Liberian Delegation Tours Key Maritime Facilities and New Port Development in Senegal
A high-level Liberian delegation recently toured several major maritime facilities and infrastructure projects in Senegal as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and learn from Senegal’s advancements in port management, ship repair, and logistics infrastructure.
The visit formed part of broader engagements between maritime authorities of both countries aimed at sharing technical knowledge, exploring areas of collaboration, and enhancing institutional capacity within Liberia’s maritime and port sectors.
During the tour, the delegation visited three strategic facilities including the Dakar Naval Repair Infrastructure Company (Société des Infrastructures de Réparation Navale de Dakar – SIRN), the Dakar International Ferry Station (Gare Maritime Internationale de Dakar), and the construction site of the Port of Ndayane.
At the Dakar Naval Repair Infrastructure Company (SIRN), located within the Port of Dakar, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the shipyard’s operations and technical capabilities. The facility, headed by Director General Mr. Saydi Ababacar Diop, serves as one of Senegal’s principal ship repair hubs.
Officials disclosed that the shipyard has the capacity to repair more than 200 vessels annually, servicing a wide range of ships from fishing trawlers to large commercial vessels and offshore units. The facility is equipped with modern infrastructure including a 195-meter-long dry dock measuring 27 meters wide, a floating dock with a lifting capacity of 60,000 tons, and a syncrolift boat lift capable of handling vessels of up to 1,200 tons.
The delegation also visited the Dakar International Ferry Station, a major regional passenger and cargo terminal operated under the Port of Dakar. The facility plays a critical role in connecting Senegal to neighboring countries and facilitating maritime transport within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Officials at the terminal highlighted the use of advanced technology and digitized systems to manage cargo flows, passenger movement, and port logistics. A key vessel operating from the terminal is the Ferry Aline Sitoe Diatta, captained by Captain Hadija Djiop, which supports regional connectivity by transporting passengers and goods across coastal destinations.
As part of the tour, the Liberian team also visited the construction site of the Port of Ndayane, a landmark maritime infrastructure project currently being developed by global logistics company DP World. With an estimated investment of $1.2 billion, the deep-water port is designed to transform Senegal into a major maritime trade hub in West Africa.
Upon completion, the project will feature up to seven port yard facilities, as well as a special economic zone and industrial infrastructure aimed at boosting Senegal’s economic growth, enhancing regional trade, and reducing logistical congestion.
The Liberian delegation described the tour as a valuable opportunity to gain insight into modern port infrastructure and operational systems that could inform future maritime development initiatives in Liberia.
Source : LiMA
