DP World has reached a major construction milestone at the Port of Ndayane in Senegal, completing major dredging works 13 months ahead of the original September 2027 schedule, following early mobilisation in December 2024.
The early completion allows quay construction and other critical marine works to begin sooner, supporting momentum toward the port’s planned completion in 2028.
The dredging programme delivered a 5-kilometre access channel dredged to 20 metres depth, a 600-metre turning basin and an 875-metre berth pocket capable of accommodating two Triple E-class container vessels simultaneously.
The works were carried out using two of the world’s largest suction dredgers and presented exceptional geological challenges, with more than 95 percent of the dredged material comprising solid rock, including formations with compressive strength exceeding 100 megapascals, far harder than conditions typically encountered in large-scale port developments.
Notably, the entire programme was completed without blasting, using advanced cutter suction dredging techniques that reduced environmental impact while maintaining construction safety.
Once operational, the Port of Ndayane will serve as Senegal’s principal deep-water container gateway, strengthening the country’s role as a logistics hub for West Africa.
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, described the ahead-of-schedule completion as a testament to the expertise, commitment and collaboration of the project team, and reaffirmed the company’s long-term confidence in Africa’s future as a growing force in global supply chains.
He highlighted the US$ 1.2 billion project as Senegal’s largest single private investment, expected to create lasting economic value through trade, employment and improved regional connectivity.
Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar, framed the milestone as pivotal for Senegal’s national competitiveness and regional positioning as a premier logistics hub, projecting the port’s operation will support 2.3 million jobs through trade and improve access to critical goods for 7.8 million people.
Juan Carlos Sahdala, Group Chief Planning and Project Officer, attributed the achievement to meticulous planning, outstanding execution and strong collaboration across the project team.
DP World has invested approximately US$ 340 million at Senegal’s Port of Dakar since taking over operations in 2008, growing container throughput from 265,000 TEUs to 850,000 TEUs in 2025 while reducing vessel waiting times from 35 hours to near zero, earning the port the top ranking for efficiency among Sub-Saharan African ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index.
