Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Turkish company Albayrak has today officially taken over operations at the Banjul Seaport following a concession agreement with the administration of President Adama Barrow. As part of the agreement, significant operational changes and infrastructure improvements are set to enhance the port’s efficiency and competitiveness on the global stage.

The project involves infrastructure development at Banjul Port, operational alignment, and stakeholder engagement, focusing on construction, operational preparation, and strengthening partnerships for maximum project impact.

One of the key adjustments involves new operating hours, with the seaport now open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including Saturdays. This extended schedule aims to boost productivity and streamline cargo processing, enabling the port to handle increased volumes within shorter timeframes.

The agreement calls for Albayrak to upgrade Banjul Port, the sole commercial port in The Gambia, with an investment of €20.5 million. Along with the building of the new $1 billion deep seaport at Sanyang, which is expected to be finished in six years and run on a 30-year concession plan, it also covers the full funding, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the interior ports of Basse and Kaur. Regaining maritime traffic lost to nearby ports as a result of aging infrastructure is the main objective.

In preparation for this transition, the Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Ousman Jobarteh, issued a circular informing staff about the creation of Alport Banjul, a new company that will oversee operations. The circular outlined that all operational staff members will be transferred to Alport Banjul, with their current terms of employment and benefits remaining intact.

Jobarteh reassured employees about the stability of their roles, emphasizing that cooperation and unity would be critical during this transition. “Further communication will be provided. Thus, all are encouraged to embrace the transition with positive disposition,” he stated.

The GPA head also sought explicit consent from staff members regarding the transfer of their employment to the Turkish company, underscoring a commitment to transparency and maintaining trust throughout the process.

Albayrak’s assumption of control marks a pivotal moment for The Gambia’s maritime sector, as the partnership is expected to bring transformative changes to one of the country’s most critical economic assets. Both parties have expressed optimism about the potential of this collaboration to position the Banjul Seaport as a beacon of operational excellence in the region.