Construction to start within 12 months
DP World and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), recently signed the Collaboration Agreement for the development of the deep-sea port at Banana.
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 Portfoli; Nicolas Kazadi, Minister of Finance, Aime Boji, Minister of State for Budget, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, and Suhail Al Banna, CEO and MD, Middle East and Africa Region.
This now paves the way for DP World to begin construction within 12 months of the DRC’s first deep-sea port, which will be located at Banana along the country’s 37km coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
The development of the 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 Kongo 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.
“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,” commented President Tshisekedi.
“The port will enhance the country’s export capabilities and give it affordable access to international markets,” stated Bin Sulayem.
DP World will develop an initial 600m quay with an 18m draft, capable of handling the largest vessels in operation. It will have a container handling capacity of about 450000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) per year, and a 30-hectare yard to store containers. The port will feature the latest technology and equipment.
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