Tag: Lagos terminal

History was made yesterday by the APM Terminals, Apapa, as the largest container vessel ever to visit Nigeria’s docked at its terminal at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa.

Its Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen said, the event marked the first time a Nigerian port welcomed the EA CENTAURUS, setting a new milestone for the nation’s premier port.

The vessel, EA CENTAURUS, according to Knudsen, “is owned by COSCO Shipping and currently flies the Singaporean flag. This impressive containership, measuring 272 metres in length, 43 metres in width, and with a 14.3-meter draft, boasts a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The vessel’s arrival was celebrated by senior officials from APM Terminals, COSCO Shipping, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Customs Service, underscoring the importance of this moment for Nigeria’s trade sector.

Commenting on the historic berthing, Knudsen emphasised the economic implications of welcoming such a large vessel.

“The arrival of EA CENTAURUS represents a turning point in the size and scale of vessels that Apapa can handle. Larger ships mean more efficient economies of scale, which can ultimately lower the cost of imports to Nigeria. This milestone is a testament to Nigeria’s increasing trade capacity and APM Terminals’ commitment to supporting this growth,” Knudsen said.

The terminal manager also highlighted the operational advantages for both the port and its customers, saying, “by consolidating more cargo onto a single vessel, we’re enhancing efficiency and lowering freight rates for importers. This is a direct benefit to Nigeria’s economy, as it reduces import costs and encourages more robust trade activity.”

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Also, the Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi expressed enthusiasm for the partnership between APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping, calling it an important step forward for Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.

“This vessel, with its 7,000 TEU capacity, marks a new level of cooperation between APM Terminals and COSCO, as well as Nigeria’s commitment to improving its import and export capabilities.

 “We’re looking forward to the positive impact on growth, not only for the country’s economy but also for our customers and trade partners,” Aubert-Adewuyi

The Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, Rex Wang, also spoke on the strategic importance of the arrival of EA CENTAURUS.

“This is a landmark event for COSCO, as it is the largest vessel we’ve handled in this region, underscoring the expansion of our services in West Africa,” Wang said.

He expressed confidence in the region’s resilience and potential for growth, adding, “our expanded capacity in West Africa will bolster our market presence, and we are optimistic about an economic rebound, supported by an increase in exports like minerals, sesame seeds, and cashews. We believe in the continued recovery and growth of West African trade.”

Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, pledged the Nigeria Customs Service’s support in facilitating swift cargo processing.

“This achievement highlights our commitment to ensuring the rapid and efficient handling of larger shipments. We are dedicated to trade facilitation, which not only boosts revenue but also encourages more vessels of this scale to berth at our ports,” Olomu stated.

Adding to the commendations, Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim, Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, represented by Traffic Manager, Jimoh Anthony, also emphasised the significance of handling such a “gigantic vessel.”

He said: “Facilitating larger imports and exports is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, and we applaud APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping for their roles in helping us achieve this new standard.” 

APM Terminals Apapa, a key division of APM Terminals—a part of A.P. Moller-Maersk—operates one of Nigeria’s busiest ports and is central to improving West Africa’s trade logistics. Through consistent investment in port infrastructure, technology, and workforce training, APM Terminals Apapa is at the forefront of enabling efficient cargo movement and optimising trade flow in the region.

COSCO Shipping, headquartered in China, is one of the world’s largest shipping companies and a prominent player in international logistics. Its fleet spans hundreds of vessels, reaching nearly every major port across the globe. The arrival of EA CENTAURUS at Apapa is part of COSCO’s broader commitment to strengthening trade connections between Asia, Africa, and other global markets, reflecting the company’s dedication to expanding West Africa’s shipping capacity.

Nigeria’s largest multipurpose terminal, the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), has acquired a new state of the art 600 tons Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane (MHC) worth more than seven million euros (about N10.5 billion) to boost its operation at Lagos port, it was learnt.

PTML Terminal is a Greenfield terminal developed and owned by the Grimaldi Group in Lagos.

The acquisition of the new crane, findings revealed, is coming barely five months after the terminal hosted the largest container-RORO ship to visit Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

Its managing director, Ascanio Russo, also disclosed that the terminal has invested an additional N5 billion to strengthen Berth 11 to withstand the weight of the new Mobile Harbour Crane.

According to him, the new crane is fitted with smart technology and is among the most powerful cargo-handling equipment in the world.

“Our commitment is to ensure prompt service delivery to shipping lines and our landside customers. We pride ourselves on rendering top-quality service to the lines, importers, exporters, and agents. We also make it our business to ensure that all approved government agencies at our terminal operate in the most conducive environment.

“We are also committed to ensuring that our staff work with the best equipment available in the market, hence our investment of seven million euros to acquire the new 600 tons Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane. It is one of the best and strongest pieces of port machinery in the world.

“PTML is known for prompt service delivery. We have the fastest cargo delivery record in any Nigerian port. Customers take delivery of their cargo within 48 hours at our terminal. We have many instances where we were able to deliver cargo in less than 24 hours. This is because we continually invest in our operations. I am happy to say that this new equipment will make our service even better and faster,” Russo said.

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He said the new Mobile Harbour Crane will improve productivity and work on a wide range of vessels, especially gearless vessels visiting the terminal.

In December 2023, he said, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, and other notable personalities visited the terminal to receive the “MV Great Lagos” – the largest container-RORO ship to visit Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

“At PTML, we have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancement and operational efficiency. Our terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in Nigeria, stands as a clear demonstration of our ambitions. In the last year alone, we have invested over USD20 million to upgrade our facilities to receive this beautiful ship.

“We have been extending our quay by over 40 meters while strengthening it to enable us to receive and operate a new Mobile Harbour Crane. All of this to accommodate the “Great Lagos.”

“This investment underscores our strive to achieve operational excellence while delivering efficient and cost-effective logistics services to the broader Nigerian economy and its people. It reinforces our position as a key player in the maritime sector and confirms our readiness to take the port of Lagos on larger roles in the global trading community,” he said.