Background

The Owendo Bulk Port (also known as GSEZ Mineral Port or GSEZ MP) project relates to the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of a bulk port developed in Owendo, Libreville (Gabon), and the attached railway infrastructure. This new bulk port aims at providing a comprehensive logistic platform for export and import (mainly manganese ore and timber products for exports; aggregates, clinker and construction materials for imports).
The port has a surface of 45 ha (reclaimed on the sea) divided into 2 areas, an ore terminal of 25 hectares and a multipurpose terminal of 20 hectares (for aggregates and products derived from processed timber).
The Port is being developed in 2 phases under a 30-year Concession Agreement (signed in March 2015) which can be extended for a further 20-year:
• Phase 1 was commissioned in January 2017 to include a barging and a train loading and unloading system to handle current traffic.
• Phase 2 would consist of a mechanized vessel loading and unloading system.
It shall be developed when demand meets certain levels.

Stage

In Operation

ESG/SDG Key Facts

Following implementations of both Royal Haskoning DVH and WSP Environmental and Social Action Plans during the last couple of years, the port is now holding several international certifications, such as ISO 14001 (Environment Management System Requirements), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System Requirements), and ISO 50001 (Energy Management System Requirements).
Additional audits have been completed in 2022 from external third parties. This resulted in improvements in the monitoring of air and water quality monitoring procedures, enhanced monitoring of coastal erosion, and construction of additional sanitary infrastructure for employees. The barge loader to reduce the spillage of manganese is in commissioning.
A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) audit, related to the relocation of 10 households in 2020, was completed by INSUCO to identify the key next steps towards full completion. The interim report has been issued in 2022, and INSUCO is now supporting the management on the execution of this action plan. Most actions are now completed, and monitoring will remain in place to issue a RAP completion certificate.
A USD 2.6m loan has been received by BII to finance the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the port with a capacity of 1.6 MW, and a 1-MW battery storage system. The Ministry of Energy has given its approval, and implementation plan on-going.