Maersk Strengthens Supply Chains In West Africa With New Integrated Logistics Hub
By Sulaimon Salau
A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has inaugurated its new state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Senegal.
This significant milestone highlights Maersk’s commitment to developing and enhancing logistics infrastructure across West Africa.
The facility’s strategic location provides multiple benefits for customers, including proximity to end markets, manufacturing operations, and port facilities that are within a distance of 10 km.
This positioning enables more efficient distribution within Senegal and facilitates cross-border transportation to neighbouring West African countries.
Commenting on this development, Managing Director for Maersk West Africa,
Thomas Theeuwes, said: “This investment in Dakar demonstrates our long-term commitment to Senegal and the broader West African region,”
“By establishing this modern warehouse facility, we’re delivering on our promise to create seamless, integrated logistics solutions that enable our customers to optimise their supply chains and accelerate growth.”
The warehouse offers 5,100 square meters of indoor storage capacity with 7,036 pallet positions, complemented by 500 square meters of outdoor storage. This versatile setup allows Maersk to handle a wide range of commodities, including fast-moving consumer goods, retail merchandise, lifestyle products, and technology items.
Beyond traditional storage capabilities, the facility provides comprehensive value-added services, including palletization, order processing and management, distribution, labelling, packaging, and pallet customization. This one-stop-shop approach enables customers to outsource all cargo handling activities to Maersk, streamlining operations and reducing complexity.
“West Africa represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving market with unique logistics challenges,” continued Theeuwes. “Our customers deserve reliable, efficient warehouse solutions that connect seamlessly with transportation services. This facility directly addresses those needs and will contribute to the economic growth in the region.”
The warehouse incorporates cutting-edge technology through its Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) capabilities, providing customers with real-time transaction visibility, enhanced traceability, and opportunities for technological integration with their existing systems.
Sustainability and safety are central to the facility’s design and operations. The warehouse operates on 60% solar energy and utilises electric material handling equipment, reflecting Maersk’s global commitment to decarbonising logistics. Comprehensive safety features include forklift safety systems with rear-view cameras and pedestrian sensors, extensive firefighting infrastructure, and 24/7 security with CCTV surveillance that complies with both local regulations and international standards.
The new integrated logistics hub in Dakar strengthens Maersk’s network of facilities in West Africa, which spans eight countries and covers over 100.000 sq. m., with a presence in key gateways such as Dakar, Abidjan, Tema, Douala, Lagos, Conakry, Lome, and Cotonou, all of which adhere to the same high HSSE standards as the recently launched warehouse.
