DP World and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have laid the first stone to mark the start of construction of the new Banana Port.
DP World will develop an initial 600-meter quay with an 18 metre draft, capable of handling the largest vessels in operation. It will have a container handling capacity of around 450,000 TEU per year, and a 30-hectare yard to store containers.
The port is being developed at Banana, along the country’s 37 kilometre coastline on the Atlantic Ocean in Kongo Central province and following its completion, will provide significant cost and time savings that will boost the country’s trade.
The ceremony was attended by Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, as well as members of the DRC Government, public representatives and members of the local community.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “Banana Port will be a modern, world class port and undoubtedly a game changer for the DRC.
“Once complete, it will attract more direct calls from larger vessels travelling from Asia and Europe, greatly enhancing the country’s access to international markets and global supply chains.”
Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Republic of the DRC, said: “This is a proud and historic day for the DRC, as our vision to develop Banana Port to transform our country into a regional trade hub, becomes a reality.”
