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). This new bulk port aims at providing a comprehensive logistic platform for export and import (mainly manganese ore, iron ore and wood 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 wood).

The Port is developed in 2 phases under a 30-year Concession Agreement (signed in March 2015) with
20-year renewal:

• Phase 1 was commissioned in January 2017 to include a barging and a train loading and unloading system to handle current traffic.
• Phase 2 will consist of a mechanized vessel loading and unloading system. It will be developed when demand meets certain level.

Meridiam has acquired a 25% stake in the GSEZ Mineral Port. This is part of a partnership with OLAM, a leading global food and agri-communities company from Singapore. Political risk insurance covers currency transfer restriction and inconvertibility.

Stage:

In Operation, Completion date 31 December 2016