The Sudanese Ports Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the Turkish company “Argaz” to establish a huge gas berth in the port of “Suakin”, with the aim of enhancing energy supplies and developing port infrastructure.
According to the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA), the memorandum was signed in Port Sudan, where it was signed on behalf of the Sea Ports Corporation by its Director General, Gilani, while the owner of Argaz Company was Al-Dabbagh, in the presence of the Sudanese Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Saif Al-Nasr Al-Tijani, the Governor of the Red Sea State, Lieutenant General Mustafa Muhammad Nour, and the Turkish Ambassador to Sudan, Fatih Yildiz.
The Sudanese Minister of Transport stressed the importance of the project, noting that cooperation between Sudan and Turkey extends over decades and is witnessing continuous development. He explained that the signing of the memorandum of understanding represents a new step in the path of strengthening the partnership between the two countries, with expectations of signing more agreements and implementing joint projects during the next stage.
For his part, the Director General of the Sudanese Sea Ports Authority explained that the project includes the construction of a berth under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system in Suakin Port, indicating that it will be a specialized berth to serve the gas sector, and is the first of its kind in the port, with the ability to receive and service three ships at the same time.
He added that the project will contribute to providing large quantities of gas to meet Sudan’s needs, at reasonable prices, stressing that the operation of the pier will have a positive economic impact and will be reflected directly on citizens.
He pointed out that Sudan was incurring significant costs as a result of ship waiting fines, amounting to about $200 million annually, explaining that the construction of the dock and associated warehouses would help reduce these burdens and alleviate costs for fuel importers and consumers.
For his part, Mr. Al-Dabbagh, representative of the Turkish company “Argaz”, affirmed the company’s commitment to implementing the project, expressing his gratitude to the supporting parties, foremost among them the Turkish Embassy, and indicating that the company will work to provide gas to Sudan in large quantities and at reasonable prices.
He explained that work on the project will begin within a period ranging between one year and one and a half years, in preparation for entering the operational phase and benefiting from it in supporting the energy sector in Sudan.
