Located 18 km South of Libreville and operational since June 2017, the New Owendo International Port (NOIP) was inaugurated last October 14 by the Gabonese president, Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Built in 18 months, through a public-private partnership, between the State, Olam International and the Africa Finance Corporation, the new infrastructure cost close to CFA181 billion.

According to Gabon’s authorities, the NOIP has many objectives. Amongst these that to efficiently reduce cost of living by doubling the capital’s port capacity and decreasing clearance charges by 25%. Moreover, the New Owendo International Port is expected to make Libreville a significant trade hub across the Atlantic, while making the country more attractive and competitive.

These goals were reiterated by President Bongo during his speech at the inauguration ceremony. “This is an instrument to reduce the cost of life. A tool that will accelerate trade and help save billions of CFA francs per year, subsequently impacting prices to consumers. Its impact will be immediate for Gaboneses.We will make sure of that,” said the leader.  

Technically, the NOIP has a 420m dock equipped with fixed and mobile gantry cranes, for two mooring positions. An ultra-performant equipment which enables the handling of 150,000 containers per year over a short stopover period. The new Owendo port also has four grain silos and seven palm oil storing tanks.

The development of this modern logistic tool on the Igoumé bay, not far from the Owendo terminal (1974) and the new ore terminal of GSEZ, required nearly two thousands workers.

Stéphane Billé