Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has completed dredging projects at Mogadishu and Bosaso ports to accommodate larger ships able to carry more cargo, the relief organisation announced Tuesday (March 12th).
In Bosaso, 160,000 cubic metres of silt was scooped out from the bottom of the port, increasing its depth by an average of one and a half metres.
"Bosaso has become a key entry point for the northern corridor into north-central Somalia, where WFP's operations have been significantly increased, especially since the droughts in 2011," said Paul Wyatt, WFP head of logistics for Somalia.
The improvements to Bosaso port mean that ships can dock even at low tide, increasing the number of berthing ships by roughly one-third and the average tonnage of imports by 50%.
It will also allow WFP to transport greater volumes of food to Somalia at any one time, making its operations more efficient and cost-effective.