The Port of Abidjan welcomes the CMA CGM ‘Scandola’, a container ship powered by liquefied natural gas

Thursday 1 February 2024 will go down in the history of the Port of Abidjan, which welcomed for the first time the CMA CGM “Scandola”, a container ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The CMA CGM “Scandola”, with its imposing dimensions of 366 m long and 51.11 m wide and a capacity of 14,800 TEU, operates on CMA CGM’s West Africa Express (WAX) service, linking West Africa directly with China, South-East Asia, and India.

The birthing of this natural fuel container ship at the Port of Abidjan is perfectly in line with the managerial vision of the Director General of the Port Autonome d’Abidjan, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ. As a reminder, the Abidjan Port Authority is committed to sustainable environmental management, and in 2018 obtained ISO 14001: 2015 environmental certification.

It should also be noted that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) recommends LNG as the fuel of choice for ships, to ensure the energy transition in the maritime transport sector and significantly reduce pollution emissions.

In addition to these environmental and operational advancements, it is crucial to highlight the implementation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) requirement for the Port of Abidjan. The ECTN, also known as the Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC), is a mandatory document for all cargo shipments to Ivory Coast. The ECTN is a testament to the Port of Abidjan's commitment to embracing digitalization and ensuring that its operations meet international standards for trade facilitation and cargo security. The requirement of the ECTN underscores the port's dedication to optimizing logistics, enhancing transparency, and furthering its position as a leading hub for maritime trade in West Africa.