Djibouti has officially inaugurated the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard (DSRY), the largest and most technologically advanced facility of its kind in the Red Sea and East African regions. The grand opening ceremony, held on the eve of the national elections, was presided over by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.
This landmark project is expected to elevate the nation’s influence in the global logistics sector to new heights.
Located at the strategic entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, this new shipyard sits on one of the world’s most vital maritime arteries. With over 40,000 vessels passing through these waters annually—carrying essential consumer goods and nearly 12% of the world’s oil—the DSRY addresses a long-standing infrastructure gap in the region.
During the ceremony, President Guelleh emphasized that the project has always been a national priority, noting that Djibouti’s strategic location carries a responsibility to meet the technical and repair needs of ships traversing these global trade routes.
The facility is the result of a high-profile international collaboration between the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) and the renowned Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards. The project was made possible by a €107.5 million investment through the Netherlands’ Invest International.
The centerpiece of the yard is a massive floating dock measuring 217 meters in length and 43 meters in width, with a lifting capacity of 20,100 tonnes. This “floating garage” is capable of servicing everything from private yachts to large merchant tankers and military vessels, allowing ships to receive maintenance locally rather than diverting to distant ports in Europe or the Middle East.
Beyond infrastructure, the inauguration represents a cornerstone of the “Djibouti Vision 2035” economic roadmap, which focuses on developing a sustainable Blue Economy. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the DPFZA, and Hassan Houmed Ibrahim, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, both highlighted that the facility transforms Djibouti from a mere transit point into a comprehensive maritime service hub.
This transition is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s ports and strengthen its regional standing. The socio-economic impact of the DSRY is equally substantial, with the project expected to create 350 direct jobs for skilled technicians and 1,400 indirect positions in supporting industries.
