DP World bets US$90M on doubling Luanda port capacity
Once implemented, vessel turnaround times are expected to decrease by up to 50%.
ANGOLA – DP World has secured a 10-year extension to operate the Port of Luanda’s multipurpose terminal through 2051, alongside a US$90 million expansion over the next two years, according to a company statement.
The extension follows more than US$260 million invested since DP World began operations in 2021.
Container throughput at the multipurpose terminal has nearly doubled, from 177,000 TEUs to more than 350,000 TEUs, supported by the addition of 28,000 square metres of yard area.
In 2026, the terminal expanded its equipment fleet by adding two Mobile Harbour Cranes and an additional empty handler, bringing the total MHC count to eight.
Quay extension and equipment upgrade
The US$90 million expansion will extend the existing quay by 222 metres, increasing the total wharf length to 830 metres.
The operating area will expand by 10 hectares, increasing the concession area from 27 to 37 hectares and the design capacity from 500,000 to 1.2 million TEUs.
In addition, the upgrade includes three Ship-to-Shore cranes and 12 semi-automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
Once implemented, vessel turnaround times are expected to decrease by up to 50%, and the terminal will be able to handle two Post-Panamax vessels simultaneously.
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.”
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.”
Luanda’s role in DP World’s African corridor strategy
DP World’s extension of the Luanda terminal to 2051 reflects a shift towards terminals that anchor multi-country corridors, with Luanda serving as a gateway to both Congo and Zambia.
Moreover, Angola competes with Walvis Bay and Dar es Salaam for Central African transit volumes.
As a result, Luanda’s Post-Panamax capability targets cargo currently routed through other corridors, and a 50% faster vessel turnaround determines whether mainline operators include Luanda in their rotations.
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