New container and terminal at the port of Nouakchott

Background

The project consists of the design, financing, construction, maintenance and operation of a new container terminal at the port of Nouakchott. The project was awarded by the government of Mauritania to Arise
Mauritania under a 30-year concession agreement (DBOT-scheme) in September 2018. It is the first major infrastructure project developed under a PPP-scheme in the country (1) .
In December 2018, Meridiam joined the project by acquiring 50% of the shares of Arise Mauritania.
The Port of Nouakchott accounts for almost all the imports for the domestic market. This new terminal will contribute significantly to the economic development of Mauritania by supporting the growth of its import traffic but also by participating in the development of export sectors (particularly in the fishing and copper industries) and by creating new opportunities for regional trade (particularly with Mali).
The new infrastructure is being developed in two phases. The first phase will include a 250,000 TEU container terminal, and the extension and deepening of the port area to allow large container vessels.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was approved by the Ministry of the Environment in February 2019.
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report (prepared by Royal HaskoningDHV in line with IFC Performance Standards), was finalized in May 2019 and all construction HSE management plans (ESMPs) were finalized in September 2019. In Q1 2021, a new external audit was carried out by Artelia to assess the on-site implementation of the ESMPs.

The project is expected to create 1,250 direct jobs over the duration of the concession contract, including 850 direct jobs during construction (currently mobilized on site) and 500 direct jobs during operation.

Stage:

Under Construction; expected Completion Date 31 December 2021

Learn more about the project:

Meridiam reaches financial closing of Nouakchott port in Mauritania

Meridiam announces the closing of the reopening of its Africa fund at €546 million, 2.5 times its initial size