The new deepwater Port of Tibar Bay in Timor Leste has recently been officially inaugurated.

The first public-private partnership in the country aims to improve logistics services in Timor-Leste and respond to current developments in the maritime and port world.

Planned regional transhipment hub

"Planned to become a regional transhipment hub, it will enhance Timor-Leste's attractiveness within the Asia-Pacific region and accelerate the country's economic development," Bolloré said in its statement announcing the inauguration.

The new platform, located 12km from the capital Dili, received an investment of US$490 million and took four years to build.

It has a 630 meters long quay with 16 meters of draught and is equipped with the latest generation of handling equipment, including two STS gantries and four e-RTG gantries.

In its first phase of operation, the port will be able to accommodate 7,500 TEUs and handle more than 200,000 TEUs per year.

"We are pleased with the completion of this major project, the largest to date in Timor-Leste ... We have been present in the country for many years and are proud of this new contribution to the local economy. Together, we will develop the activities of Tibar Bay Port with the ambition of positioning it as a reference infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region," said Philippe Labonne CEO of Bolloré Ports.

The commissioning of Tibar Bay port brings with it a local development strategy through job creation followed by employee training as well as an action plan to preserve the surrounding biodiversity.

Recently achieving EDGE certification (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), the new infrastructure is also soon expected to obtain the Bolloré Ports Green Terminal label following an audit by Bureau Veritas.

Present during the November 30 inauguration is the President of the Republic of Timor Leste, H.E. Dr José Ramos Horta, Philippe Labonne, CEO of Bolloré Ports, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste H.E General Taur Matan Ruak, and members of the Dili port community and of the Asia Pacific region.

Earlier, Bolloré said the planned port in Timor Leste's Tibay Bay is seen to become a major regional hub in Southeast Asia as the country seeks to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).