The Bargny-Sendou Port project has entered its final construction phase, with works reaching nearly 90% completion as Senegal pushes towards commissioning by the end of 2026. The strategic port development, valued at $1.45 billion, remains one of the country’s flagship infrastructure projects despite delays from its original delivery schedule.
Once operational, the port will strengthen Senegal’s bulk cargo handling capacity while easing congestion at the Port of Dakar. It also complements the recently accelerated Ndayane Port Project, where DP World completed capital dredging 13 months ahead of schedule, advancing another major maritime gateway for the country.
The project has progressed steadily over the past year. However, authorities have delayed commissioning until essential supporting infrastructure, particularly potable water supply systems, becomes available. The government has directed relevant ministries to fast-track these remaining works to enable commercial operations.
Bargny-Sendou Port Project approaches commissioning
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently confirmed that construction has reached approximately 90%. The update followed a government review of strategic national infrastructure projects under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. According to the government, resolving the remaining utility requirements represents the final hurdle before the port can begin operations.
To address the issue, the government instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Finance and Budget, and the Ministry responsible for Water Resources to work with Senegal Minergy Port on an interim water storage solution. In addition, authorities allocated approximately CFA8 billion in the revised 2026 Finance Law to fund a permanent potable water supply system.
Construction began in 2018 under a public-private partnership between the Government of Senegal and Senegal Minergy Port. Since then, contractors have completed most of the marine works, quay infrastructure and landside facilities required for operations.
Bargny-Sendou Port Project will strengthen Senegal’s logistics sector
The Bargny-Sendou Port Project is designed primarily to handle mineral products, hydrocarbons, cereals and other bulk cargoes. The facility will reduce pressure on the Port of Dakar while providing modern infrastructure capable of serving larger vessels. Consequently, Senegal expects to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and industrial hub.
The development occupies approximately 480 hectares near Dakar and features a 1,485-metre offshore jetty with an 18-metre draft. Once fully operational, the port will initially process around 20 million tonnes of cargo annually, with significant capacity dedicated to mining exports, petroleum products and grain imports.
The project forms part of Senegal’s wider maritime expansion strategy alongside the Ndayane Port Project. While Bargny-Sendou focuses on mineral and bulk cargo, Ndayane will serve as the country’s future deep-water container hub. Together, the two developments will modernise Senegal’s port infrastructure and improve regional trade competitiveness.
If the remaining utility works proceed as planned, the Bargny-Sendou Port Project could enter service before the end of 2026. The facility is expected to play a key role in supporting Senegal’s mining, agricultural and industrial sectors while creating new opportunities for regional trade and logistics.
The layout of the facility
The Port of Bargny-Sendou is structured into 3 terminals. The first terminal, with a capacity of 2.5 million tonnes, will be reserved for the treatment of liquid cargoes and it will also serve as a depot for petroleum products as well as for gas storage. This terminal according to Minister Ndoye will be ready by the end of December this year.
The second terminal on the other hand will be dedicated to minerals such as phosphates, iron, bauxite, Zircon, etc., while the third terminal is meant to receive goods such as grain bagged on site, oilseeds, boiler making, and construction materials.
Generally, the Port of Bargny-Sendou project will unclog the capital and provide users with a modern infrastructure asset that will facilitate the reception of large vessels and consequently lead to a considerable reduction in the costs of loading and unloading of seaborne products.
Upon completion of the entire construction works, Port of Bargny-Sendou will become the largest bulk port in the whole of the West Africa region.
Project Fact Sheet
Project name: Bargny-Sendou Port Project
Location: Bargny-Sendou, Dakar Region, Senegal
Project value: $1.45 billion
Project type: Mineral and bulk cargo port
Current status: Approximately 90% complete
Expected commissioning: Late 2026
Construction start: November 2018
Site area: Approximately 480 hectares
Jetty length: 1,485 metres
Water depth: 18 metres
Initial cargo capacity: Around 20 million tonnes annually
Cargo handled: Minerals, hydrocarbons, cereals and bulk commodities
Strategic objective: Decongest the Port of Dakar and support Senegal’s industrial and mining sectors
Outstanding works: Permanent potable water supply and final commissioning activities
Project Team
Owner: Government of Senegal
Developer: Senegal Minergy Port (SMP)
Delivery model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Concessionaire: Senegal Minergy Port
Supervising authority: Ministry of Infrastructure, Maritime and Port Transport
Project oversight: Office of the Prime Minister
Water infrastructure stakeholders: Ministry of Water Resources and SONES
Financial oversight: Ministry of Finance and Budget
Key beneficiaries: Mining companies, petroleum sector, grain importers, logistics operators and the Port of Dakar.
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