Suriname’s key maritime infrastructure is undergoing a major upgrade, as construction work officially kicked off this week for a 140-meter new quay expansion at the Dr. Jules Sedney Harbour. The first foundation pile was driven into the ground on Wednesday, marking the formal start of a project designed to boost the port’s overall handling capacity to meet rising demand driven by the fast-growing offshore oil and gas sector in the region.
Preparations for the expansion followed the contract signing for the project on July 24 this year, after which pre-construction site work was completed to clear the way for piling operations that began on September 9. Once completed, the new quay will have a load-bearing capacity of 20 tonnes per square meter, enabling it to accommodate larger, heavier vessels and cargo associated with offshore energy operations. Local firm Haukes Construction N.V. has been appointed as the main contractor for the build, while another Surinamese institution, Hakrinbank N.V., is providing full financing for the initiative. The project is commissioned by N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname, the country’s port management authority, and is scheduled for completion within 12 months of the start of construction.
The core goal of the expansion is to allow the port authority to proactively respond to projected growth in demand for port and logistics infrastructure. The project is specifically tailored to accommodate the increasing need for maritime and logistics services spurred by rapid development in Suriname’s offshore oil and gas industry, a sector that has emerged as a key driver of the country’s economic growth in recent years.
Beyond adding capacity, the expansion will strengthen Dr. Jules Sedney Harbour’s role as a critical logistics link that supports Suriname’s broader long-term economic development, according to port management. A key feature of the project’s delivery model is its intentional focus on partnering with local Surinamese companies, suppliers and industry stakeholders. Port authorities note that this approach not only delivers the new required infrastructure but also leverages and builds up local technical expertise and project delivery capacity, creating lasting benefits for the domestic industry.
Port management also emphasizes that the growth of new emerging economic sectors like offshore energy should create opportunities for domestic Surinamese businesses and skilled professionals to claim a larger share of the related industrial activity. Andreas Talea, General Manager of N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname, expressed confidence in a smooth, accelerated delivery of the project, citing strong alignment between all participating parties. If construction stays on the approved 12-month timeline, the new quay is set to open to commercial operations one year after piling work got underway.