The operator has invested more than US$260 million in upgrading the terminal since it began operating there in 2021. Annual throughput has almost doubled over the past five years, from 177,000 TEUs to more than 350,000 TEUs, supported by an extra 28,000 m² of yard space. This year DP World added two mobile harbour cranes and an empty handler, bringing its mobile harbour crane fleet to eight, and increased the number of reefer plugs from 630 to 700.
At the opening of the terminal’s new building, DP World announced a further US$90 million investment over the next two years. The project will extend the quay by 222 metres to 830 metres and add 10 hectares, taking the concession area to 37 hectares. Design capacity will rise to 1.2 million TEUs.
The terminal will also take delivery of three ship-to-shore cranes and 12 semi-automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes. Together with the longer quay, this will allow it to handle two Post-Panamax vessels at the same time. DP World expects the expansion to cut vessel turnaround times by up to 50%.
Mohammed Akoojee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Africa, at DP World, said: “The expansion of DP World Luanda is an important milestone both for Angola and for the wider region. The ability to handle larger vessels will support new shipping services and strengthen the terminal’s potential as a gateway for West and Central Africa. Our investment will improve the efficiency and sustainability of trade flows, giving customers greater reliability, shorter turnaround times and improved access to global markets, and reinforcing Angola’s prominent role within our regional and global logistics network.”
Paco Pinzon, Chief Executive Officer of DP World Luanda, said: “Having our concession extended to 2051 demonstrates our long-term commitment to Angola and its future as a leading regional trade gateway. 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. The expansion will benefit the entire logistics ecosystem, and we will continue to create opportunities, strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Angola.”
