Djibouti has marked a major milestone in its maritime ambitions with the official inauguration of a state-of-the-art ship repair yard, developed through a strategic partnership with Damen Shipyards. The new facility signals a bold step forward in the country’s drive to cement its position as a leading maritime and industrial hub in the region.
The Djibouti Ship Repair Yard, widely referred to as DSRY, is equipped with a modern floating dock and represents a significant investment in the nation’s infrastructure. The project was financed by Invest International, which contributed 120 million US dollars to bring the vision to life.
According to the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, the facility stands as the largest of its kind across the Red Sea and East Africa. At its core is an impressive floating dock measuring 217 metres in length and 43 metres in width, with the capacity to lift vessels weighing up to 20,100 tonnes. This positions the yard to handle a broad spectrum of maritime maintenance needs.
Designed to serve both regional and international shipping traffic, the complex will provide comprehensive services ranging from routine preventive maintenance to advanced corrective repairs. These operations will be delivered through a blend of global technical expertise and growing local capacity, reflecting Djibouti’s commitment to skills development alongside infrastructure expansion.
Speaking at the inauguration, the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh underscored the strategic importance of the project, describing it as a long-standing national priority. He pointed to Djibouti’s unique geographic advantage at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world, as a key driver behind the investment.
Further emphasising the project’s significance, Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority and Great Horn Investment Holding, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, highlighted its role in reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a dominant maritime hub under its Vision 2035 agenda. The new yard, he noted, will enhance Djibouti’s competitiveness and attract increased shipping activity to its ports.