DP World has commenced the expansion of the Port of Berbera, a multi-purpose concession in the Republic of Somaliland, East Africa.
A ceremony to mark the beginning of construction work was attended by both H.E. President of the Republic of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi, and DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
The pair thanked attending government officials and partners for their support, the expanded Port of Berbera representing “a new era of growth” for the country.
The first phase of work will consist of building a 400-metre quay and 250,000 square metre yard extension, as well as the development of a free zone to create a new regional trading hub.
Read more about DP World's plans to link the global supply chain by reading a Port Technology technical paper
According to a statement, joint venture company DP World Berbera will also serve landlocked countries in the Horn of Africa such as Ethiopia, which holds a 19% stake in the project.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem commented further: “This event is a landmark in the history of Somaliland and for DP World.
“We are delighted that construction work has begun and over the next few years we will see a transformation in the capacity of this major infrastructure asset that will benefit people both here and across the Horn of Africa, providing an alternative gateway to international markets and providing jobs to the people of Somaliland.
DP World has officially launched the first phase of work at our multipurpose port – DP World Berbera in Somaliland, which will mark the start of a new era of growth for the country. Read more: https://t.co/xIvCKSgivL pic.twitter.com/FeQX2x6kNw
— DP World (@DP_World) October 11, 2018
“This is all part of our vision to act as an enabler of trade and to encourage growth by helping African countries develop their economies with access to global markets.”
Muse Bihi Abdi added: “Today is a historic day as we mark another major milestone in the development of our economy and by investing in our infrastructure we will be able to grow for the benefit of our people, the region and beyond.
“Connecting to landlocked countries such as Ethiopia and the rest of the region will reinforce the firm relationships that now exist and make Somaliland an important player in regional economic integration and growth.”
DP World, which is currently in dispute with the Djiboutian government regarding the Doraleh Container Terminal, secured the USD $442 million concession in May 2017.
