# Berbera Port Expansion: The October 2018 Construction Launch

> DP World reported on 11 October 2018 that construction at Berbera port began with a groundbreaking ceremony.

- By: Editorial Team, Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com/about)
- Published: 20 September 2026
- Format: News story (reported from one named public source)
- Publication: Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com)
- Subject: Infrastructure and Services
- Place: Berbera, Somaliland
- Tags: somaliland, berbera, civil-engineering
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/berbera-port-expansion-the-october-2018-construction-launch

## Key points

- DP World reported on 11 October 2018 that construction work on the multi-purpose Berbera port started with a groundbreaking ceremony.
- The first phase was described as a 400-metre quay, a 250,000 square metre yard extension and development of a free zone.
- Shafa Al Nahda Contracting was awarded the construction contract for the port expansion.

DP World reported on 11 October 2018 that construction work on the multi-purpose port at Berbera had started, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi and DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

## What the source records

DP World states that the first phase of work covers a 400-metre quay, a 250,000 square metre yard extension and the development of a free zone. The source records that Shafa Al Nahda Contracting, a long-term DP World partner, was awarded the construction contract, and that the joint venture DP World Berbera includes Ethiopia as a shareholder with a 19% stake. These figures come from [DP World](https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/groundbreaking-ceremony-marks-start-of-work-at-dp-world-berbera-in-somaliland).

## What it means on site

The scope separates port marine works from the free zone, so enquiries about one may not cover the other. A contractor pricing similar work can ask which package applies, who holds the contract, and what drawings or specifications govern it. The quay length and yard area are planned dimensions: treat them as scope figures, not as built measurements. For any present-day question, ask the port authority or the joint venture office for the as-built drawings rather than relying on the launch description.

## What the source does not establish

The announcement is launch evidence. It does not show what was completed, and the 400-metre quay and 250,000 square metre yard are stated as planned scope. The source gives no construction programme, no completion date, no cost and no as-built record. It records the contract award but not whether work on each element started. Nothing here establishes the port's condition after 11 October 2018. As-built drawings, completion certificates or a current port authority statement would confirm what exists now.

## What to do next

Request the current scope and status from the Berbera port authority or the DP World Berbera joint venture office, and ask for as-built drawings for the quay and yard if you are pricing or designing adjacent works. For contract questions, check the tender documents.

> **Note:** The figures dated 11 October 2018 are planned scope from the launch announcement, not measured quantities.

## Questions

### Who was awarded the Berbera port expansion construction contract?

DP World's 11 October 2018 announcement states that Shafa Al Nahda Contracting was awarded the construction contract for the port expansion.

### What did the first phase include?

The source describes the first phase as a 400-metre quay, a 250,000 square metre yard extension and development of a free zone, plus the involvement of DP World Berbera, the joint venture company.

## Sources

- [Port expansion construction launch](https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/groundbreaking-ceremony-marks-start-of-work-at-dp-world-berbera-in-somaliland) — DP World, 2018-10-11 (Documented launch; groundbreaking account and first-phase scope.)