The Port Autonome de Lomé is continuing to modernise its nautical equipment with the arrival of a new-generation tugboat on Monday, 2 November 2026. This strategic acquisition is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen port capabilities, in line with the vision of the President of the Council, H.E. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBÉ.
Built in 2026 by the SANMAR shipyard in Türkiye, this new tugboat boasts outstanding technical performance. Measuring 23 metres in length and 12 metres in width, it delivers more than 6,000 horsepower through two Caterpillar 3516 engines and has a bollard pull capacity of 80 tonnes, exceeding that of the port’s other tugboats, which is estimated at 70 tonnes.
Its arrival was marked by an official welcome ceremony attended by the Minister and Director General of the Port Autonome de Lomé, Mr Kokou Edem TENGUE, and Mr Stéphane GEFFROY, Director of BOLUDA.
Beyond its technical performance, this new vessel also highlights the expertise of Togolese maritime professionals involved in its delivery voyage. Indeed, the tugboat sailed from Las Palmas to Lomé under the command of Togolese seafarers, demonstrating the skills and capabilities of the country’s national maritime workforce.
With this new acquisition, the Port of Lomé is strengthening its ship-assistance and manoeuvring capabilities while enhancing its ability to accommodate growing maritime traffic and consolidate its position as the leading transshipment port in West and Central Africa.
The official naming and christening ceremony for the new tugboat is scheduled for January 2027.
