The United States (US) firm Guidry Group announced that it signed with international EPC Contractor Archirodon Construction Company Limited a master agreement setting the main terms of their cooperation for the design and construction of the $1.5 billion Susah Secure Port in Libya.
According to Libya Herald newspaper, the Guidry Group reported that the Susah Secure Port, conceived as a multi-use port, will be the deepest water port in Libya. It will be the first PPP port project to be undertaken in Libya, the first port to be built to a globally competitive and efficient standard, and the largest port infrastructure investment by a US company in Libya’s history.
It said the Susah Secure Port project is critical to the rebuilding of Libya and was recently endorsed by the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU). It will provide a secure means of trade for international companies and governments and become a centre for economic development for Libya.
It added that the US private sector is very welcome in Libya and there is an expectation for greater US involvement in the development of Libya with the Susah Secure Port being a first step in the right direction.
The Port of Susah project will be located in eastern Libya on the historical site of the ancient port located about 240 Km East of Benghazi. The aim is for the seaport in Susah to serve as the main artery and entry port for goods into Libya by sea. A natural self-dredging port with a sea depth of 18 meters, the proposed newly developed Port of Susah will enable ships to offload their containers of goods with ease.
The $1.5 Billion Port will be constructed in four-phases. The total development cost projection of the first phase of the project is approximately $200 million. It will primarily focus on container handling, grain handling and other bulk cargoes, general cargo and as a logistics base. The Guidry Group says that the Susah Secure Port is critical to enable the Libyan economy to restart.
Commenting on the signing of the Archirodon agreement, Michael Guidry, CEO and President of the Guidry Group, said “we are delighted to enter into a design and construction Master Agreement with Archirodon.”
Under the terms of the Master Agreement, Archirodon will shortly commence to undertake agreed preliminary works at the Susah Secure Port which will enable the commencement of full construction of the Port by the first quarter of 2023.
Wisam Edrisi, Deputy Minister of Transportation for Seaports and Maritime in the GNU of Libya, said, “the Susah seaport is the first BOT project in Libya in seaports. The project has been approved by the Ministry of Transportation and we are now looking forward to the building stage of the project. The project is expected to provide many job opportunities for Libyans and will help develop the maritime business.”
“Being a deep seaport, the opportunity for having a transhipment hub in Libya will help economic development and position Libya in the international shipping market. The Libyan government focus is on investment, especially in seaports and other infrastructure, and on inviting international companies to participate in different projects. The government will provide all the support and help to see such projects are a success,” Wisam Edrisi added, according to the Libya Herald.
Dennis Karapiperis, CEO of Archirodon, said “this is a significant announcement for our organization matching our long-term anticipation to continue providing our support to Libya’s development and business growth. The Susah Secure Port project will provide a focus for economic development in the country, and we are proud to be playing our part, along with the Guidry Group. Our involvement in developing port infrastructure in Libya comes along with the aspiration of the international community for a bright new era for the Libyan nation.”