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DP World reached a significant milestone in the construction of the Port of Ndayane with the completion of the main dredging works 13 months ahead of schedule, marking one of the most significant engineering achievements in the development of Senegal's future deep-water port.
The early completion of the main dredging works allows for an earlier start to the construction of the quay and other critical maritime works, accelerating progress towards the port's anticipated completion in 2028. Once operational, the Port of Ndayane will serve as Senegal's primary deep-water container gateway, increasing capacity for international trade and strengthening the country's role as a logistics hub for West Africa.
The works included the dredging of a 5 km navigation channel, a turning basin, and a berth capable of accommodating the world's largest container vessels. This was carried out using two of the world's largest suction dredgers, underscoring the scale and technical complexity of the project.
More than 95% of the excavated material was solid rock, including formations with a compressive strength exceeding 100 megapascals, much harder than typically encountered in large-scale port projects. Despite these challenging geological conditions, the works were completed without blasting, reducing environmental impact and allowing construction to proceed safely.
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, stated that "completing the main dredging works 13 months ahead of schedule is a significant milestone for the Port of Ndayane and a testament to the expertise, commitment, and collaboration of everyone involved in the safe execution of this project. This achievement allows us to accelerate the next phase of construction for the port's completion in 2028, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to Senegal and our confidence in Africa's future as a rising force in global supply chains. As the largest single private investment in Senegal, this $1.2 billion project will create lasting economic value by strengthening trade, supporting employment, enhancing connectivity, and generating future growth opportunities across the region."
Clarence Rodrigues, Executive Director of DP World Dakar, added that "this achievement represents a crucial moment in delivering transformative infrastructure for Senegal. The Port of Ndayane will enhance national competitiveness, unlock opportunities for local businesses, and drive sustainable job creation and skills development, supporting 2.3 million jobs through trade and improving access to essential goods and commodities for 7.8 million people. We are proud to partner with the Government of Senegal and local stakeholders to establish a gateway for West Africa that positions Senegal as a premier logistics and trade hub, while delivering significant economic benefits to communities across the country."
Construction is now focused on the next phase of maritime and civil works as the project progresses towards its completion in 2028.
Since taking over operations in 2008, DP World has invested approximately US$340 million to modernize Senegal's Port of Dakar terminal and expand its capacity. Container throughput has increased from 265,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in 2008 to 850,000 TEU in 2025, while vessel waiting times have been reduced from 35 hours to almost zero.
Currently, it is the highest-ranked port in Sub-Saharan Africa for efficiency, according to the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index.
Given that the Port of Dakar operates near its maximum capacity, DP World and the Government of Senegal pushed forward with the Port of Ndayane project to create the country's state-of-the-art deep-water gateway for international trade.
