# P&O Ports wins $336m concession for Bosasso port in Puntland

> Horn Diplomat reported on 7 April 2017 that P&O Ports was awarded a 30-year, $336m concession to develop Bosasso port…

- 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: Business and Costs
- Tags: procurement, contractor-selection, construction-risk
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/po-ports-336m-concession-bosasso-puntland

## Key points

- On 7 April 2017, Horn Diplomat reported that P&O Ports was awarded a 30-year, $336 million concession for the management and development of Bosasso port in Puntland, citing a P&O Ports statement.
- The reported scope includes a 450m quay, 5 hectare backup area, dredging to 12m, and investment in IT, terminal operating system, mobile harbour cranes and container handling equipment.
- No evidence is available on what has happened since the announcement: whether the concession is active, amended, cancelled, or whether any construction has started.

On 7 April 2017, Horn Diplomat reported that Dubai-based P&O Ports had been awarded a 30-year, $336 million concession for the management and development of a port project in Somalia, citing a company statement issued the previous day. The facility is located at Bosasso in the Puntland region.

The report described the approximate investment as $336 million divided into two phases: $136 million for Phase 1 and $200 million for Phase 2. The scope of works, as reported, includes building a 450-metre quay and a 5-hectare backup area, dredging to a depth of 12 metres, and major investment in an IT and Terminal Operating System (TOS), mobile harbour cranes and container handling equipment. Horn Diplomat identified Gulf News as the source of the original report.

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohammaad Ali, as reported by Horn Diplomat, described the concession agreement for expanding Bosasso port as a major achievement for his government and the people of Puntland. He added that the investment would contribute to infrastructure development in Somalia, particularly Puntland, and that infrastructure development is a priority for his government. He also said the concession promotes historical and trade relations between the UAE and Somalia.

The report does not establish what has happened since that date. There is no evidence whether the concession remains in force, has been amended or cancelled, or whether construction has started. No information is available on actual investment expenditure, funding disbursement, equipment procurement, or regulatory approvals beyond the signing ceremony. The contract terms beyond the 30-year duration and the total approximate investment figure are not detailed. No independent verification of the Gulf News article was provided.

> **Note:** SCR has not independently verified the award or its current status. The 2017 report is the only source available; no subsequent updates from P&O Ports or Puntland authorities were located.

## Questions

### Which port is covered by the concession?

The report says the port facility is at Bosasso in Puntland, Somalia.

### What is the scope of the $336 million investment?

According to Horn Diplomat, the project includes a 450m quay, 5 hectare backup area, dredging to 12m, and investment in IT, terminal operating system, mobile harbour cranes and container handling equipment.

### What are the concession terms?

Horn Diplomat reported a 30-year term and a total approximate investment of $336 million, split into $136 million for Phase 1 and $200 million for Phase 2. No further terms are stated.

## Sources

- [Somalia:P&O Ports wins $336m concession in Puntland Region of Somalia](https://www.horndiplomat.com/somaliapo-ports-wins-336m-concession-in-puntland-region-of-somalia/) — Horn Diplomat, 2017-04-07