AfricaMiddle EastPorts and Logistics

DP World’s Djibouti contract scrapped

A diplomatic spat has erupted in the Middle East with Dubai terminal operator DP World accusing the government of Djibouti of illegally seizing control of the Doraleh Container Terminal.

DP World said in a statement that the seizure of the terminal came after the government’s campaign to force DP World to renegotiate the terms of its concession in the Horn of Africa. DP World has had a concession in Djibouti since 2006.

DP World has commenced arbitration proceedings at a court in London.

The government in Djibouti has been trying to get DP World to renegotiate its contract since last December. A final demand was issued on Wednesday and the contract was then scrapped via presidential decree yesterday.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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