DP World opens port operations in West Africa

by Jon Cuthbert

Senegal and west Africa’s largest container terminal, developed and operated by global marine terminal operator DP World, has been officially opened.

Expanded and upgraded by DP World Dakar following a concession agreement signed in 2007, the terminal’s capacity is more than doubling its capacity from less than 300,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) to more than 600,000 TEU.

The opening ceremony at the Port of Dakar was attended by Bara Sady, managing director, Dakar Port Authority, Mohammed Sharaf, chief executive officer, DP World, Joost Kruijning, senior vice president and managing director DP World, Africa, Guido Heremans, CEO, DP World Dakar, and other officials.

“The expansion of the terminal and the upgrading of the facilities and equipment makes DP World Dakar the most modern and efficient terminal in western Africa,” said H.E Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World.

“Our experience is that economies grow as efficient infrastructure comes on line and today it opens up a whole new world of economic possibilities for Senegal and West African communities. We are grateful to the Government of Senegal for their support and co-operation in helping to make this possible.”

Since winning the concession in 2007, DP World has introduced window berthing, where vessels book a specific time they can berth, virtually eliminating waiting time at anchorage.

In addition, DP World has reduced truck turnaround time to less than half an hour and introduced clear tariffs and processes supported by technology systems.

Arabian Supply Chain