TOGO: NEW-GENERATION TUGBOAT TO STRENGTHEN THE MARITIME CAPABILITIES OF THE PORT OF LOMÉ

Officially welcomed on Monday, 2 November 2026, the new tugboat was built in 2026 by the SANMAR shipyard in Turkey. The welcoming ceremony was attended by the Minister and Managing Director of the Port Autonome de Lomé, Mr Kokou Edem TENGUE, accompanied by Mr Stéphane GEFFROY, Director of BOLUDA.

Measuring 23 metres in length and 12 metres in width, the tugboat stands out for its technical performance. Equipped with two Caterpillar 3516 engines and two Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters, it delivers more than 6,000 horsepower and has a bollard pull capacity of 80 tonnes, compared with 70 tonnes for the port’s other tugboats. It can accommodate a crew of six.

Beyond its technical performance, the arrival of this new equipment also highlights Togo’s maritime expertise. Indeed, the vessel sailed from Las Palmas to Lomé, under the command of Togolese seafarers, demonstrating their skills and expertise in navigation operations.

This acquisition represents a strategic boost to port operations. It will enhance vessel assistance capabilities, contribute to smoother port manoeuvres and support the continued growth of maritime traffic.

Through this investment, undertaken under the guidance of the President of the Council, H.E. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBÉ, the Port Autonome de Lomé reaffirms its commitment to continuing the modernisation of its operational resources and strengthening its position as the leading transshipment port in West and Central Africa.

The new tugboat is scheduled to be officially named and christened next January, marking another milestone in its integration into the port’s nautical fleet.