DP World has set a new container handling record at the Port of Dakar, handling 76,282 TEU in March 2023.
This is the highest throughput recorded in a single month since DP World began its operations in Senegal in 2008.
The company has reportedly invested almost $300 million to upgrade and expand the terminal, which has resulted in a 200 per cent increase in productivity and zero vessel waiting time from an average of 35 hours.
These investments have led to increased trade and economic growth, the creation of both direct and indirect jobs, and improved access to goods for communities in Senegal and the wider region, according to the company.
READ: DP World Southampton sets vessel container handling record
DP World said the successive investments have transformed the Port of Dakar into the best-performing terminal in West Africa and one of the best on the continent.
The terminal has increased productivity from 265,000 TEU per year in 2008 to 738,000 TEU per year in 2022.
READ: DP World and the Senegal Government begin work on new 1.2 million TEU port
“This record performance in March is the result of excellent teamwork, detailed planning and execution, while at the same time ensuring the highest levels of safety and risk management,” said Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar.
“We managed to achieve this while maintaining our current high-performance levels. A more productive container terminal allows us to attract more vessels and further strengthen the Port of Dakar’s position as a regional trade hub.”
Mountaga Sy, CEO of the Port Autonome de Dakar, praised the constant increase in productivity at the container terminal and stated that it is in line with the Plan Senegal Emergent, which aims to strengthen Senegal’s position as a privileged point of entry for transit to the sub-region.
The cranes, constructed by ZPMC, are part of DP World’s €200 million ($218.5 million) investment plan for the modernisation, greening, and capacity expansion of the terminal.
