Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority

Making #Djibouti the #investment, trade, and transport hub of #Africa

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

This morning Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD) accommodated the M/V Benjamin Franklin of CMA CGM, with 399.9 meters LOA, and 17-meters draft with a carrying capacity of 18,000 TEUs, and we still have 4 meters under the keel.

The call size is 4,800 moves, equivalent to 8,000+ TEUs. 4 tugboats were deployed with a senior Djibouti pilot to berth the vessel starboardside along side.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority was pleased to take part in the first edition of the Djibouti Beach Festival, held at Heron Beach, a coastal area falling under the jurisdiction of DPFZA.

As part of Djibouti’s maritime domain, our coastal spaces represent valuable assets for the development of the Blue Economy, promoting sustainable use of marine resources, coastal tourism, and new economic opportunities.

We are delighted to welcome this first event within our maritime space and to support initiatives that celebrate the richness and potential of Djibouti’s coastline.

We look forward to seeing future editions extend to other remarkable coastal destinations, including Tadjourah, Ghoubet, Ras Siyan and Arta, further showing the diversity and economic potential of Djibouti’s maritime heritage.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

DJIBOUTI BEACH FESTIVAL 2026 : LE MINISTRE DU COMMERCE DONNE LE COUP D’E... https://t.co/O3MeEbWbtL via @YouTube

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

https://t.co/917uS0u3Oy

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Here is a video recap of the visit:
@omar_hadi
@ANDjibouti
@Amohamednur
@Golaha_shac_JFS

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today, Chairman welcomed H.E. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, accompanied by H.E. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, President of the Djibouti National Assembly at our Port facilities.

The high-level delegation began their visit with a tour of the Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD), followed by a visit to the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ).

Discussions focused on further strengthening port cooperation between Djibouti and Somalia, building on the operational collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives already established between DPFZA and Somalia ports.

This cooperation has contributed to technical support, expertise-sharing and operational training for the development of Somali ports:
- Mogadishu Port: Technical assistance with the donation of two tugboats M/T Bab el Mandeb and M/T Moussa Bouh, container-handling equipments with spare parts, the deployment of a technical support team from Djibouti for a period of two years, and training of port duty officers.
- Bossaso Port: Bathymetric survey of the access channel of the port basin; upgrading navigation aids; donation of one tugboat M/T Hassan Gouled Aptidon and Rasyan pushcat; Port tariffs and regulation study.
- Bossasso Airport: Advisory support for Bossasso airport concept design for the runway direction
- Garacad Port: Advisory support for ports operations and ports management.
- Berbera Port: Engineering and operational training for 11 senior staff during 6 months in Djibouti.
- Hobyo Port: Developing the port of Hobyo, site location, metocean studies, conceptual port design; a preliminary road concept design including cost evaluation (CAPEX) for the corridor linking Hobyo-Cadaado-Caabudwaaq to connect Somali region of Ethiopia to the Indian Ocean.

Djibouti Ports and Free Zones and Somalia ports will continue their cooperation through continued experience-sharing, technical exchanges and the strengthening of maritime connectivity between Somalia and Djibouti ports.

We have currently 11 Somali business companies operating in Djibouti's Free Zones, reflecting the growing economic and commercial ties between the two Nations.
@omar_hadi
@ANDjibouti
@Amohamednur
@Golaha_shac_JFS

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Chairman received a delegation from PetroChina International (Middle East) Company Limited, led by its Deputy General Manager Hu Weiqiang, at Red Sea World Centre.

Established in 2002, PetroChina International (Middle East) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PetroChina Company Limited, with its parent company being China National Petroleum Corporation.

PetroChina International operates in the Middle East, the Red Sea littoral and East Africa, with a global presence spanning more than 20 countries and major business hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Dubai, Houston and London.

PetroChina operates across the international energy value chain, including the trading of more than 140 grades of crude oil, natural gas sales, LNG, refined petroleum products, bunkering, renewable energy and biofuel processing and trading. The company reports an annual trading volume of approximately 500 million tonnes of oil with an annual sales revenue of USD 140 billion.

Discussions focused on the development of a 300,000 m³ petroleum storage depot on a 20-hectare site at the Damerjog Industrial Park, and the establishment of an oil refinery.

The delegation was also interested in��the regional oil transportation corridor connecting South Sudan to Djibouti through Ethiopia. The initiative aims to provide South Sudan with an additional export route for its two types of crude oil: Dar Blend crude oil,a major export grade of sweet, waxy crude produced in Melut Basin and Nile Blend, a sweet, light-to-medium paraffinic crude oil.

Djibouti's maritime infrastructure and Damerjog's Liquid Bulk Port will be used to access international markets. The project would strengthen regional energy connectivity, diversify export routes and position Djibouti as a key energy transit and trading hub in the Horn of Africa.
@omar_hadi
@official_cnpc
@RSBunkering
@DjiboutiSihd
@djib_mern

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

The Ethiopian Birr is 1.09 Djf as by today.
This information is addressed to the traders and service providers on the corridor and the ports communities.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Red Sea Bunkering is refueling World Trade safety through free navigation at sea.

@omar_hadi
@RSBunkering

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

This morning, Chairman received H.E. Mrs. Denisa-Elena Ionete, Ambassador of the European Union to Djibouti and IGAD, at the Red Sea World Centre.

Was discussed the strengthening of the existing cooperation between DPFZA and the European Union Economic institutions. New opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships in infrastructure development, regional connectivity and renewable energy were also identified.

Chairman and H.E Mrs. Denisa-Elena Ionete discussed the importance of safety in maritime  security. Chairman renewed support to the European Union’s ASPIDES and ATALANTA operations for strengthening maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, particularly in a context marked by growing regional and international maritime challenges.

The discussions also explored new areas of cooperation, including the use of Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port and the Port of Tadjourah  as alternative facilities for naval vessels requiring additional berthing space, alongside the continued provision of bunkering and fresh water supply services. Waste management reception facility for the ships to protect the marine environment in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Tadjourah (protected area by the IMO convention) to be developed.

Further discussions addressed the development of the DESSU corridor, with a view to strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating cross-border trade and improving the movement of goods between Djibouti and neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda and to connect the Red Sea to the Great Lake countries for Business and Humanitarian goods.

H. E the Ambassador congratulated DPFZA on the investment in the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard  and highlighted that European merchant and naval vessels could be maintained and repaired in Djibouti , offering additional technical support to ships operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Both sides agreed to develop cooperation in renewable energy, particularly in wind and solar power, as well as marine energy solutions, including tidal energy. Such cooperation could contribute to Djibouti’s energy transition and support the development of more sustainable port and industrial infrastructure.

@omar_hadi
@DenisaIoneteEU
@UEaDjibouti
@MAECIDJIBOUTI
@IsmailOguelleh

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Chairman received at Red Sea World Centre Mr. Ahmed  ALFALAHI, Managing Director Supply, Trading and Processing of ENOC, Mr. Fahad ASKAR CEO HTL and Omar Kassou General Manager of HDTL Doraleh.

The team of Enoc has visited the Damerjog Oil Jetty and expressed their impressions, describing the oil jetty as a state of the art infrastructure, compared to the Oil jetties HTL is using around the world.
They expressed interest in developing oil storage tanks in Damerjog.

Meanwhile, they have requested the expansion of their oil storage in Doraleh and also for Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority to invest in the expansion of the Oil jetty in Doraleh.

The Capex of the railway connection to Horizon Oil Terminal in Doraleh, the connection of the railway to the oil depot in Awash and other storage oil facilities in Ethiopia was discussed.

@omar_hadi
@enoc_official

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Chairman received at Red Sea World Centre Mr. Karim Matallah, conseiller (Gestion) et consul of the Canadian Embassy of Djibouti.

Discussions focused on the shipment of Canadian diplomatic cargo which is by air now. The Canadian embassy expressed interest in using ocean freight through Djibouti ports.

Chairman recommended the use of the Djibouti Ports Community System (DPCS) to enhance cargo tracking and ensure better visibility throughout the supply chain, from arrival in Djibouti to final delivery. Also, Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority has an office in Addis Abeba for all customers.

The discussions also explored opportunities to increase the presence of Canadian companies within Djibouti’s free zones. The Djibouti International Free Trade Zone currently hosts 12 Canadian companies, which benefit from Djibouti’s strategic location and access to African and international markets through the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) Djibouti model. Under this approach, goods are shipped to Djibouti, where they can be received, stored and redistributed to regional markets, positioning the country as a regional logistics and trade hub.

@omar_hadi
@hasna_barkat
@CanadaDjibouti

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today, Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi attended at Red Sea World Centre, the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC) and the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA), under the high patronage of H.E. Said Nouh, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment; Ms. Mina Houssein, Executive Director of the DRTC; and Col. André Ciseau, Secretary General of PMAESA.

The Djibouti Regional Training Center (DRTC) is an essential institution dedicated to enhancing maritime safety in the region. Established to support the Djibouti Code of Conduct, the DRTC aims to provide training and capacity-building programs for maritime professionals from signatory states and beyond.

The Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) promotes cooperation among ports, improves operational efficiency, facilitates trade and strengthens maritime connectivity across Eastern and Southern Africa.  The member states are Angola, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

The signing of the MoU falls within PMAESA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028, which positions the Association as a platform for regional integration and enhanced global competitiveness among ports in its member countries.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the DRTC and PMAESA in developing and delivering training programs for the benefit of member ports. Areas of cooperation include capacity building, regional training programmes, technical expertise, knowledge sharing, port safety and maritime security, crisis management, environmental protection, research and innovation, with the aim of improving port efficiency, sustainability and resilience.

In his remarks, Col. André Ciseau described the agreement as the beginning of a long-term partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to developing human capacities and building stronger, more competitive institutions.

Eng. Mina Houssein reaffirmed the DRTC’s full readiness and commitment to working closely with PMAESA to translate the partnership’s objectives into concrete actions that benefit the States of the region.

Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi reminded that maritime trade accounts for 80% of global trade, and stressed the importance of investing in people, developing professional skills and strengthening human capital across the maritime and port sectors. He also highlighted that out of 17 landlocked in the continent, 10 landlocked countries, 800 million consumers, are using PMAESA ports to trade with the rest of the world.

H.E. Said Nouh reaffirmed the Government of Djibouti’s commitment to the development and long-term sustainability of the DRTC, as well as to ensuring that its expertise and infrastructure are fully utilized for the benefit of maritime and port professionals across the region.
H.E expressed the hope that the partnership would quickly translate into joint training programmes, exchanges of expertise and practical initiatives addressing the needs of States and member port authorities.

@omar_hadi
@PMAESAHQ
@CRFM2023

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

This afternoon, Chairman received Mr. Sotoris Yannopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of BMMI Group, at the Red Sea World Centre.

BMMI Group is an international provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, integrated facilities management, shipping, logistics and procurement services, serving a diverse range of clients, including governments and international organizations.

During the meeting, BMMI expressed continued interest in utilizing Djibouti’s port and logistics infrastructure, commending the quality of services offered and the capabilities of the Djibouti Ports Community System (DPCS). The Group praised the system’s business intelligence tools for improving transparency and access to information, describing them as a game changer for operational efficiency.

BMMI also emphasized the importance for DPFZA to expand the current 240-hectare first phase of the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) to accommodate more businesses and attract additional companies, further strengthening Djibouti’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

Chairman encouraged BMMI to adopt the CIF Djibouti model, pre-positioning goods in Djibouti the markets across the region.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

The work maintenance on M/T Solas 7 was completed and it includes:
- Gaz Free inspection;
- Treatment of the Hull;
- Protection of Zinc anodes;
- Polishing, Cleaning and Painting of the propeller and shaft;
-Water cooling line (pressure maintenance);
-Sewage treatment;
- Steel plate work replacement and welding;
- Blasting and painting of the anchor spare and underwater area and above water line;
- Markings of the vessel.

The job was completed in 9 days instead of 12 days and the ship hit the water today to trade. All the crew of the vessel was on board and the Djibouti pilot sailed the ship to the high sea.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

This morning the M/T Solo7 has been docked on the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard.

Another one !

@omar_hadi
@IsmailOguelleh
@OIFrancophonie

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

The work maintenance has already started
@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

The Red Sea Bunkering floating storage M/T Red Sea II has a storage capacity of 75 000 tons of fuel. This represents 20% of the fix fuel storage existing today in Djibouti at Doraleh.
@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

This morning, Chairman received Mr. Fadul Mohammed Khair Sultan, CEO of Sultan Group, at the Red Sea World Centre.

Discussions focused on the development of business partnerships in four key areas:

1- The discussions explored opportunities for developing petroleum products storage facilities at Damerjog, connected to Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, which offers modern infrastructure designed to accommodate large-scale liquid bulk operations. The oil jetty has an annual dynamic handling capacity(throughput) of 25 million tonnes,and can serve multiple storage terminals with a total static storage capacity of approximately 2 million cubic metres. This infrastructure offers significant capacity and operational flexibility for regional petroleum markets.

2- It was discussed to develop in Damerjog a trading platform hub of petroleum products for the Red Sea and East African market. The trading business will start with a floating storage owned by Red Sea Bunkering.

3- The discussions further addressed opportunities to create international airlines with headquarters in Djibouti. Thus expanding air connectivity, and strengthen the country’s position as a gateway connecting regional and international markets.

4- The development of a Free Zone land was also discussed.

Mr. Fadul Mohammed Khair Sultan said that He was very impressed by Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, which he described as a state of the art infrastructure.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today, Chairman received H.E. Abdelrahman Raafat, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, leading a delegation from Arab Contractors headed by its CEO, Eng. Ahmed El-Assar, at Red Sea World Centre.

The meeting was on the advancement of major infrastructure projects, building on the cooperation initiated during the visit in December 2025 of H.E. Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The discussions centred on two key projects:
- The development of a new container terminal with a capacity of 5 million TEUs and a 1,450-metre quay with a design depth of -18 metres at the lowest tide, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Great Horn Investment Holding (GHIH) and Egypt’s state-owned Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport (HCMLT) .
-The construction of  the 90-kilometre RN18 corridor, PK13-Holl Holl- Dasbiyo-Ali Sabieh and Gualilleh including the 7-kilometre connection to Biciidley Airport.

The meeting provided an opportunity to continue engagement with Egyptian partners and explore the role of Arab Contractors, a leading construction and engineering company.

Founded in 1955, Arab Contractors has extensive experience in transport infrastructure, roads, marine works, water and wastewater management, and petroleum-related projects.

Its portfolio includes the construction of a 90-metre bridge connecting the Wuye and Wuse districts in Abuja, Nigeria and more recently the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant and Dam 2.1 GW, on River Rufiji in the Morogoro and Coast regions of Eastern Tanzania.

@omar_hadi
@arabcont

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Djibouti : Le trafic portuaire tient bon, malgré les turbulences https://t.co/lVXdfXX92g via @JournalLa33018

@omar_hadi