DP World and Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Tuesday laid the first stone to mark the start of construction of the new Banana Port.
The ceremony was attended by Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.
The stone laying follows the signing of the collaboration agreement in December 2021 between DP World and the DRC Government to develop the first deepwater port in the country.
The port is being developed at Banana, along the country’s 37km coastline on the Atlantic Ocean in Kongo Central province. It will save cost and time that will boost the country’s trade, DP World said.
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President Tshisekedi said, “This is a proud and historic day for the DRC, as our vision to develop Banana Port to transform our country into a regional trade hub, becomes a reality. It will grow our economy by creating direct and indirect jobs, provide new opportunities in the supply chain and attract more foreign direct investment. The new port will not only benefit the Kongo Central Province but the whole country.”
Sulayem said, “Banana Port will be a modern, world-class port and undoubtedly a game-changer for the DRC. Once complete, it will attract more direct calls from larger vessels traveling from Asia and Europe, greatly enhancing the country’s access to international markets and global supply chains. We thank President Tshisekedi and his Government for partnering with DP World to develop Banana Port.”
DP World will develop an initial 600-meter quay with an 18m draft, capable of handling the largest vessels in operation. It 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. The port will feature the latest technology and equipment.