Ndayane port milestone reached early

The milestone enables quay construction and other critical marine works to begin earlier than planned, maintaining momentum towards the port’s expected completion in 2028.

More than 1,000 people are currently employed directly on the project, which represents Senegal’s largest single private investment at US$1.2 billion.

“Completing major dredging works 13 months ahead of schedule is a significant milestone for the Port of Ndayane and a testament to the expertise, commitment and collaboration of everyone involved in delivering this project safely,” said Mohammed Akoojee, chief executive and managing director for Africa at DP World.

“This achievement allows us to accelerate the next phase of construction toward the port’s completion in 2028, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to Senegal and our confidence in Africa’s future as a growing force in global supply chains.”

The dredging programme included a five-kilometre navigation channel, a 600-metre turning basin and an 875-metre berth pocket capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships, including two Triple E-class vessels simultaneously.

Despite more than 95% of the dredged material consisting of solid rock, including formations with compressive strengths exceeding 100 megapascals, the work was completed without blasting using advanced cutter suction dredging techniques, reducing environmental impacts while maintaining construction progress.

Once operational, the Port of Ndayane will significantly expand Senegal’s container handling capacity and strengthen its position as a logistics hub for West Africa.

“The Port of Ndayane will enhance national competitiveness, unlock opportunities for local businesses, and drive sustainable job creation and skills development,” said Clarence Rodrigues, chief executive of DP World Dakar.

Since taking over operations at the Port of Dakar in 2008, DP World has invested around US$340 million to modernise the terminal.

Container throughput has increased from 265,000 teu to 850,000 teu, while vessel waiting times have fallen from 35 hours to almost zero, helping make Dakar the highest-ranked port in Sub-Saharan Africa for efficiency in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index.