The Autonomous Port of Abidjan (PAA) welcomed, on April 1, 2021, its first 304m long container ship to the great joy of the port authorities, since the widening and deepening of the vridi canal.

“Today we received a 304m vessel with a draft of 10.30m. This is an important step; the shipowners are satisfied that we are at this level. Halfway through, they are happy because in a short time, they will have a very modern port”, rejoiced the general manager of the port, Hien Sié Yacouba.

With a view to accommodating 350m vessels with a draft of 16m, the Ivorian government intends to make the PAA a hub in the sub-region. Hence investments of about 300 million dollars (150 billion CFA francs) for enlargement and deepening.

“The port of Abidjan is as important for us as it is for the countries of the hinterland. This work aims to increase trade with the outside world from the port of Abidjan,” said Transport Minister Amadou Koné. Adding that the arrival of this ship in these times of Covid-19 shows the confidence that investors attach to the Ivorian economy which has remained resilient since the start of the pandemic.