Côte d'Ivoire Terminal officially launches operations

Following a series of test calls, the new Côte d'Ivoire Terminal in Abidjan officially marked its operational and commercial go-live on November 2nd in the presence of port authorities and other local stakeholders. The first vessel to be officially operated on at the terminal was a 267 metre-long CMA CGM ROSSINI, with a total capacity of 5770 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units).

The official launch of the second container terminal in Abidjan – a joint venture between APM Terminals and Bolloré Ports, comes after successful test calls carried out mid-October. Bringing the new terminal facility to the Ivorian and West African market is an important milestone, as the new facility is expected to facilitate increased trade between Côte d'Ivoire and the sub-region, as well as strengthen and bring new dynamics to the existing Côte d'Ivoire-Burkina Faso-Mali logistics corridor.

Achieved thanks to a total investment of approximately 900 million EUR, including approx. 510 million EUR for groundwork infrastructure financed by the Port of Abidjan and 400 million EUR for the superstructures, this new terminal with an area of 37.5 hectares, a 1100 metre-long quay and 16-metre draft, fully digitalized and equipped with all electric equipment, will be able to handle 1.5 million TEUs annually. This new facility also features several innovations, including automated gates and an online truck appointment system that significantly speeds up pickup and delivery of containers and improves safety during the process.

International Standards

“Côte d'Ivoire Terminal is a real source of satisfaction for us. For two years, we have worked tirelessly to build this facility, in order to provide the Port of Abidjan with an infrastructure that meets international standards, capable of supporting traffic growth while preserving the environment," commented Koen De Backker, Managing Director of Côte d'Ivoire Terminal.

“We are proud to complete this major project, which will contribute to repositioning the Port of Abidjan in the long term and become a benchmark logistics platform on the West African coast. I congratulate the teams of the Port Autonome d'Abidjan and Côte d'Ivoire Terminal for having worked together to carry out this important project,” said Hien Sie, Managing Director of the Port Autonome d'Abidjan.

About Côte d'Ivoire Terminal

After an international call for tenders, the Bolloré Ports and APM Terminals consortium was entrusted with the construction and management of the 2nd container terminal of the Port of Abidjan. Thanks to an investment of more than 262 billion FCFA, the construction work of the future Côte d'Ivoire Terminal was completed in October 2022. Covering an area of 37.5 hectares, this new container terminal will be capable of handling more than 1.5 million TEUs per year and accommodating vessels with a draught of 16 metres along its 1,100 metres of quay. It will generate 450 direct jobs, and thousands of indirect jobs. It will contribute to the development of skills and the training of Ivorian youth in port trades and the handling of state-of-the-art equipment.