DP World will invest an additional US$90 million (about R1.49 billion) in expanding its multipurpose terminal at Angola’s Port of Luanda, over the next two years, increasing its annual design capacity from 500 000 to 1.2 million TEUs, the company announced on October 6.
The investment follows a 10-year extension of its terminal concession, which will now run until 2051.
The expansion will increase the concession area from 27 hectares to 37 hectares and extend the quay to 830 metres. DP World will also acquire three ship-to-shore cranes and 12 semi-automated, rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
According to the company, the upgrades are expected to enable the terminal to handle two Post-Panamax vessels simultaneously and reduce vessel turnaround times by up to 50%.
The ability to accommodate larger vessels will support new shipping services and strengthen Luanda’s potential as a gateway for West and Central Africa, according to DP World Africa CEO and Managing Director Mohammed Akoojee.
“Our investment will improve the efficiency and sustainability of trade flows, giving customers greater reliability, shorter turnaround times and improved access to global markets while reinforcing Angola’s prominent role within our regional and global logistics network,” he said.
DP World has invested more than US$260 million (about R4.31 billion) in upgrading and modernising the terminal since commencing operations in 2021, according to the company. Over the past five years, container throughput has increased from 177 000 TEUs to more than 350 000 TEUs, supported by an additional 28 000 square metres of yard space.
Equipment additions this year included two mobile harbour cranes and an empty container handler, bringing the terminal’s mobile harbour crane fleet to eight. Reefer plug capacity increased from 630 to 700.
The latest investment was announced at the inauguration of the terminal’s new building.
DP World Luanda CEO Paco Pinzon said the concession extension demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to Angola.
“Our continued investments will create a more efficient and competitive experience for our customers while supporting Angola’s ambitions to strengthen trade connectivity, diversify the economy and become a continental logistics hub,” he said.
