A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk)’s vessel Safmarine Cameroun has made its first call at the Cote d’Ivoire container terminal (CIT) at the Port of Abidjan.

The test call comes during the last stage of preparations for operational and commercial go-live of the new terminal at the beginning of November.

The news follows successful testing of the terminal’s equipment earlier this month – which also included trials on the Terminal Operating System (TOS).

READ: Port of Abidjan readies ops with first test port call

“We are pleased that we have been able to test this new state-of-the-art terminal ahead of its commercial launch in November,” said Amdi Krogh, Head of Operations for Africa.

“The test call went extremely well, and we are positively encouraged for the terminal to get into full operation in November – meeting our expectations and needs for efficient, safe, and convenient operations for our vessels calling Abidjan.

“We look forward to using the new terminal and providing our customers an even better service going forward.”

Bolloré Ports, APMT and the Côte d’Ivoire government launched the construction work of the container terminal in 2020.

Representing an investment of 262 billion CFA francs ($392.5 million), the new container terminal will be able to process over 1.5 million TEU containers a year and welcome ships with a draught of 16 metres on 1,100 metres of wharves.

“We are pleased to have been able to successfully carry out the various tests of our entire operational system, both on the equipment and on the activities of our teams,” added Koen De Backker, Managing Director of Côte d’Ivoire Terminal.

“This performance gives us complete confidence in the implementation of our operational system and also reassures us about the ability of our teams to welcome and handle all ships that will call at our quay.”

Earlier this month, Maersk and Freighters International (PABOMI) announced the opening of a consolidation centre in Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia.

Source: Maersk