The port operator said in a statement that the five kilometre access channel dredging has now finished, marking a key step in phase one of the development undertaken with the Government of Senegal and British International Investment. According to DP World, this advance will enable the quay wall building to start sooner than planned while maintaining all technical standards for the 18 metre draft facility. Jan De Nul Group data shows that the dredging removed 10 million cubic metres of material to create the maritime access route capable of accommodating the world’s largest container vessels. The project partners anticipate that the early milestone will support an operational target of 2028 for the new port located 50 kilometres south of the capital.
Senegal’s existing Port of Dakar is nearing its maximum capacity, according to assessments from Jan De Nul Group, which is handling the dredging and associated land reclamation. DP World terminal information places the first phase capacity at 1.2 million TEUs annually once the 840 metre container quay enters service. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to establish the country as a regional trade gateway, with the new site focusing on container operations to complement Dakar’s multipurpose role. An 89 hectare platform will also be created for storage and maritime services under the current phase.
Jan De Nul Group reported that the full scope of its involvement encompasses 36 months of activity until initial completion, including environmental impact studies that examined sensitive zones such as seagrass fields. The contractor’s project overview indicates the reclamation component will add substantial usable land for logistics functions. DP World stated that the accelerated dredging reflects strong coordination among the international and local teams involved in the works that began in December 2025.
fDi Intelligence reporting valued the overall investment in the Ndayane port at approximately 1.1 billion dollars, with the concession providing two 25 year terms for DP World once operations commence. A second phase will incorporate an additional 410 metres of quay length to expand handling capabilities further. The Senegalese authorities have positioned the development as central to boosting national economic growth through improved connectivity and larger vessel accommodation. DP World port details confirm that the facility is engineered to serve as a next generation deep water hub for West Africa.
Earlier project announcements from DP World outlined the start of dredging with specialised vessels last December, setting the stage for this timely progress. The combined efforts are expected to increase Senegal’s overall container throughput significantly beyond existing levels at Dakar. Regional port benchmarks suggest such expansions have historically supported higher trade volumes across comparable West African markets. The operator noted that all work adheres to the agreed timelines and specifications despite the expedited schedule.
