Splash247: DP World clears dredging hurdle at Senegal’s $1.2bn Ndayane port

Published by Splash247

DP World has completed major dredging works at Senegal’s new Port of Ndayane 13 months ahead of schedule, clearing the way for quay construction and the next stage of the $1.2bn development.

The marine works delivered a 5 km access channel dredged to 20 m, a 600 m turning basin and an 875 m berth pocket capable of handling two Triple E-class containerships. More than 95% of the material removed was rock, with the work completed without blasting.

Dredging began following the mobilisation of equipment in December 2024 and had originally been scheduled to run until September 2027. Construction will now move into further marine and civil works, with the first phase of the port due for completion in 2028.

Located around 50 km from Dakar, Ndayane is being developed as Senegal’s main deepwater container gateway as the existing capital port runs short of room for expansion.

The first phase includes an 840 m quay and annual capacity of 1.2m teu. A second phase is set to add another 410 m of quay, while the longer-term masterplan provides for more than 3 km of waterfront and a 300-hectare container yard.

DP World said 1,043 people are currently working at the construction site. The Dubai-based group has operated the Dakar container terminal since 2008, investing around $340m and increasing throughput from 265,000 teu to 850,000 teu last year.

The Ndayane concession was signed in December 2020, when Splash first reported plans for the new port. The project is being developed by DP World Dakar in partnership with the Port Autonome de Dakar.