The Port of Abidjan’s second container terminal has added five new gantry cranes to its operations. 

Côte d’Ivoire Terminal, which operates the terminal, says the delivery brings the number of electric rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) in its fleet to 18.

The new cranes, which cost XOF6 billion (USD9.9 million), allow nine containers to be stored on the same line compared to seven in the past. 

Côte d’Ivoire Terminal managing director Koen De Backker says: “We are delighted with the arrival of these new machines, which will really enable us to increase our handling rates, both on the container yard and ship operations. In addition, these new, all-electric gantry cranes consolidate our eco-responsible approach, which recently received the Green Terminal label.”

The Côte d’Ivoire Terminal, which became operational in November 2022, is able to handle more than 1.5 million TEU containers per year and accommodate vessels with up to 16 metre draughts.

It is managed by a consortium of AGL (Africa Global Logistics), a unit of Mediterranean Shipping Company, and APM Terminals, a subsidiary of A.P.Moller-Maersk. 

Autonomous Port of Abidjan managing director Hien Sie says: “Thanks to this latest-generation equipment, the Port of Abidjan will not only improve the performance of its operations, thus reinforcing its role as a catalyst for the Ivorian and sub-regional economy, but also its position as a leading port in compliance with international standards.”