Construction will break ground on a US$1.2 billion massive port in Ndayane, Senegal. The Port of Ndayane is expected to transform the country into a major global trade center. Maritime works are to start following the arrival of a Willem Van Rubroeck dredger that will drill a 5-kilometre-long shipping channel. This channel is very important to the construction process of bringing about a high-capacity port that will improve the country’s trade infrastructure.
Construction Phases at the Port of Ndayane
The process of construction will take place in two phases. The first phase involves putting together an 840-metre quay in addition to the shipping channel that will accommodate some of the largest container ships in the world. Lastly, the first phase will create a capacity to handle 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU’s) every year. The second phase, will bring about an additional 410-metre quay and will put Ndayane on the map as a leading port in West Africa.
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Numerous Opportunities for Senegal
Construction is expected to bring about 1,800 jobs in Ndayane and will support 2.3 million jobs in the country. Furthermore, 22,000 jobs will be tied directly to the expanded trade from the port. It will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, global connectivity and employment.
DP World has been contracted to construct the Port of Ndayane and previously also completed the Port of Dakar. The Port of Dakar has had a significant increase in the handling of TEUs form 300,000 in 2008 to 800,000 last year. However, in as much as the Port of Dakar has improved trading in the country, the city is within a densely populated area, and this limits the expansion of the port. The Port of Ndayane, on the other hand, is strategically positioned for expansion and supports Senegal’s long-term trade and economic growth plans.
Financing for the Port of Ndayane
British International Investment (BII) is working together with DP World to bring this project to reality. The BII is the UK’s development finance agency, and it estimates the port will boost Senegal’s GDP by 3%. Increased trade flows will potentially add US$15 billion in trade value by 2035.
“We believe in Senegal’s economic potential and fully support the government’s ambitions for the nation. The Port of Ndayane will elevate the country to and impact trade across the African continent. We are proud of our achievements with Port of Dakar, and Ndayane marks the next level. Our plans extend beyond the port. We will develop an economic zone near the port and Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is expected to create even more employment than the port itself,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the DP World Group Chairman and CEO.
