DP World said the arrival of the dredger Willem Van Rubroeck in Ndayane this month marks the beginning of maritime work for the US$1.2 billion Port of Ndayane project — which aims to transform Senegal into a major hub for global trade.

The vessel will dredge a 5 km-long shipping channel — an essential step in building the state-of-the-art, high-capacity port.

DP World said Phase 1 of the project includes an 840m quay and a 5km channel capable of accommodating the world's largest container ships. The construction in this phase will create a capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually.

Phase 2 will add a further 410m quay, positioning Ndayane as a leading logistics hub in West Africa. 

"The Port of Ndayane builds on DP World's success at the Port of Dakar, which has grown from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023," the announcement said.

It noted, however, that the Dakar port's location within a densely urbanized area limits expansion, making Ndayane a strategic solution to support Senegal's long-term trade and economic growth ambitions. 

"We believe in Senegal's economic potential and fully support the government's ambitions for the nation.  The Port of Ndayane will elevate Senegal and impact trade across the African continent. We are proud of our achievements with the Port of Dakar, and Ndayane marks the next level—positioning Senegal as a key trade hub for the region," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DP World Group.

"Our plans extend beyond the port. We will develop an economic zone near the port and Blaise Diagne International Airport," he added.

DP World is collaborating with British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance agency, to deliver the project.

BII estimates the port boosts Senegal's GDP by 3% through increased trade flows, potentially adding US$15 billion in trade value by 2035.