Ndayane Port project advances as DP World completes dredging 13 months ahead of schedule.
Dubai: DP World has completed major dredging works at Senegal’s Port of Ndayane 13 months ahead of schedule, accelerating the start of quay construction and other marine infrastructure developments at the deep-water port.
The $1.2 billion project is scheduled for completion in 2028 and is set to become Senegal’s primary deep-water container gateway, boosting the country’s trade capacity and reinforcing its role in West Africa’s logistics network.
More than 1,000 workers are currently employed directly at the site, with the project now progressing into the next stage of marine and civil construction works.
Major dredging milestone achieved
The dredging works included a five-kilometre navigation channel, a turning basin, and a berth pocket engineered to accommodate some of the world’s largest container vessels.
Two large cutter suction dredgers were deployed to remove material from the site, with more than 95 per cent of the excavated material consisting of solid rock.
Some rock formations recorded compressive strength of more than 100 megapascals, significantly exceeding the hardness typically encountered in major port development projects.
The dredging operation was completed without the use of blasting, helping to minimise environmental impact while ensuring safe and efficient construction progress.
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, said the early completion of the dredging phase would accelerate the project’s next stage of development.
“Completing major dredging works 13 months ahead of schedule marks a significant milestone for the Port of Ndayane and reflects the expertise, dedication, and collaboration of all teams involved in delivering the project safely,” Akoojee said.
“This achievement enables us to fast-track the next phase of construction towards the port’s planned completion in 2028, while reaffirming our long-term commitment to Senegal and our confidence in Africa’s growing role in global supply chains,” he added.
Port designed for larger vessels
The completed access channel has been dredged to a depth of 20 metres, with the project also featuring a 600-metre turning basin and an 875-metre berth pocket.
The berth will be equipped to accommodate two Triple E-class container vessels simultaneously, enabling the port to handle some of the largest ships operating globally.
Capital dredging was originally scheduled for completion in September 2027, but early mobilisation in December 2024 helped bring the milestone forward significantly.
Jobs and access to goods
DP World said the project is expected to support 2.3 million jobs through trade while improving access to essential goods and commodities for 7.8 million people.
The company also expects the port to create new opportunities for local businesses and contribute to skills development across Senegal.
The project currently employs 1,043 people directly at the site, while environmental monitoring and engagement with local communities have continued throughout the construction phase.
Dakar terminal nearing capacity
DP World has operated the Port of Dakar terminal since 2008, investing around $340 million to upgrade and modernise the facility.
During this period, container throughput increased from 265,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2008 to 850,000 TEUs in 2025.
The terminal also recorded a significant improvement in operational efficiency, with vessel waiting times declining from 35 hours to nearly zero over the same period.
The Port of Dakar is currently operating near its full capacity, leading DP World and the Senegalese government to develop Ndayane as the country’s next major hub for international trade.
Located around 50 kilometres from Dakar, the new port has been designed to accommodate future growth while strengthening connections between maritime operations and inland logistics networks.
The Port of Dakar currently ranks as the most efficient port in Sub-Saharan Africa in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index.
