According to Amac News: Based on media reports, the arrival marks the start of the company’s operations to build and develop the port, a $1.2 billion project that is set to transform Senegal into a major global trade hub.
The first phase of the project will include an 840-meter-long quay and a 5-kilometer-long channel that will be able to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
Construction in this phase will create a processing capacity of 1.2 million TEUs (a unit of measurement for the carrying capacity of containers in maritime transport) per year.
The second phase will add another 410-meter-long quay to the port, transforming Ndayaneinto a leading logistics hub in West Africa.
The Ndayane port builds on DP World’s success at the Port of Dakar, which has grown from 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs by 2023. However, the location of the Port of Dakar in a highly congested area limits its expansion, and Ndayane is a strategic solution to support Senegal’s long-term trade and economic goals.
According to Emirates Media, Ousmane Sonko, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, in a conversation with the Prime Minister of Senegal, stressed the company’s long-term commitment to the country, saying that his company believes in and supports Senegal’s economic potential.
He added that the Ndayane port will make Senegal a key trade hub for the region and stressed that it will develop the port.
The DP World boss also announced that their plans in Senegal will go beyond the port, with the creation of an economic zone close to the port and the Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is expected to create more jobs than the port itself.
DP World is working with British International Investment (BII) and the UK Development Finance Agency to deliver the project.
BII estimates that the port could boost Senegal’s GDP by 3% and add $15 billion in new trade value by 2035.
During construction, the project will create more than 1,800 jobs and, once operational, is expected to support 2.3 million jobs across Senegal, of which 22,000 will be directly linked to the expanded trade.
The Port of Ndayane will make Senegal a regional trade leader, opening up new opportunities for economic growth, employment and global connectivity.