DP World denies out-of-court settlement on Djibouti Doraleh port

DP World, a Dubai-based global port operator, has denied plans to consider an out-of-court settlement in its dispute with the Djibouti government over the Doraleh Container Terminal.

“It has been noted in some reports that DP World may consider an out of court settlement with respect to the dispute with the Djiboutian government over their illegal action in taking control of the port at Doraleh,” the company said in a statement published by Dubai Media Office.

"The concession agreement for the port remains in place, and the action taken by the Djiboutian government is subject to legal process in the International Court of Arbitration in London," a DP World spokesperson added.

While the Djibouti government awarded the concession in 2006, it cancelled the contract with DP World in February.

DP World called the move illegal and began arbitration proceedings before the London Court of International Arbitration, which last year cleared it of all charges of misconduct over the concession to run the terminal.

“We await the outcome of this process. We remain committed to operating Doraleh port as per original agreement of the concession, and we will not consider any other alternative settlement option,” the spokesperson said.