DP World has achieved another significant win in its long-standing legal battle with the government of Djibouti over the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT).
A US court has enforced a $200 million award against the Djibouti government, marking the latest in a series of legal victories for the Dubai-based terminal operator.
The dispute began in 2018 when the Djibouti government seized control of DCT, claiming the agreement with DP World was unfair. However, multiple jurisdictions, including the High Court in England and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), have consistently ruled in favour of DP World, dismissing Djibouti’s claims.
The latest ruling by the US District Court for the District of Columbia confirms a partial award issued in 2022, bringing the total damages awarded to DP World to nearly $700 million.
If the Djibouti government proceeds with total expropriation, DP World’s claim will exceed an additional $1 billion.
DP World has vowed to continue its legal battle until the port concession is returned or full compensation is received for its lost investment. The company has criticised the Djibouti government for its “utter contempt for the rule of law” and warned investors to be cautious about doing business in Djibouti.
“The Djibouti government’s actions are a warning to investors worldwide. They show no respect for legal agreements, and their behavior is bad for business,” said a DP World spokesman.
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