$442 million project to develop Port of Berbera underway
Global trade enabler DP World has
celebrated its 30-year port concession for the management and development of a multi-
purpose port project at Berbera, Republic of Somaliland which started on 2 March 2017.
H.E. President of the Republic of Somaliland, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud and DP World
Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem were present at a ceremony to mark
the occasion and thanked attending government officials and partners for their support at
the start a new phase of development for the country.
DP World Berbera compliments the company’s investment in Djibouti and will also serve land
locked countries in the Horn of Africa. The investment of up to $442 million will consist of two
phases, the first being the building of a 400 metre quay and 250,000 square metre yard
extension as well as the development of a free zone to create a new regional trading hub.
DP World Group Chairman & CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said: “This is part of
our vision to act as an enabler of trade and to facilitate growth by helping African countries
develop their infrastructure that connects them to global markets.
“These are exciting times for our industry and for Africa, and we’re grateful for the
opportunity to be an integral part of Somaliland’s development. Investment in this natural
deep-water port and free zone will act as a catalyst for the growth of the country and the
region’s economy.
“I’d like to thank the Government and the People of Somaliland for having the vision to take
the necessary steps to allow us to invest in the Port of Berbera. I would also like to thank
the Mayor of Berbera and the Governor of Sahil for welcoming the DP World team and
making them feel at home.”
edia Release
GLOBAL TRADE ENABLER DP WORLD MARKS START OF
CONCESSION IN SOMALILAND
$442 million project to develop Port of Berbera underway
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 May, 2017: Global trade enabler DP World has
celebrated its 30-year port concession for the management and development of a multi-
purpose port project at Berbera, Republic of Somaliland which started on 2 March 2017.
H.E. President of the Republic of Somaliland, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud and DP World
Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem were present at a ceremony to mark
the occasion and thanked attending government officials and partners for their support at
the start a new phase of development for the country.
DP World Berbera compliments the company’s investment in Djibouti and will also serve land
locked countries in the Horn of Africa. The investment of up to $442 million will consist of two
phases, the first being the building of a 400 metre quay and 250,000 square metre yard
extension as well as the development of a free zone to create a new regional trading hub.
DP World Group Chairman & CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said: “This is part of
our vision to act as an enabler of trade and to facilitate growth by helping African countries
develop their infrastructure that connects them to global markets.
“These are exciting times for our industry and for Africa, and we’re grateful for the
opportunity to be an integral part of Somaliland’s development. Investment in this natural
deep-water port and free zone will act as a catalyst for the growth of the country and the
region’s economy.
“I’d like to thank the Government and the People of Somaliland for having the vision to take
the necessary steps to allow us to invest in the Port of Berbera. I would also like to thank
the Mayor of Berbera and the Governor of Sahil for welcoming the DP World team and
making them feel at home.”
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President of Somaliland Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo, said:” This DP World
investment in the Port of Berbera will strengthen the relationship between the Republic of
Somaliland and the UAE which existed for many centuries in the past. Additionally, it will bring
back and highlight the commercial position and importance of the Port of Berbera as a Red Sea
gateway for the Middle East and Africa.”
DP World Berbera CEO Ibrahim Al Hammadi, said: “We have found the people of Berbera
to be welcoming and industrious and I would like to thank the staff here for their support and
enthusiasm as we start our plans to modernise the port and upgrade its facilities.
“Our next steps will be to construct a new quay and yard, implement a terminal layout and add
new yard equipment. We’re also working on a long term strategic plan for sustainability
projects. We look forward to working together with the people of Berbera to restore its
historical role as a major trade hub on the Red Sea.”
Since beginning operations in early March, DP World has retained all 713 permanent employees
and begun training and staff development to prepare them for roles in a modern port.
DP World Berbera supports the local community with visits and engagements to 12 local
schools, the Fisheries and Maritime Academy and Berbera Hospital. Meanwhile, DP World is
working closely with the local government to invest in sustainable solutions tackling water
scarcity, having already delivered 4.5 million litres of water to 15,000 local families.
-ENDS-
