A welcoming ceremony was held for two newbuild vessels SL Gabon and SL Libreville at Port‐Gentil, Gabon on 17 April.

Among those attending the ceremony were the Minister Delegate of Transport Mr Emmanuel Jean Didier Biye, the Governor of the Ogooué Maritime Province Mr Martin Boguikouma, the Prefect of the Bendjè Department Mr Joseph Mouele, Total Gabon Chief Executive Officer Mr Benoît Chagué and Smit Lamnalco Chief Executive Officer Mr Daan Koornneef.

SL Gabon and SL Libreville have been contracted for a five year period by Total Gabon. The vessels will support offshore oilfield activities and tanker operations at the terminal of Cap Lopez, Port‐ Gentil.

“The partnership between our two organizations has roots reaching back 30 years,” says Mr. Koornneef. “Port‐Gentil’s location demands robust and reliable marine support services. We are delighted to bring these two state of the art tugs into service for Total Gabon, signifying our continuing commitment to invest in the future of Gabon.”

Smit Lamnalco now operates five vessels for Total Gabon, has a further four vessels under contract for Shell at its Gamba terminal and manages one vessel for Perenco.

The marine support company praised the performance of its 179 Port‐Gentil‐based staff, 75% of whom are Gabon nationals. Special mention was made of Master Jean‐David Mpaga who has been sailing with the company for over 30 years.