Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation and Suakin Petroleum signed a contract on Sunday to finance, build and operate a specialized marine berth for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in the eastern city of Suakin, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure and securing LNG supplies.
The ports authority said the project would operate under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) system. Suakin Petroleum is a joint venture between Turkish company Argaz and Sudanese firm Petrodar.
The signing ceremony in Suakin was attended by Sudan’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister Saif Al-Nasr Al-Tijani Haroun and Red Sea State Governor Mustafa Mohammed Nour, along with Turkish Ambassador to Sudan Fakhri Oba, Sea Ports Corporation Director General Jelani Mohammed Jelani and Suakin Petroleum Chairman Mohammed Darwish Dabbagh.
Haroun said the agreement marks a step in the country’s economic recovery and rebuilding phase, describing the project as part of ongoing efforts to secure LNG and enhance Sudan’s strategic reserves. He added that modernizing seaports is a fundamental pillar to support the national economy and maximize the use of Sudan’s geographical location.
Governor Nour described the project as a model of partnership between state institutions and the investment sector, saying it would create jobs, stimulate commercial activity and develop local infrastructure. He reiterated the state’s readiness to facilitate the project under investment laws and expressed hope it would attract further investment to the region.
Ambassador Oba said the agreement strengthens economic ties between Sudan and Turkey, noting that Turkish businessmen are looking to return to Sudan and that such projects would encourage more investors to enter the market.
Jelani said the marine berth will be constructed with a 12-meter depth to receive gas carriers with a capacity of up to 5,000 tons. A storage facility with a 28,000-ton capacity will be located about 150 meters from the berth. The project will take 24 months to complete, following nearly a year of negotiations, he said.
Sudan’s Justice Ministry reviewed and authenticated the contract. According to Jelani, the project will enhance Sudan’s capacity to provide maritime and logistical services to landlocked African nations and Red Sea basin countries.
