Banjul Port is being developed as the leading maritime centre for trade, logistics, and distribution with the ultimate objective of actually operating as an alternative hub, serving major lines operating in the region in the next millennium as a competitive option to those already established in the Europe-West Africa range.

As a multipurpose port catering for containerised, break bulk, liquid and dry bulk as well as neo-bulk cargoes, terminal facilities are available in the port to provide customers with excellent, expeditious and value for money services on a 24/7 all weather basis.

Dedicated CFS facilities managed by the Authority and private operators are available to cater for breaking bulk of LCL import containers, and consolidation and stuffing of export containers

In November, 1997, the Authority commissioned a newly constructed dedicated ROLL ON - ROLL OFF facility which is now operational and caters for specialised RO-RO traffic.

The constant upgrading of port infrastructure facilities and the continuous acquisition of State-Of-The Art cargo handling plants, equipment and harbour crafts, demonstrate the Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its ship and cargo handling operations, thus responding to the needs of its broad customers base.

These facilities are put in place for use by our clientele on a "supply driven" basis in order to ensure, reliable and efficient service delivery at all times. Vessels’ waiting time for berth is virtually eliminated, and dwell time for all cargoes is reduced to internationally accepted limits

Our investment in training to develop our human resource base, compliments and supports our modernisation efforts. Being the single most important asset, our human resources development strategy is aimed at identifying the required skills, and then nurturing and harnessing existing and potential talents needed to move the Corporation forward.

The port operates a competitive and flexible tariff structure.

The commercial environment of the port is continuously being enhanced, through constant dialogue, consultation and co-operation between the Authority, the Department of Customs and Excise, and other Government agencies operating within the port.

The housing of Customs and the Authority's personnel in the new documentation-handling centre aims at providing a one-stop-shop service centre to port users. The Single Administrative Documents (SAD) aims at simplifying and streamlining Customs administration and documentation procedures thereby facilitating cargo clearance and forwarding process. Thanks to ASyCuDA.

As E-Commerce and the worldwide application of EDI based port and business transactions are gradually transforming international maritime trade, the use of computers has become a necessity in every port. The GPA is currently developing its IT capabilities with a view to upgrade and expand it's port operations system in order to make it, not only millennium ready but turned into a port community based system linked to the customs ASyCuDA System and other international systems operated by major shipping lines serving the region.

The development of Free zones, bonded warehouses, transit and transhipment facilities within and around the Freeport are aimed at attracting logistics and distribution, processing, and other value added activities in the port of Banjul. As a traditional regional trading and distribution centre, The Gambia is poised to excel as the ultimate location to guarantee international business establishments, market access to the multi-billion Dollar ECOWAS market.

Facilities in the free zone are for private sector developers and operators. On demand, land shall be allocated and leased to developers on long-term basis for use at their discretion but in line with the overall objective of the Gambia Gateway Strategy.

The Government aims at transforming the Gambia into a world class service centre by the year 2020, as enshrined in the National Vision 20:20. The port sits at the apex of all these developments and serves as a catalyst to spur and drive the process to full realisation.

Finally, the information contained in this hope page will be constantly updated in order to provide relevant and timely business guide. Please watch out for our "News Updates".  Should you wish to seek clarification or require additional information please contact us.

Thank you.

ADAMA DEEN

MANAGING DIRECTOR.