Kaolack regional port: All docks are full

The regional port of Kaolack is gradually regaining a liveliness that it had not experienced for a long time. At the start of the week, its three operational berths were full, with the simultaneous presence of three vessels of 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes, engaged in commercial operations.

Kaolack – The port of Kaolack is regaining color. For the first time in years, all its platforms are occupied. An encouraging sign of the resumption of port activities.

The ships present are unloading goods destined for Mali. At the end of these operations, they will ship salt to several ports in the sub-region, notably that of Abidjan. These rotations are part of regular lines, with weekly stopovers in Kaolack. Also on the open spaces, activity is resuming. Goods, handling equipment and mobilized dockers give the site a real port appearance. This dynamic follows several notable stopovers, notably that of a cruise ship coming from the United States, then the French Navy warship, the Fadiouth.

This recovery should not, however, obscure the constraints linked to navigation on the Saloum. A week ago, a ship ran aground near Lyndiane, about five kilometers from the port. An incident which recalls the urgency of dredging the waterway, essential to secure navigation and allow the reception of ships of 5,000 to 7,000 tonnes. For Abdoulaye Sogue, manager of the regional port of Kaolack, reporting to the Autonomous Port of Dakar (Pad), this operation should be among the priorities of the investment program planned as part of the celebration of Independence Day in Kaolack, in 2029.

Announced by the President of the Republic during the Council of Ministers on October 13, this deadline represents an opportunity to include the dredging of Saloum among the structuring projects of the region.

Beyond this exceptional occupation of the docks, the issue is economic and strategic. The regional port of Kaolack aims to fully play its role as a complementary platform to that of Dakar, by contributing to its decongestion and by offering a logistical alternative to economic operators. Its geographical position constitutes an asset for capturing more traffic to Mali and serving the central and eastern regions of Senegal.

“It confirms that the Port of Kaolack has an operational capacity and development potential which deserve to be further exploited in the service of the national economy and sub-regional trade,” rejoiced Abdoulaye Sogue. He also praised the efforts of the new port team and the national shipowner Csttao.

Former second port of French West Africa (Aof), Kaolack intends to reconnect with its commercial prestige. Since 2023, its port infrastructure has been managed by the Autonomous Port of Dakar, headed by Doune Pathé Mbengue. An integration which opens up new perspectives, provided that the necessary investments are made, in particular the dredging of the Saloum.