UAE - Mubasher: DP World and the Government of Congo have inked a collaboration agreement to develop Banana's deep-sea port.
DP World will raise the efficiency of an initial 600-meter quay with an 18-meter draft, which handles the largest vessels in operation, according to a recent press release.
The quay will have a container handling capacity of about 450 000 TEUs per year and a 30-hectare yard to store containers.
The port will also feature the latest technology and equipment as part of the development, which will lead to rising cost and time savings for Congo's trade and attract more direct calls from larger vessels from Asia and Europe.
The agreement was signed after DP World and the Government of Congo had reached a term sheet earlier this year to summarise the agreed amendments to the initial contract signed in 2018.
The President of Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, said: "This port will transform the DRC into a trade hub in the region, and in particular, will benefit Kongo Central, a province which already has a port facility, with the creation of jobs, in addition to generating economic benefits and growth for our country."
Meanwhile, the Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, commented: "The port will enhance the country’s export capabilities and give it affordable access to international markets."
