Ivory Coast authorities recently launched a large transport development programme to modernise the country’s public transport sector. The city of Abidjan has chosen to diversify the transport options available to travellers by ordering water buses to better manage the daily flow of passengers into the Ivorian economic capital. Well known for their experience in lifting and handling oversized shipments, Bolloré Transport & Logistics Ivory Coast successfully launched these water transport vehicles in the Ebrié Lagoon. Six water buses, which will be operated by Société de Transport Lagunaire (STL), each measuring 27.88 m long, 8.36 m wide and 4.7 m high, were handled by Bolloré Transport & Logistics Ivory Coast lifting teams. To ensure the success of the operation, Bolloré Transport & Logistics Ivory Coast lifting teams first carried out a feasibility study before deploying a 300-ton crane and other lifting equipment. The study confirmed that the lifting and handling procedure complied with QHSE standards. “Collaboration with Bolloré Transport & Logistics has been excellent throughout this first operation. We are very pleased with the work of the lifting teams, who have been precise, efficient and mindful of our concerns. To sum up in a single word, they have been professional,” enthused Mr. Charles Bahi, Logistics Manager for STL. Approximately 40 additional water buses are expected over the coming weeks in an attempt to ease the congestion problems in the city of Abidjan. This new transport service will also be used during the Francophone Games to transport delegations from the competition sites to the athletes’ village.