DP World accuses Djibouti government of 'complete disregard' for global legal system

As the case over the Djibouti government's cancellation of DP World's 2006 concession agreement for Doraleh Container Terminal, and subsequent awarding of a new concession to China Merchants Port Holdings, rumbles on the government is now set to apply to the country's high court to declare five international adjudications that found in favour of DP World null and void.

DP World said the plan showed the government of Djibouti had “complete disregard for and contravention of the global legal system and existing contracts”.

“The move is proof of Djibouti’s complete disregard for recognized legal practice and respect for contracts calling into question any investment in the country both now and in the future,” it added.

Under the concession agreement DP World held 33.34% interest in Dorelah Container Terminal SA with the country's government holding a 66.66% stake. The government of Djibouti seized the terminal in February 2018 as a four-year dispute dragged on over claims that DP World had failed to meet the terms of the concession agreement.

Read more: DP World slams Djibouti Port seizure, commences arbitration proceedings

The most recent LCIA Tribunal ordered Djibouti to pay DCT $385.7 million plus interest for breach of DCT’s exclusivity by development of container facilities at Doraleh Multipurpose Terminal. DP World noted the award showed that the 2006 concession agreement remained valid.

“DCT and DP World continue to seek to uphold their legal rights in a number of legal fora, following Djibouti’s unlawful efforts to expel DP World from Djibouti and transfer the port operation to Chinese interests,” DP World.

The Dubai terminal operator is also continuing litigation against China Merchants in the Hong Kong courts.

Opened in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009, the terminal had aspirations to expand capacity to 3m teu per annum, and currently has capacity for 1.6m teu with a 1,050m quay with 18m draught and 8 super post panamax cranes. In 2013 the terminal handled 743,000 teu.

Read more: DP World and Djibouti head to arbitration over 30-year concession