Port Sudan Rehabilitation Project

The Port Sudan Rehabilitation Project is a large-scale infrastructure and modernization initiative targeting Sudan’s primary Red Sea port in Port Sudan city. The plan addresses operational inefficiencies, currently caused by outdated equipment, slow container handling, and long vessel waiting times. Through infrastructure upgrades and international partnerships, the plan seeks to enhance cargo processing and deepen port access.¹

Envisioned as a modern and efficient maritime hub, the project aims to transform Port Sudan into a competitive port aligned with international standards. It seeks to improve cargo handling speed and reliability, expand port capacity by deepening berths for larger vessels, and streamline customs and administrative procedures.^{2 3} The project also includes legal and institutional reforms to improve port governance, reduce congestion, and enhance service delivery. It further aims to attract foreign expertise and investment, while ensuring the retention and upskilling for existing port workers. The overall goal is to strengthen Port Sudan’s position as a regional trade gateway capable of handling around 500,000 containers annually, and support landlocked neighboring countries.⁴

To realize this vision, the rehabilitation plan is structured around a set of core components:^{5 6}

• Equipment upgrade & infrastructure works: Maintenance of existing machinery and purchase of new quay and cargo handling equipment.
• Port Deepening & Quay Reconstruction: Dredging operations to enable larger vessel access and reconstruction of all berths.
• Operational reforms: Administrative restructuring of the Ports Authority, and the introduction of a unified “single window” system to handle all port transactions (customs, health, shipping permits).
• Legal & institutional overhaul: Development of new legislation and operational rules by the Ministry of Justice to support modernization.
• Foreign partnership: Engagement with international firms for knowledge transfer, potential co-investment, and staff training.

The project is led by the Sudanese government through its Supreme Committee for Economic Emergencies, with active involvement from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, and the Sudanese Ports Authority.⁷ The transitional government allocated an emergency budget of approximately $300 million to launch the project. The funding strategy also includes the use of revenues generated by the port and seeks additional international financing to support future phases of development.⁸