DP World and DRC ink agreement to develop deep sea port in Banana
Port will have a container handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs and will be equipped with the latest technology and equipment
Following the signing of a collaboration agreement between DP World and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), construction of the country’s first deep-sea port is set to begin within 12 months. The port will be located in Banana, along the country’s 37km coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
According to a statement, the development of Banana Port will bring significant cost and time savings for the country’s trade, as it will attract more direct calls from larger vessels from Asia and Europe. It will also directly benefit the Congo Central province in terms of economic development, as the port will attract foreign direct investment to the surrounding area, and stimulate local trade and the economy.
In the presence of Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, president of the DRC, the agreement was signed in Kinshasa by Cherubin Okende Senga, minister of Transport and Communication, Adele Kahinda Mayima, minister of State for Portfolio, Nicolas Kazadi, minister of Finance, Aime Boji, minister of State for Budget, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, and Suhail Al Banna, CEO and MD of Middle East and Africa Region.
“This port will transform the DRC into a trade hub in the region, and in particular, will benefit Kongo Central, a province which already has a port facility, with the creation of jobs, in addition to generating economic benefits and growth for our country,” explained Tshisekedi.
DP World said it will develop an initial 600m quay with an 18m draft, capable of handling the largest vessels in operation. The port will have a container handling capacity of about 450,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) per year, and a 30-hectare yard to store containers. It will feature the latest technology and equipment, the firm noted.
Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, minister of State of the UAE added, “Development of infrastructure is a priority for the UAE to build trade and economic bridges between the UAE and Africa. This port project is part of many initiatives to promote economic prosperity.”
Bin Sulayem concluded, “This agreement represents the vision of President Tshisekedi, and DP World, to provide the DRC with a modern, world class port and logistics infrastructure to support the tremendous opportunities for trade in this country. The port will enhance the country’s export capabilities and give it affordable access to international markets.”
