A delegation from the Danish maritime transport giant MAERSK, led by Charles Van Der Steene, Regional Director for India, the Middle East and Africa, paid a courtesy visit to the Autonomous Port of Abidjan (PAA). Appointed to head the PAA in May 2026, the Director General, Kassoum Traoré, received from his host strong congratulations and wishes for success in achieving the ambitions of the first port of Côte d'Ivoire. Beyond the protocol, the meeting quickly took a strategic turn. The two managers discussed the prospects for the development of Maersk's activities on the Abidjan platform, in a context marked by sustained growth in trade and ever more demanding logistical requirements.

The discussions focused on several levers likely to consolidate the partnership between the Ivorian port and the Danish shipowner. Continuous improvement in operational performance was at the heart of the discussions, as was logistical innovation and the digitalization of processes, two projects that are now essential for major African port centers. The optimization of the logistics chain was also mentioned as a priority area to strengthen the competitiveness of the Abidjan corridor.

This meeting is part of a dynamic of continuous dialogue between the PAA and its major international partners, like the exchanges recently held with other economic operators. It confirms the Director General's desire to place cooperation with major global shipowners at the center of his roadmap.