Maritime works begin at $1.2 billion port in Senegal

UAE-based logistics giant DP World has commenced maritime works at the $1.2 billion Port of Ndayane in Senegal. The arrival of the dredger Willem Van Rubroeck of Jan De Nul Group marked the start of construction.

The vessel will dredge a 5-kilometer-long shipping channel, DP World said, noting that this is an essential step in building the high-capacity port designed to elevate Senegal’s trade infrastructure.

As disclosed, phase 1 of the project includes an 840-meter quay and a 5-kilometer channel capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships. The construction in this phase is expected to create a capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually. Phase 2 will add a further 410-meter quay.

During construction, the project is expected to create over 1,800 jobs, and once operational, 2.3 million jobs across Senegal, including 22,000 tied directly to expanded trade. DP World is collaborating with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance agency, to deliver the job.

Note that the Port of Ndayane builds on DP World’s work at the Port of Dakar. This port has grown from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023, the company said, however adding that the Dakar port’s location within a densely urbanized area limits expansion, making Ndayane a strategic solution to support Senegal’s long-term trade and economic growth ambitions.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Chairman and CEO, commented: “We believe in Senegal’s economic potential and fully support the government’s ambitions for the nation. The Port of Ndayane will elevate Senegal and impact trade across the African continent. We are proud of our achievements with the Port of Dakar, and Ndayane marks the next level—positioning Senegal as a key trade hub for the region. 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.”

To remind, DP World and the government of Senegal laid the first stone to mark the construction of the Port of Ndayane a few years ago.