Paris, October 24th 2006, pdf file
Under the terms of an agreement dated 18 October 2006, the public authorities have authorised the French subsidiary of Dutch group Kotug to operate in the port of Le Havre. Les Abeilles is now suddenly confronted by new operating conditions, which are immediately effective and which hit the company hard. Until now Les Abeilles has always constantly adapted to the changes in the port.
In an effort to ensure a quality of service that meets the expectations of its most demanding customers, and in order to operate at all times in compliance with the safety standards that have earned it its reputation, Les Abeilles Le Havre decided to maintain its entire fleet in permanent service. The fleet consists of 9 tugs operating 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. The company is also introducing a new, more aggressive sales policy designed to attract new business and retain existing customers.
Yves Rastoin, Managing Director of Les Abeilles, stated: "We have total confidence in our ability to succeed given that our service is our greatest strength. Our crews are proud of our existing quality standards and we are ready to react in this new competitive environment that makes us even more determined and committed to improve performance. While we are confronted with an arbitrary decision threatening our business, we are moving into the attack with an aggressive commercial strategy. We will show our determination to continue focusing on customer service and will remain true to a policy that has always been based on reliability and safety. We also maintain our investment commitments to guarantee optimum customer service in the long term.“
Les Abeilles has been serving maritime operators in Le Havre since 1864. The company has already adapted to changes in the past by investing heavily in new tugs for its fleet and in changes to its equipment for customers (7 new tugs delivered since 2000 amounting to ⁄40 million). All told, with a reputation for high safety standards and efficiency, Les Abeilles intends to remain the undisputed French market leader in the ports where it operates.
Lastly, Les Abeilles is calling for official regulations to apply in all French ports. The company is convinced that establishing fixed terms and conditions in advance will lead to fair conditions of competition. Les Abeilles appeals officially to the French authorities and ports to produce consistent and satisfactory rules and obligations for all parties involved.
Les Abeilles, a BOURBON subsidiary, is one of the world’s leading operators in towage, assistance and salvage, operating in the largest ports and terminals of France, in the Indian Ocean and the African coasts. Its mission is to guarantee its clients the best marine safety conditions, assist them to fight the risks of their activity, and protect the environment. With a regularly renovated fleet of 67 tugs worldwide, the company is internationally recognized for its expertise and employs over 1100 people.