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).

In an update,  Bolloré said on July 20, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, accompanied by the chairman of Timor port, the Secretary of the ASEAN visited the future port of Timor Leste located in the Tibar Bay.

Regional transhipment hub

"They discovered the quality of these new infrastructures which will be able to operate container ships of 7,500 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) with an increased handling speed and productivity raised to international standards," it said.

"This platform, which is also intended to become a regional transhipment hub, will connect Timor's economy with its region and thus accelerate economic development," Bolloré added.

The Bolloré Group was chosen in 2016 to build and operate the future deep-sea port of Dili. It then selected China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) for the construction of the port of Tibar west of Dili, the capital of East Timor.

"In the framework of its development, Timor Leste has applied for ratification to the ASEAN, the institution that politically and economically unites about ten South-East Asian states. The objective of this association is to facilitate economic, political, security, military, educational, and socio-cultural integration between its members and the countries of Asia-Pacific," said Raphaël Ribero, chairman of Timor Port.

He noted that the ASEAN membership of Timor Leste would be "extremely beneficial" for all Timorese.

"The port that will be officially commissioned before the end of this year is an asset to achieve this goal," the Timor Port chairman added, noting that the members of the ASEAN that were present in the visit also appreciated Bolloré's deployment of its Green Terminal label meant for the port to have eco-responsible facilities, preserve biodiversity and obtain Edge certification. 

"Timor Port is a magnificent project for the country ... this new port with its international standards and new handling equipment of the latest generation, will enable the country to attract new businesses, participate in the diversification of the country's economy, and join the ranks of the great modern ports of the region," said Laurent Palayer, CEO of Timor Port.

Palayer noted that because of its draught and its facilities, the ASEAN countries will be able to benefit from high-quality services, particularly with regard to the oil & gas business.

Bolloré said the port platform, which complies with international standards, will be equipped with the most modern container handling and general cargo equipment, which will, in particular, enable the operation of container ships of more than 7,500 TEUs.