DP World has secured a 10-year extension to its multipurpose container terminal concession at the Port of Luanda in Angola, pushing its operating agreement to 2051 alongside a planned $90 million investment program aimed at increasing design capacity and modernizing port infrastructure.
Port of Luanda Concession Extended to 2051
Global logistics operator DP World has secured a 10-year extension to its operating agreement for the multipurpose container terminal at the Port of Luanda in Angola. Operating the facility since 2021, the company announced the extension during the inauguration of the terminal’s new building.
Since beginning operations, the terminal operator has invested more than $260 million into upgrading and modernizing the facility. Over the past five years, container throughput nearly doubled, climbing from 177,000 TEUs to more than 350,000 TEUs. This volume growth was supported by an added 28,000 square meters of container handling yard space.
Company Invests $90 Million to Upgrade Infrastructure
To keep pace with rising commercial demand, the company committed an additional $90 million over the next two years during the terminal building’s inauguration event. The new capital injection targets infrastructure, specialized equipment, and enhanced operational capabilities across the site.
Equipment upgrades rolled out this year include two mobile harbour cranes and an empty container handler, lifting the terminal’s mobile crane fleet total to eight. Refrigerated container connection plugs also expanded from 630 to 700 connections.
Quay Extension Increases Terminal Capacity to 1.2 Million TEUs
The planned expansion program introduces major physical changes to the port layout. Engineers will extend the quay by 222 meters and add 10 hectares of operational space, driving the terminal’s design capacity to 1.2 million TEUs.
According to the company’s announcements, the capital program supports the acquisition of three ship-to-shore gantry cranes and 12 semi-automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes. These additions will enable the port to service two Post-Panamax vessels at the exact same time.
- Acquisition of three ship-to-shore gantry cranes
- Installation of 12 semi-automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes
- Capability to accommodate two Post-Panamax vessels simultaneously
According to industry data compiled by IndexBox, these Post-Panamax cranes are designed to handle exceptionally wide container ships that exceed the maximum lock dimensions of the original Panama Canal route.
Executive Perspectives on Regional Trade
Company executives emphasized the broader regional significance of the long-term agreement. Mohammed Akoojee noted that handling larger vessels will unlock new shipping lanes and reinforce Luanda’s position as a gateway serving west and central African markets.
Local leadership emphasized the multi-decade commitment in the renegotiated terms, noting that ongoing capital allocations will help diversify the local economy and foster continent-wide logistics capabilities.
