Construction has officially begun on DP World’s new terminal in the Port of Djibouti – a US$400 million facility designed to meet the growing needs of this expanding market.The Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) is DP World’s latest project in the Port of Djibouti, and will enable the terminal operator to handle an additional 1.5 million TEU annually.DP World already manages the Port of Djibouti, which is located 11 km away, and has the capacity to handle ten million tonnes of general cargo and 400,000 TEU per year. DP World also manages the US$130 million Doraleh oil terminal, officially opened in February this year.The first phase of the new container terminal will have six super post-Panamax gantry cranes and a quay length of 1,050 metres upon completion, and is expected to begin operations in late-2008.According to Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World, Djibouti is one of nine key developments the company has worldwide, and is a vital link in its global network of 51 marine terminals.He added that Dubai World also has extensive investments in projects outside the port, including the freezone, the airport, roads, real estate developments and hotels.
“We believe in the future of Djibouti,” he said. “As the economy grows and provides opportunities for the people across a range of sectors, the benefits of a solid infrastructure and long-term investment will be realised.”DP World CEO Mohammed Sharaf pointed out that the new terminal at Doraleh will provide extra capacity and help meet customers’ future needs, offering an efficient gateway to the hinterland of East Africa.“We recently achieved ISO 28000 security certification here in Djibouti,” he added.