DEME will be responsible for the soil improvement, reclamation and compaction works, as well as for the deepening of the existing and future container berths. Specialised equipment will be deployed during the different construction phases of this EPC contract.

The Freetown Terminal, operated by the French group Bolloré Transport & Logistics, is undergoing an expansion programme that calls for the construction of a new 270 meter quay to accommodate vessels with a draft of 13 meters. The Bolloré group intends to increase the total capacity of the container terminal to 750,000 TEUs. Works started recently and are expected to be completed in August 2018.

Steven Poppe, Area Director Africa DEME: “DEME has been working for more than 50 years in Africa and maintains a strong presence in the area of dredging and reclamation projects across the continent. We are exceptionally delighted to be able to win our first project in Sierra Leone and pleased to team up with Eiffage and RMT Clemessy for the further development of the Freetown Terminal.”

About DEME
The Belgian dredging, environmental and marine engineering group DEME is an international market leader for complex marine engineering works.
Building on more than 140 years of experience and know-how, DEME has organically moved into several related sectors, such as the financing of marine engineering and environmental projects, executing complex EPC related marine engineering projects including civil engineering works, the development and construction of renewable energy projects, providing services for the oil, gas and energy sector, the decontaminating and recycling of polluted soils and silts, the harvesting of marine resources, etc.

Thanks to an integrated company structure, DEME strongly emerges as a ‘global solutions provider’ which offers its clients overall solutions. DEME has the most modern, high-tech and versatile fleet.

DP World will set up a joint venture with 65% control together with the government of Somaliland to manage and invest in the Port of Berbera. The investment of up to $442 million will include a first phase of a 400 metre quay and 250,000 square metre yard extension, and gantry cranes and reach stackers to handle containers and cargo. Construction of the quay extension is expected to start 12 months after the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of the agreement and will take 24 months to complete.
Total investment of up to $442 million will be phased over time and be dependent on port volumes, and will create a regional trading hub along with the scope for a free zone. The project will focus on containers with the capability to handle other types of cargo and will be implemented with the government of Somaliland.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said:
“We are delighted to extend our African footprint with a major investment in Somaliland. Investment in this natural deep-water port will attract more shipping lines to East Africa and its modernisation will act as a catalyst for the growth of the country and the region’s economy.

“Berbera will contribute to our continued growth in the developing markets of Africa in the years ahead. It is also a breakthrough in developing access to the sea for landlocked Ethiopia, the region’s largest economy. We look forward to bringing DP World’s world class productivity-enhancing, security, safety and environmental best practices in container terminal development and operation to Somaliland.”

Dr Saad Ali Shire, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Somaliland, said:
“We are excited to partner with DP World on this landmark project. DP World Port of Berbera will offer East African importers and exporters a unique, additional world class deep-water port that will dramatically improve the competitiveness of their products in world markets and has the potential to transform the region’s economy.”

Port of Berbera will complement DP World’s network in East Africa by creating a new deep-water gateway for Somaliland’s and East Africa’s global trade with a range of benefits that include:
World class deep sea port infrastructure and services at the Port of Berbera, Somaliland which currently has no shore cranes.

Long-term expansion potential with a concession area of 4.25 square kilometres and over 11 square kilometres of additional available land for a potential free zone.

Damon commented, “I am honoured to have been asked to lead ABPmer into the next stage of its growth. The company enjoys an established position in many UK markets, having been engaged on high profile projects, earning its reputation as a leading marine consultancy.

Our portfolio of proven and innovative services are relevant to both UK and international markets. We are now driving forward a programme of activities that will see ABPmer’s specialist advice and technical support being used increasingly overseas.”

Prior to joining Worley Parsons, Damon held senior and Director positions in Hyder Consulting, Scott Wilson and URS.

Damon assumes this role from Bill Cooper who has served as MD since 2006.