Steel Guru : DP World assumes operating second concession in Algeria

Global marine terminal operator DP World has formally taken over operations at the Port of Djen Djen, now DP World Djen Djen in accordance with a 30 year operating concession signed early last month.

Officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry and Foreign Investment joined senior DP World management at a ceremony to mark the official handover of the terminal to the new entity, a JV between DP World and the Algerian port authority.

DP World Djen Djen, located 350 kilometers east of the Algerian capital is fundamental to the country’s long term growth strategy. The port is the main terminus for the eastern part of the country and will be developed as a transshipment hub for the western Mediterranean. DP World Djazair, which handles more than 60% of the country’s external trade, will be developed further to serve primarily domestic needs. Currently, Djen Djen handles only bulk traffic.

The latest addition to DP World’s global terminal portfolio is expected to attract significant new investment and create thousands of new jobs in a region with one of the youngest populations in North Africa. DP World Djen Djen will benefit immediately from the introduction of a highly experienced management team, as well as training opportunities for terminal staff.

The ceremony took place in the city of Jijel, approximately 11 Kilometers west of the terminal. Those present included Mr Touati Yahya the Ministry of Transport’s representative in the province of Jijel, Mr Anil Singh SVP and MD for Africa Region, DP World and Mr. Tarik El Farouki GD of DP World Djen Djen.

DP World Djen Djen is the second DP World concession in Algeria, the first being the Port of Algiers, now DP World Djazair, whose handover was completed on March 19 of this year. DP World Djazair employees have already completed advanced simulator instruction at DP World’s flagship terminal Jebel Ali, in Dubai and are currently undergoing on the job training at DP World’s Doraleh Container Terminal.

Mr Tarik El Farouki GD of DP World Djen Djen said that “DP World is delighted to be partnering with Algeria to develop Djen Djen’s tremendous potential. The terminal will have an immediate positive effect on the local economy through job and business creation, significant new training opportunities and the provision of efficient, quality logistics services.”

Mr Anil Singh SVP and MD of Africa Region said that “The Port of Djen Djen, now DP World Djen Djen will play a critical role in facilitating Algeria’s growth and development. We are very excited to be able to put the management expertise, technology and entrepreneurial spirit of DP World to work in realizing Djen Djen’s potential, both for the benefit of our customers and the Algerian people.”