to handle 400-metre vessels. This second phase is estimated to cost US$290 million.

On completion of the first phase of the project, the first phase of the container terminal will operate alongside the existing DP World Dakar container terminal. After completion of both phases, the existing Port of Dakar will be redeveloped into a mixed-use residential and commercial waterfront and cruise terminal.

The new Port of Ndayane is being developed by DP World Dakar, a joint venture between the Dubai-based logistics company, DP World, and the Autonomous Port of Dakar (PAD).

The stone-laying ceremony for the new port took place on 3rd January 2022. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency, Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, as well as a number of Presidents of institutions, members of the Government of Senegal, and local communities.

Macky Sall, Senegal’s President, laid the foundation stone for the project which is located around 50 kilometres from the existing Port of Dakar.

Yesterday I joined @Macky_Sall to mark the start of construction at Port Ndayane, Senegal. @DP_World is excited to turn his vision for a trade hub and gateway for West Africa into reality. The new container terminal will be capable of handling even the largest vessels. pic.twitter.com/QdL0ByvzQz

— Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem (@ssulayem) January 4, 2022

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 new Port of Ndayane is conveniently located near Blaise Diagne International Airport. The new port will strengthen Dakar’s position as a major logistics hub and gateway to West and North-West Africa.

This project will be DP World’s biggest investment in Africa to date. DP World also plans to develop a special economic zone next to the Port of Ndayane to attract more foreign investors. This economic zone will be serviced by the port as well as the airport.

Speaking during the stone-laying ceremony, His Excellency, Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, 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.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “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. We thank President Sall, his government, and the Port Authority for the trust and confidence placed in us.”

Top Photo: DP World seaport cargo-handling image (dpworld.com)