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Back to topEAtHC-19: ABIDJAN CLOSES THE 19TH CONFERENCE OF THE EASTERN ATLANTIC HYDROGRAPHIC COMMISSION, WITH SPAIN TAKING OVER MOROCCO AS PRESIDENT
EAtHC-19: ABIDJAN CLOSES THE 19TH CONFERENCE OF THE EASTERN ATLANTIC HYDROGRAPHIC COMMISSION, WITH SPAIN TAKING OVER MOROCCO AS PRESIDENT
The 19th Conference of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC-19), which opened on July 1, 2026, in Abidjan, officially concluded on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Azalaï Hotel in Marcory.
During three days, this international gathering brought together delegations from member states of the Commission, representatives from several countries in Europe, West Africa, Central Africa, and North Africa, as well as experts and technical partners to discuss issues related to navigation safety, marine cartography, capacity building, and hydrographic cooperation.
The closing ceremony was marked by the handover of the Commission’s presidency from the Kingdom of Morocco to the Kingdom of Spain.
Representing the Managing Director of the Abidjan Port Authority (PAA), Mr. Kassoum TRAORÉ, Mr. Macky SANGARÉ, Director of Digital Information Systems, praised the strong participation of foreign delegations and thanked them for their presence and contribution to the success of EAtHC-19. He reaffirmed the Abidjan Port Authority’s commitment to promoting modern hydrography in support of maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and the development of blue economy.
The outgoing President of EAtHC, Captain Mostapha TAFRHY, presented a positive assessment of the conference proceedings and commended the quality of the organization provided by Côte d’Ivoire before officially announcing the end of Morocco’s presidency.
Assuming the presidency of the Commission, the new President, Mr. Francisco DIAZ RODRIGUEZ, thanked member states for their confidence and reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to continuing efforts aimed at strengthening hydrographic capacities, regional cooperation, and navigation safety in the Eastern Atlantic region.
Following the ceremony, participants visited several facilities at the Port of Abidjan, including the Fishing Terminal, the Ro-Ro Terminal, and the Second Container Terminal (TC2). This immersion enabled them to appreciate the investments made to modernize the port platform and strengthen its role as a major logistics hub in West Africa.
As a reminder, EAtHC-19 was held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Téné Birahima OUATTARA, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and co-chaired by Mr. Amadou KONÉ, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs, and Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ, Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance.
Prior to the conference, an international capacity-building seminar was held on June 29 and 30, 2026, under the theme: “Training in Hydrography, Oceanography and Marine Cartography in West and Central Africa: Achievements and Prospects,” bringing together experts and delegations from Africa and Europe.
The successful organization of this conference confirms Côte d’Ivoire’s role in international maritime cooperation and further strengthens the position of the Abidjan Port Authority as a key player in regional maritime governance and the development of blue economy.
