For sea transport needs, Comilog is switching to transshipment — something of a logistical revolution that enables it to serve its customers better and reduce its carbon footprint.
Comilog‘s supply chain is evolving: manganese ore will now be partly loaded onto “capesize” ships that can carry up to 200,000 tons of ore — four times more than the 50,000-ton capacity of the “supramax” vessels traditionally used by Comilog.
How will this work in practice? In addition to Comilog’s installations, new ones have been set up in Owendo to load barges with ore. These are then towed offshore where they dock at a floating transfer station operated by the Danish shipowner Norden. The ore is then transhipped onto the capesize.
A fine logistical organization is necessary between several departments of the company and Norden. This innovative system, for Comilog but also for Gabon, was prepared thanks to the expertise of the Eramet group.
The use of these large ore carriers improves Comilog’s carbon footprint, with 5,000 tonnes of CO2 saved each year.
Another advantage of Comilog’s new transshipment system is that it will boost the local job market, with the creation of more than a hundred jobs in the sea transport sector in the long term.
Loïse Tamalgo
Eramet’s General Delegate in Africa
The transshipment project was not just about increasing the volume of ore transported. It represents an increase in the country’s logistical capacity, a new way of doing business when it comes to sea transport. The Gabonese economy stands to benefit directly; and this experiment can be replicated in other sectors such as timber and freight, leading to GDP growth and strong job creation over time.
