A logistics free zone is to be built in Senegal’s Port of Dakar after a deal was signed by port operator DP World in order to benefit container terminal operations that it currently manages at the port and to benefit shippers using the nearby Blaise Diagne International Airport, according to the Journal of Commerce.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said: “The new logistics free zone complements our investments in DP World Dakar Terminal, which stands as West Africa’s largest and most modern after a new terminal was built in November 2011, doubling capacity to over 600,000 TEU.”
The DP World Chairman signed a Memorandum of Understanding to commence the project in the presence of United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mankeur Ndiaye.
The specifics of the new logistics zone have not yet been clarified.
Port growth along the West African coastline is currently surging, with almost US$100 million so far spent on ports.
A total of more than 3.5 million TEU is to be added to West Africa’s ports, with each receiving around 600,000 of additional capacity.
DP World is also involved with a global environmental initiative aimed at improving environmental preservation, where thousands of employees have dedicated their time and effort to improve environmental conservation in the port environment.
