Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Following a concession agreement signed in July, Türkiye’s Albayrak Group has accelerated efforts to revamp The Gambia’s port infrastructure, starting with the Port of Banjul and extending to inland terminals in Basse and Kaur. The ambitious project encompasses full financing, maintenance, and operational duties for the Port of Banjul and promises a major boost to Gambia’s trade potential with plans underway for a deep-sea port in Sanyang.

The commitment to modernizing Gambia’s ports has been welcomed by government officials and local businesses alike. Overall, this partnership between Albayrak Group and The Gambia holds great promise for the country’s economic development and future prosperity.

Early Impact: First-Phase Investment Operations Underway

Initiating its investment phase, Albayrak Group has demonstrated commitment through substantial improvements at the Port of Banjul. According to a GPA official who spoke to The Gambia Journal, recent upgrades and developments underscore the company’s proactive approach to fulfilling its concessionary responsibilities.

Infrastructure and Office Development

A notable milestone has been the completion of demolitions on a newly acquired 15,000 m² site for a container stockyard. Construction of fencing walls around the port area is currently progressing, and a new Albayrak Group office in Banjul was operational within just one month.

Other major improvements include ongoing pavement work for a truck parking area and the swift demolition of the Old Muslim High School, which cleared space for the future relocation of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) head office. A comprehensive condition assessment of all port structures has also been finalized, laying the groundwork for further enhancements.

Technical and Operational Upgrades

Albayrak Group’s technicians have embarked on essential electrical upgrades, focusing on modernizing port cabling and panels. Human resources screening of the GPA and Dock Labor Company staff has been completed, enhancing staffing efficacy for port operations.

In terms of machinery, a recent overhaul has doubled the number of operational Reach Stackers from four to nine. Container handlers and terminal tractors have also seen significant upgrades, with several units repaired and ready for use. Further equipment acquisitions, including vehicles, trailers, forklifts, and additional reach stackers, are underway.

Forward Strategy: Enhanced Operational Plan

To sustain the momentum, Albayrak has submitted a detailed implementation plan aimed at further boosting port efficiency. Dredging to improve navigational channels, warehouse optimization, and traffic restructuring to ease congestion are all scheduled over the coming months. Additional training for staff will support these developments, enhancing overall service quality.

Cargo operations remain a primary focus, with the establishment of designated container storage areas and a Container Freight Station (CFS) zone for imports from regional hubs such as Guinea Bissau, Conakry, Bamako, and Senegal.

Comprehensive Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Albayrak’s rehabilitation efforts extend to repairing fenders, bollards, and installing fiber-optic cables. Plans also include a terminal operations system, new pavement for port access roads, and extensive overhauls to rainwater management, sewage, and electrical systems. Security enhancements are aligned with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standards, including weighbridge installations, access control, and improved traffic flows.

The Albayrak Group’s focused investment and operations strategy not only reflects their dedication to transforming Gambia’s port facilities but also underscores their role in bolstering the nation’s trade capabilities and regional connectivity.