# DP World Berbera Receives Three STS Cranes on 19 March 2021

> Horn Diplomat reported on 19 March 2021 that three ship-to-shore gantry cranes arrived at DP World Berbera, a milestone in the port's expansion.

- By: Editorial Team, Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com/about)
- Published: 30 September 2026
- Format: News story (reported from one named public source)
- Publication: Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com)
- Subject: Infrastructure and Services
- Tags: ports, construction-risk, utilities
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/dp-world-berbera-sts-cranes-arrival

## Key points

- On 19 March 2021, Horn Diplomat reported the arrival of three ship-to-shore gantry cranes at DP World Berbera.
- The report describes the cranes as part of a current project to expand the port, but does not confirm subsequent progress or operational use.
- DP World has stated a commitment to invest up to US$442 million, with a projected capacity increase of 500,000 TEUs per year upon completion.

On 19 March 2021, Horn Diplomat reported that three ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes had arrived at DP World Berbera, a development described as part of the port's ongoing expansion. The report, published that day, said the cranes were brought to the port by the vessel Zhen-Hua 29 and off-loaded by DP World Berbera's management and engineering team.

According to the Horn Diplomat report, each crane is 51 metres high, has a capacity of 65 tons, and an outer reach of 24 rows of containers. The report also stated that the cranes would be able to serve some of the largest container ships afloat today. However, the article does not provide independent verification of these specifications, nor does it confirm that the cranes have since been commissioned or used in active operations.

The arrival followed the installation of eight new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes at the port earlier in January 2021, as reported by Horn Diplomat. No subsequent milestones or updates after 19 March 2021 are available in the evidence, leaving the project's current status unconfirmed by independent sources.

In a statement reported by Horn Diplomat, Suhail Albanna, CEO and MD of DP World Middle East and Africa region, called the crane arrival a key milestone in the port's development and expansion, saying it would improve operational efficiencies and transform Berbera into a modern, world-class facility. These claims are attributed to Albanna and have not been independently verified.

Horn Diplomat also reported that DP World has committed to investing up to US$442 million to expand the port, and that once completed, the expansion will increase capacity by 500,000 TEUs per year. The report does not provide a breakdown of investment to date, nor does it specify a start or completion date for the expansion. It does not name a contractor or consultant for the project.

DP World Berbera handles general cargo, bulk cargo, roll-on/roll-off (RORO), livestock, and containerised cargo, according to the report. The port is described as a regional maritime hub in the Horn of Africa, a characterisation attributed to Horn Diplomat.

> **Note:** The available evidence is limited to the single Horn Diplomat report dated 19 March 2021. Subsequent progress on the expansion, crane commissioning, or capacity increases is not established.

## Questions

### Which specific milestone was achieved?

On 19 March 2021, Horn Diplomat reported the arrival of three ship-to-shore cranes at DP World Berbera, following the installation of eight rubber-tyred gantry cranes in January 2021.

### What are the next planned phases and timeline?

The evidence does not specify next phases or a timeline. DP World has committed to investing up to US$442 million, with a projected capacity increase of 500,000 TEUs per year upon completion, but no detailed schedule is provided.

### How does this affect the port's current and projected capacity?

The report claims the cranes will enable the port to serve larger container ships, but no current throughput figures or post-arrival capacity data are available. The projected capacity increase of 500,000 TEUs per year is contingent on project completion.

## Sources

- [DP World Berbera reaches another milestone in development of Berbera Port](https://www.horndiplomat.com/dp-world-berbera-reaches-another-milestone-in-development-of-berbera-port/) — Horn Diplomat, 2021-03-19