The port of San Pedro is the major component of a regional development project named “San Pedro Operation” set up in 1968 by the Government in order to create a development pole in the south west of Côte d’Ivoire. The port was commissioned in 1971. It is a deep water seaport lying on a large domain of 2,000 ha of which 25% is at the present time utilized. After 1998 restructuring, the port of San Pedro is now landlord port. Piloting, mooring, tugging and stevedoring activities are operated by private companies. From 1971 to 1985, the traffic was at 90% composed of timber. The implementation of some regional development projects led to the diversification of the cargo portfolio now composed of 80% of export (coffee, cocoa, rubber, processed woods) and 20% of import (raw materials for cement products, wheat). With a cocoa traffic representing 60% of the export traffic and about 48% of the overall traffic, the Port of San Pedro is the world first growth commercial port of cocoa export.
With regard to the port development perspectives, the new mission statement is: “to become a modern port and a key infrastructure for the economic development of Côte d’Ivoire that also promotes regional integration”. Three strategic thrusts stem from this vision: Transform the port of San Pedro Authority into a public company which creates value; Improve Port of San Pedro competitiveness; Transform the port of San Pedro into a pole of development. To meet these strategic thrusts, some projects have been implemented: HR restructuring; IT Technology development; Port infrastructures and equipements rehabilitation; ISPS Code implementation (PFSA, PFSP and PFSO training); Port community boosting. In the short run, the following projects are planned to be implemented : Development of a container transhipment terminal in cooperation with a world class carrier ; Full implementation of ISPS Code plan; Optimisation of stevedoring activities (cranes); Setting up of one stop shop for foreign trade; Development of port road network; Creation of a Logistic platform; Development of fishing activities; Development of port domain.
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