In brief
- On 13 December 2022, Goobjoog News reported that DP World and Puntland signed an agreement to upgrade Bosaso Port, with works to start in early 2023 and finish within 12 months.
- The reported upgrade includes a new 150-metre quay, repairs to the existing 215-metre quay, a 3,000 sq m container yard, a 4,000 sq m stripping yard, and gate improvements.
- The report does not establish whether the upgrade has started, progressed, or been completed, and no independent confirmation beyond DP World's statement and the minister's expectations is available.
On 13 December 2022, Goobjoog News reported that Dubai-based ports operator DP World had signed an agreement with Puntland state to upgrade the port of Bosaso. The report, citing a DP World statement, said the upgrade would be carried out within 12 months starting in early 2023.
Scope of the reported upgrade
According to DP World's statement as reported by Goobjoog News, the works include development of a 150-metre quay, repairs to the current 215-metre quay, a new 3,000 square metre container yard, a 4,000 square metre container stripping yard, and an upgrade to the port gate area to improve access control.
Once complete, DP World said the port would be able to handle container vessels and attract more direct calls from feeder ships from Dubai and other regional hubs. It would also become an important hub for dhow transport serving the Somali coast. Puntland Ports and Maritime Minister Ahmed Salah said the agreement would create more opportunities for trade and transport in the region. Salah said the expansion and upgrade is key to Puntland's economic growth and would benefit Puntland, Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
2017 concession and 2022 agreement
Goobjoog News reported that P&O Ports, a DP World subsidiary, won a $336 million concession to develop, expand and manage Bosaso port in 2017. The concession would run for 30 years, similar to DP World's concession at Berbera port in Somaliland. The 2022 report does not give a separate contract value for the new upgrade agreement, and the $336 million refers to the 2017 concession.
What has happened since 13 December 2022 is not established
The Goobjoog News article records the signing and the planned works. It does not confirm that construction has started, progressed or been completed, nor does it provide evidence from an independent Puntland authority beyond the minister's statements. No information on whether the 12-month timeframe was met appears in the report or elsewhere in the evidence reviewed.
DP World has not published the signed agreement, and no tender notices, progress reports, or completion certificates are available for this upgrade. Consequently, the status of the Bosaso Port upgrade since the December 2022 announcement remains unconfirmed by independent sources.
Frequently asked questions
What are the financial terms and investment commitments?
The report does not give a contract value for the 2022 upgrade agreement. The $336 million figure refers to the 2017 concession won by P&O Ports, a DP World subsidiary.
How does this compare to DP World's Berbera port concession in Somaliland?
Goobjoog News reported that the 2017 Bosaso concession would run for 30 years, similar to DP World's concession at Berbera port, Somaliland.
What impact will the upgrade have on Puntland's trade and logistics?
DP World said the port would handle container vessels and attract feeder ships from Dubai. Minister Ahmed Salah said it would create trade and transport opportunities and integrate the region into global trade.