two ultra-modern tugboats to strengthen the operational capacities of ivorian ports

The Ivorian Towing and Salvage Company (IRES), a subsidiary of Boluda Towage, a global leader in port towing services, has taken a new step in strengthening the operational capacity of the Port of Abidjan with the acquisition of two next-generation tugboats. This initiative forms part of an ongoing effort to modernize maritime infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire, aimed at securing and optimizing port operations.

The official presentation ceremony for the new equipment will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Port of Abidjan, in the presence of Hien Yacouba Sié, Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance. The event will bring together key stakeholders from the port, maritime, and logistics sectors, as well as institutional and private partners, highlighting the strength of public-private partnerships.

Equipped with advanced technologies, the new tugboats offer enhanced performance in terms of power, precision, and safety. Their deployment will improve berthing and vessel assistance operations at the Port of Abidjan, while significantly reducing risks associated with port maneuvers. They are also expected to enhance maritime traffic flow and boost the port’s competitiveness along Africa’s Atlantic coast.

Beyond their technical capabilities, these investments reflect a clear ambition to consolidate the Port of Abidjan’s position as a leading regional logistics hub for trade, transit, and transshipment. They will also contribute to improving the quality of services provided to shipping companies and economic operators.

This initiative further illustrates the broader transformation underway in the country. Under the leadership of Alassane Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development and modernization policy aimed at sustaining economic growth and reinforcing its role as a major logistics hub in West Africa.