The port of Dakar is not only the major shipping port for the country of Senegal, but it is also one of the major shipping hubs in Africa. Dakar is the westernmost city on the Africa mainland and originally served as a unique and strategic shipping point for trade between Africa and Europe. Today, the port of Dakar serves as a major sea link between Africa and all regions of the world including South America, North America, Europe and the rest of Africa. The history of international shipping services to Dakar, Senegal stretches all the way back to the mid 1800’s when all major port activity was shifted from Goree Island to Dakar. In 1885 a major railroad was established between Dakar and the northern city of Saint Louis.
Today, the port of Dakar is a major financial center in the region. International shipping services into the landlocked countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso is available through the port of Dakar. The city of Bamako in Mali serves as the main transportation hub between Senegal and its neighbors. Bamako and Dakar are linked through a series of road, rail and river transportation. The major exports between the United States and Senegal are machinery, vehicles and plastic. Last year over $20 million worth of overseas car shipping cargo was shipped from the USA to Dakar, Senegal.
Some notable features of the port of Dakar, Senegal:
- The port of Dakar is equipped with some of the latest cargo handling equipment in the industry. Today the port has 10 quays with 18 cranes, 2 of which are capable of handling equipment from the world’s largest container shipping vessels
- The roll-on / roll-off terminal is capable of handling international car shipping and construction equipment shipping services to Dakar. The ro/ro terminal also serves as a transshipment point for cargo destined to other western African nations.
- Due to its important strategic location, the country of France still maintains an active fleet at the port of Dakar.
- Over 50% of the truck traffic within Senegal is between the port of Dakar and the city of Bamako in Mali.
For more information about the port of Dakar, Senegal please visit: Port of Dakar’s Website. To receive more information about our international shipping services or to receive an international shipping quote to Senegal, please visit our rates request pages.
