The Port of Buchanan is Liberia’s second-largest seaport, serving as a major hub for exporting iron ore.
As part of the terminal’s expansion plans, ArcelorMittal sought to add a new export berth that could speed up the export process and drastically increase the export volume.
The development will provide a significant number of jobs and improve the wider infrastructure that benefits communities in the region.
MULTI-PURPOSE QUAY
Beckett Rankine was commissioned to design a new berth to accommodate Supramax vessels in layby while the existing cargo berth is in use, as well as to allow visits from smaller tanker vessels for fuel offloading.
The concept then evolved beyond a layby berth to a multi-purpose quay, including an extension of the existing berth. The new development will offer a more efficient process for cargo exports as both berths can be used simultaneously, and a refurbished ship loader will be operational on the new berth for additional product offloading.
The bespoke design considers the wider port and hinterland developments, ensuring flexibility to accommodate future developments, as well as factoring in the available skills and resources in the region.
Services we have provided for the client include:
CONSTRUCTION
AFCONS were awarded the design and build contract in October 2024, with the first pile installed in January 2025.
The first round of dredging was completed in March 2025 by contractors DEME. A second phase of dredging design will be carried out with work expected to begin in winter 2025/26.
