DP World secures extended concession at Port of Luanda through 2051
The global port operator has been granted a decade-long extension to its multipurpose terminal concession in Angola, underpinning ambitious expansion plans worth US$90 million.
DP World has secured a significant extension to its concession at the Port of Luanda, Angola, prolonging its operational mandate through 2051. The ten-year extension reflects the company’s considerable success since commencing operations at the multipurpose terminal in 2021, during which it has invested more than US$260 million in modernisation initiatives.
The terminal’s performance metrics demonstrate substantial growth over the past five years. Container throughput has nearly doubled, rising from 177,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to over 350,000 TEUs, supported by the addition of 28,000 square metres of yard area. To accommodate this expansion, DP World has acquired two further Mobile Harbour Cranes this year, bringing the total to eight units, whilst increasing reefer plugs from 630 to 700.
Announcing the extension at the inauguration of its new terminal building, DP World unveiled further investment commitments totalling US$90 million over the next two years. This substantial capital deployment will extend the terminal’s quay by 222 metres and expand the operating area by ten hectares, raising design capacity to 1.2 million TEUs annually. The upgrade will include three Ship-to-Shore cranes and twelve semi-automated rubber-tired gantry cranes, enabling the facility to berth two Post-Panamax vessels concurrently.
The expansion positions Luanda as a preeminent container gateway for Central Africa and a major trade hub within sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond operational efficiency, the investment will foster local employment and industrialisation, enhance export competitiveness and facilitate foreign investment into the region, creating sustainable trade corridors.
Mohammed Akoojee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, observed that the expansion represents an important milestone for Angola and the wider region. He emphasised that the ability to accommodate larger vessels will enable new shipping services whilst strengthening the terminal’s positioning as a gateway for West and Central Africa, offering customers improved reliability, reduced turnaround times and enhanced access to global markets.
Paco Pinzon, Chief Executive Officer of DP World Luanda, highlighted that the extended concession demonstrates unwavering commitment to Angola’s emergence as a leading regional trade gateway. He noted that continued investments will create competitive advantages for customers whilst supporting Angola’s objectives to enhance trade connectivity, diversify the economy and establish itself as a continental logistics hub.
Source: WAM News Agency