The Bolloré Group has been awarded the contract for the construction and operation of a deepwater port in Dili, East Timor.

“We are very proud to have been selected to work with the authorities of East Timor on this project,” said Philippe Labonne, CEO of Bolloré Ports and deputy CEO of Bolloré Transport and Logistics. “It will help to speed up the growth of the nation’s economy by facilitating trade with Asia and the rest of the world to the benefit of the whole population.”

The project, which will be built and operated under a 30-year public-private partnership, consists of a 630m² wharf with a 15m draught and a yard measuring 24 hectares. The port will be capable of handling ships carrying more than 7,500 TEUs, according to Bolloré.

Cyrille Bolloré, president of Bolloré Transport and Logistics, said that he was pleased with the result.

“Our knowledge of the logistics market in East Timor, where our group has been developing its business for the last 16 years, enabled us to submit the best bid,” he said. “It also demonstrates the ability of the Bolloré Group to contribute to enhancing infrastructure in emerging countries.”

The Bolloré Group holds 21 concessions across the world, according to a statement.