Bulk port in Gabon, to export commodities, mostly manganese ore, timber and iron ore and import construction materials. The first phase of the port has been in operation since January 2017.

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.

Meridiam has acquired a 25% stake in the Owendo Mineral Port. This was part of a partnership with OLAM, a leading global food and agri-commodities company from Singapore.

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). These certifications have been renewed in February 2023 for one year.

In addition, OMP recently received ISO 37001 Certification (Anti Bribery Management System) in December 2022. 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 delivery of barge loaders to reduce the spillage of manganese has been delayed by global supply chain disruptions and is now expected to be completed by Q1 2024.

A routine Business & Integrity audit was performed by PwC in 2020 to identify potential room for improvements. The audit recommended 28 actions, mostly related to training and Anti Bribery Management System (ABMS) implementation. The action plan is now completed.

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 until April 2024 in order to issue a RAP completion certificate.