On March 21, 2024, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal, a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and operator of the 2nd container terminal at the Port of Abidjan, assessed its security arrangements during a full-scale security exercise carried out at its site in the Vridi port area of Abidjan.

The test involved a simulated attack on the terminal, orchestrated from the water, with a hostage situation in the container yard. When alerted, elements of the port police, the port security group and the General Directorate of Maritime and Port Affairs intervened to put an end to the situation.

Carried out in application of the ISPS Code, which requires each port facility to assess its ability to react to threats, the aim of the exercise was not only to ensure the safety of port workers, but also to protect the facilities in the event of an attack.

"This type of exercise is very important in that it enables us to test not only our reaction capacity, but also the coordination of the various forces involved in this type of aggression. We congratulate Côte d'Ivoire Terminal and encourage them to implement all the recommendations made to improve their security system", recommended Colonel SEKA, representing the Director General of Maritime and Port Affairs.

Koen De Backker, Managing Director of Côte d'Ivoire Terminal, said he was proud of the measures put in place to ensure the safety and security of both his teams and the goods passing through his facilities. He thanked all those involved for their contribution to the success of the exercise.

"I would like to thank all the parties involved, namely the Direction Générale des Affaires Maritimes et Portuaires, the port police and the port security group, for their support in this process.

This is important for us, given our strategic role in trade and as an engine of economic growth for Côte d'Ivoire and the hinterland," he said.

Côte d'Ivoire Terminal is an ISPS-compliant port facility. This recognition was awarded in November 2022, giving it the status of a safe and secure facility.

The company has embarked on the process of certifying its facilities to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, in order to guarantee its partners and customers services that meet international port security requirements and standards.

Abidjan.net