Since July 11, 2024, Albayrak Group, one of Türkiye's largest port investment conglomerates, has embarked on a significant transformative journey at the Port of Banjul following the signing of a concession agreement with the Gambian government. This agreement includes comprehensive financing, rehabilitation, maintenance, and operation of the Port of Banjul, along with the Basse and Kaur Inland Ports. A key aspect of this initiative is the construction of a new deep seaport at Sanyang, aimed at bolstering trade opportunities for The Gambia.
During the Conditions Precedent period, Albayrak Group proactively initiated investment activities that have already made a considerable impact on port operations. This demonstrates their commitment to fulfilling their obligations under the concession agreement. Below are the details of the progress made and ongoing development at the Port of Banjul.
Land Development:
The demolition of a newly acquired 15,000 m² land for a container stockyard has been completed, and construction of the port fence walls is currently underway.
Office Establishment:
The Albayrak Group's Banjul office was constructed and became operational within one month.
Infrastructure Improvements:
Ongoing leveling and pavement works for the truck parking area are in progress. The demolition of the Old Muslim High School was completed in just two days to facilitate the relocation of the current GPA Head Office. Additionally, a comprehensive condition assessment of all buildings in the port zone has been finalized.
Albayrak Group technicians have begun upgrading the electrical panels and cabling within the port. Human resources screening for the GPA and Dock Labor Company has also been completed.
A thorough assessment of port machinery and equipment has led to substantial improvements:
Reach Stackers: Increased from 4 to 9 active units.
Empty Handlers: Increased from 1 to 2 active units.
Terminal Tractors: Increased from 3 to 9 active units, with spare parts sourced for 6 dysfunctional units.
Spreader Repairs: Ongoing repairs for spreaders, with 2 currently active and repairs in progress for 10 20’ and 11 40’ spreaders.
New Equipment Orders: Orders have been placed for additional reach stackers, trailers, forklifts, and trucks. The current measurement of the access channel at Banjul Port has also been completed.
Albayrak Group has laid out a comprehensive execution plan aimed at further enhancing port operations. This plan includes:
Dredging: Improving navigational channels.
Warehouse Management: Streamlining storage operations.
Parking Relocation: Redesigning traffic flow to improve efficiency.
Training and Operations: Enhancing staff capabilities for better service delivery.
Cargo Operations: Establishing dedicated container storage areas and a Container Freight Station (CFS) area for unloading cargo from Guinea Bissau, Conakry, Bamako, and Senegal.
Infrastructure Rehabilitation:
This includes the repair of fenders and bollards, the construction of a fiber optic cable system, and the installation of a Terminal Operations System. Additionally, surface and pavement coatings of port access roads will be renewed, and rehabilitation of infrastructure systems will take place, including rainwater control, sewage and drinking water networks, and electrical system updates. A fire hydrant system will also be established.
Albayrak Group plans to integrate other stakeholders into a 24/7 shift system and implement entry and exit controls in accordance with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) regulations. This will be accompanied by the reorganization of traffic flows and the construction of weighbridge entry and exit structures.
