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Tag: Onne port

  • Operator, shipping firm launch service to Onne Port

    Operator, shipping firm launch service to Onne Port

    The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria said it received the Europe Afrique 4 (EURAF4) service, providing a weekly direct shipping to Onne Port in Rivers State to boost international trade. The service was inaugurated at Onne Port l with the arrival of the containership MV LETO. EURAF4 aims to enhance connectivity, improve transit times, and provide comprehensive cargo-handling solutions for Nigeria’s trade with Europe and Asia.

    The introduction of EURAF4, according to WACT-APMT, is in response to the increasing demand for efficient and reliable shipping solutions and will enable Nigerian importers and exporters to benefit from streamlined logistics, cost reductions and enhanced supply chain efficiency.

    The Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the launch as a testament to the trust placed in WACT-APM Terminals and the strength of the Nigerian economy.

    He also praised the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other stakeholders for their role in launching the service and successfully berthing MV LETO.

    “This launch is a strong vote of confidence from CMA CGM in the world-class capabilities WACT-APM Terminals has developed over the years. We have invested over $115 million in upgrading the terminal with Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes, an expanded yard, and cutting-edge IT infrastructure,” Klinke stated.

    “We are fully committed to servicing your business at the highest level. More importantly, we have the capacity to support your growth in the East Nigerian market. This milestone not only strengthens international business confidence but also encourages shipping lines to inject additional capacity into the region. With these enhanced capabilities, we anticipate increased trade volumes, which will, in turn, drive further economic growth in Eastern Nigeria,” Klinke added.

    Head of Operations of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Fanick Atchai, reinforced this commitment, stating, “Our promise is simple: we commit to excellent service delivery for all our customers. With the best people, processes, and equipment in place, we ensure reduced port stay, safe operations, and top-notch cargo handling.”

    Managing director of CMA CGM Nigeria, Hinelder Ferreira, also gave kudos all stakeholders at the port for the successful berthing of MV LETO.

     “Today, with the arrival of MV LETO, we mark the first call for the EURAF4 service, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the Eastern port. As a group, we pledge to enhance service quality, reduce transit times, and ensure competitive rates. This service will significantly improve connectivity between Europe, Asia, and Onne, strengthening both import and export trade routes,” Ferreira said.

    The port manager of Onne Port, Raymond Abdulraham, described the new service as a significant milestone for the port.

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    “The more vessels we have, the more revenue we generate for the country. The arrival of MV LETO is a proud moment for Onne Port, and we are delighted to receive her,” he said.

    Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, who was represented at the launch by Assistant Comptroller Martin Okpokpo, also commended WACT-APM Terminals and CMA CGM for their role in expanding shipping services and facilitating trade at the port.

    The launch event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigeria Immigration Service, importers, exporters, and the freight forwarding community.

  • WACT acquires reach stacker, terminal trucks at Onne Port

    The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne Port, Rivers State, has acquired additional equipment including a reach stacker and two terminal trucks to boost efficiency and cargo handling operation at the port. This brings to six the number of trucks acquired by WACT this year.

    Speaking while unveiling the new trucks, the Managing Director, Aamir Mirza, said four more trucks are being expected to arrive the terminal in May 2019, bringing the total to 10, saying the company has so far invested $2.5 million in the provision of equipment and the development of facilities at the terminal.

    He said the trucks which are purpose-built for terminal operations will improve the level of service and develop the capability of the terminal to handle increasing container volumes, adding that they can easily manoeuvre inside the terminal. “With all this equipment coming in, we are confident that our services will continue to improve. The stakeholders are already acknowledging the presence of the equipment and this is being done for the customers. This will make them happy so that they can bring more business to Onne Port,” Mirza said.

    He assured of his company’s commitment to continuously improve customer service, saying, “we want to thank all our customers for their continued support and I can assure you that there is a lot of investment that has been planned and we will  keep you informed as the equipment arrives.”

    The representative of Onne Port Manager, Yohana Izam praised WACT for its strong commitment to efficiency and top customer service. “We appreciate the effort WACT has made towards acquiring these trucks. It will help their business and improve overall port performance.”

    The truck commissioning event was attended by several stakeholders including the representatives of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), importers, truckers, freight forwarding associations, the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA), Onne Free Zone Chapter, Mike Ebeatu; Chairman, Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Eastern Ports, Chief Godwin Ololuka; and representative of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Obinna Ugochukwu, among others.

  • WACT orders $2.5million equipment for Onne Port

    The West African Container Terminal (WACT), Onne Port, Rivers State, has ordered 10 terminal trucks, two reach stackers and one empty container handler worth $2.5 million (about N900 million) to cope with increasing volumes at the terminal.

    WACT Managing Director Aamir Mirza made this known on Friday during the inauguration of four new terminal trucks to enhance service delivery at the zone. The four new trucks arrived the country, having been flown in on one of the world’s largest cargo airplane, the Antonov An-124.

    Mirza said the increase in cargo volume at the terminal necessitated the need to increase the number of  cargo handling equipment and truck fleet, saying the congestion on the port roads in Apapa, Lagos has led to an increase in container volumes at Onne, as more customers find WACT attractive to handle their goods.

    “The traffic situation at Apapa is one of the reasons for our unprecedented growth. In 2016 and 2017, WACT recorded a growth of about 17 per cent. This is because of the stability of the Naira and government’s encouragement of agricultural-based exports, he said, adding that in 2018, the company ended up with a 22 per cent growth as against its projections of eight per cent growth in container traffic.

    He said a sizable portion of this volume was due to traffic at Apapa, as more shippers are diverting their cargo to Onne.

    “The equipment we ordered are made to our specifications, which is based on the environment and weather conditions. Our equipment is not like cars that can be produced and kept in showrooms. It takes about four to six months for the equipment to be manufactured and shipped to us.” Mirza said, stating that the remaining six trucks and other equipment are expected to arrive the terminal in about two months.

    He said going by the growth of the market, in about one and half years, “our truck fleet will increase by 100 per cent, reach stackers by 50 per cent, and the empty handler fleet by 100 per cent, representing a significant investment,” he said.

    Chapter Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Free Zone, Michael Ebeatu, described the addition to the truck fleet as commendable.

    “This will go a long way to help with the huge volume of containers coming here,” Ebeatu said.

    Chairman of Ports Consultative Council, Eastern Ports, Godwin Ololuka, described the commissioning of the new terminal trucks as “a laudable development”.

    Also,  Nigerian Importers Integrity Association (NIIA) President, Godwin Onyekazi, commended WACT for positively impacting on trade and economic activities in the Southeast and Southsouth regions of the country. He said WACT has enhanced the competitiveness of Onne Port and made the port more attractive for importers and shipping lines.

    He said: “Onne Port is about the only port outside Lagos that can be said to be really competitive and we must commend WACT for its untiring effort at ensuring that containers shipped through the port are handled professionally and delivered in good time to the owners.”

    He said the 22 per cent rise in cargo volume recorded at the port in 2018 was bound to put pressure on the terminal, “but WACT has characteristically risen to the challenge of ensuring that customers do not suffer unnecessarily because of the increased volume”.

    Other stakeholders at the inauguration include the Customs Area Controller of Onne Port represented by Deputy Controller Atiku Alhaji Buhari; and the Onne Chapter Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Emma Nnwamkpa.

    WACT, which started commercial operations in 2007, is reputed to be one of the most customer friendly port facilities in Nigeria. With a capacity of 314,000 TEUs, 325 reefer plugs and berths with depth of up to 12 meters, it is the most efficient gateway to most markets outside the Lagos area.

    In 2016, WACT was named Nigeria’s Best Container Handling and Port Development Company at the African Governance and Corporate Leadership Award organized by the Institute for Government, Research, Leadership and Technology, Abuja. The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA) also named WACT the winner of its Corporate Distinguished Service Award in 2015.

  • Customs seizes N3.06bn worth of tramadol, other drugs at Onne port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized nine 40ft containers of tramadol and other controlled drugs with duty paid value of N3.06 billion at Onne Port, Rivers.

    Mr Augustine Chidi, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in-charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, announced the seizure in Port Harcourt.

    Chidi said the containers were falsely declared as containing PVC ball valves and general goods.

    “You will recall that last week, Nigerian Customs Service announced the seizure of 50 containers in Lagos.

    “This brings to a total of 59 containers of controlled drugs so far seized within this month,’’ Chidi said.”

    He said that the importation contravened “Section 46 of Customs and Excise Management Act Cap 45 LFN’’.

    Chidi said that the Comptroller General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, ordered a thorough investigation to bring perpetrators to justice.

    “Let me assure you that the NCS will not relent on its role of contributing to national economic and security well-being of Nigerians by ensuring that items that can negatively affect the citizenry are not allowed into the country,’’ he said.

    According to him, NCS is increasingly relying on intelligence and technology to make it difficult for smugglers to have their way.

    He called on the public, especially border community dwellers and port users to desist from importing illicit goods.

    Chidi also called for public support for better performance by NCS and expressed concern that Nigeria was experiencing increasing attempts by unpatriotic elements to smuggle dangerous drugs into the country.

    He said the increasing smuggling of controlled drugs into the country could be traced to the Christmas and New Year season as well as the coming elections in 2019.

    According to him unscrupulous business men were exploiting the market provided by the seasons and elections in which some politicians might want to engage the youth in unwholesome activities.

    “These elements are morally bankrupt and willing to make money at the expense of human lives. We must stop them as we all have a duty to protect our nation,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the Controller, Area II Command of NCS, Comptroller Aliyu Saidu, said the command would perform better when it received one of the three scanners approved by the Federal Executive Council for the customs.

    “It will greatly assist our command in checking crime and increase our revenue base,’’ Saidu said. (NAN)

  • NPA deploys $30m equipment in Onne Port

    •Customs ‘intercepts elephant tusks, pangolin worth N1.2bn’

    The Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) has concluded plans to deploy equipment worth over $30 million to Onne port, Rivers State, it was learnt yesterday.

    The measure, it was gathered, is being taken by the NPA Managing Director, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman, to boost efficiency, security and make the port attractive for business.

    Onne Port Complex is one of the key ports of the nation under the NPA, it is situated on the Bonny River Estuary along Ogu creek.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the NPA at the Onne Port complex yesterday, Ms Usman, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Mohammed Bello Koko, said six pilot cutters, tug boats and 17 meter offshore patrol boats, would soon be deployed to the port to make the port attractive and stem the cycle of criminalities within and around the port.

    Although, Ms Usman did not state the amount of the equipment, but sources at Onne Port told The Nation that it would cost  the agency more than $30 million to deploy the sofisticated equipment.

    The managing director condemned what she called indiscriminate anchorage  of vessels and directed the perpetrators to desist.

    She urged investors to take advantage of the strategic location of the port and as one of  the largest oil and gas free zone in the world supporting exploration and production for economic activities. The free zone provides a logistic oil service centre for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria (Onshore and Offshore), also providing easy access to the entire West African and sub-Sahara oil fields.

    Ms Usman assured the stakeholders and investors that adequate depth of the channel leading to the port would be dredged  to accommodate big ocean going vessels and adequate security provided.

    The Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Umanah Okon Umanah, who was at the meeting commended the NPA for repositioning the port for greater efficiency.

    He urged other stakeholders to collaborate with the NPA in its efforts to make the port a hub of maritime activities.

    Another stakeholder, Mr Felix Abraham, said the deployment of the equipment would assist the port in taking its rightful position “as a hub for the west and central Africa Sub – regions in oil and gas and  has an advantage of accessibility, proximity to the Eastern commercial centres  like Onitsha, Nnewi and Aba, among others.

    “Activities such as pipe coating, waste treatment and boat building are provided by companies located in Onne.

    “The port is highly industrialised with modern facilities and equipment that can stand the test of time anywhere in the world.

    “It has one of the biggest habour mobile cranes in Africa, (Liebherr 600) with a lifting capacity of 208 metric tonnes. Also 220 Gmk 5220 grove twin cranes that has capacity of lifting single heavy duty cargo of 300 tonnes,” he said.

    At the meeting were representatives of the host community, importers, clearing agents, terminal operators, investors and representatives of security agencies including Customs, Immigration, Navy and the police.

    Also yesterday, the Minister of the Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, says the Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted elephant tusks and pangolin, worth about N1.2 billion, between February 15 and March 22.

    Represented by his Permanent Secretary Malam Shehu Ahmed, the minister said in Abuja at a one-day workshop on how to combat illegal wildlife trade and international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.

    The workshop was organised by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

    “On February 15, the Nigerian Customs intercepted and seized 55 sacks of pangolin and 218 pieces of Elephant tusks worth N493, 520,000.

    “In less than a month later, the service intercepted and confiscated another 329 sacks of pangolin scales, weighing 8,492kg, valued at N732,857,393.

    “The wild animals and their habitats have since been subjected to enormous pressure through over-exploitation, trade and irrational use to the extent that many of the animals are now threatened.

    “But even more worrisome is the fact that Nigeria is being used as a transit route for illegal wildlife trade and the image of our nation is being destroyed,’’ he said.

    Jibril said that the government was taking necessary steps and measures to protect and promote sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystem, while sustaining programmes aimed at curbing forest management, combat desertification, land degradation and loss of biodiversity.

    He said: “I am highly delighted to address you at this important workshop and the ministry is highly impressed by your prompt response to this call to national duty.

    “We will all make efforts to reverse the trends that are capable of destroying Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, denying our nation the full realisation of its economic development potential.’’

    The minister said the disappearance of many high-grade timber species like Iroko, Ebony, Brown Mahogany and African Oak, among others, was worrisome.

    Jibril said: “The State Department of Forestry is now searching endlessly to be able to find some of these species through what is now regarded as tree exploitation or salvage logging.

    “The ministry has programmes that constitute the framework for a dynamic, evolving process for cooperation among stakeholders.

    “These programmes are catalysts for the involvement of entire society and point of reference for all agents involved in the process of conservation of nature to ensure environmentally sustainable development in the country.’’

    Mr Paul Dunn of Wildlife Conservative Society (WCS) said that the workshop was designed to address the menace of the illegal wildlife trade.

    The workshop was attended by relevant ministries, members of the diplomatic corps and environment-related non-governmental organisations.

  • Navy rescues another hijacked vessel

    Navy rescues another hijacked vessel

    Barely five days after the Nigerian Navy rescued an oil tanker and its crew from pirates near the islands of Sao Tome, another vessel has been recovered off Brass.

    The supply vessel,  was Wednesday rescued by personnel onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) CENTENARY.

    It was hijacked off the Coast of Bonny Island but recovered at about 2 am, at 55 nautical miles off Brass.

    A statement from the naval headquarters Abuja indicated that the vessel has been brought to the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne, Port Harcourt.

    It also disclosed that two crew members, a Russian and a Nigerian were abducted by the pirates prior to the arrival of the Navy Ship.

    According to the statement, NNS CENTENARY was dispatched to locate and rescue the distressed ship following an alert from MV BOURBON’s ship company.

    “Both vessels are currently at the ONNE Port, where the naval authorities will conduct further investigation.

    “One Russian and a Nigerian were abducted from MV BOURBON before NNS CENTENARY was able to contact and rescue the vessel from the hijackers.

    “Efforts are currently ongoing to ascertain the whereabouts of the abducted crew,” it stated.

  • Lagos, Onne ports to host big vessels

    • 4,500Teu vessel for Onne tomorrow

    The Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) has dredged the Lagos and Onne ports to accommodate big vessels, The Nation has learnt.

    The ports were dredged to between 13.5 and 14.3-metre depth from the former seven to nine-metre depth before the joint venture contract for their dredging was entered into by NPA and the dredging firms.

    The dredging may have started yielding results.

    Sources close to NPA told The Nation that a container vessel, West African Maximum (WAFMAX) with a capacity of 4,500 twenty-foot equivalent unit (Teu) will call at Onne Port tomorrow.

    The ship is 37.4 metres wide and 249 metres long. It is the largest vessel that can be be accomodated at West Africa’s major container ports.

    The vessel is the largest ship to visit the Eastern port.

    A source said the coming of WEFMAX to Onne shows the Bonny Channel has been dredged to accommodate big vessels.

    The source also said NPA had removed all shipwrecks on the Lagos and Bonny channels to boost operations.

    A dredging firm, Lagos Channel Management Limited (LCM), it was learnt, has a venture agreement with the NPA, in which the latter is the parent company with 60 per cent stake.

    LCM is responsible for the dredging and removal of certain shipwrecks along the Fairway Buoys. It also operates a marine operation centre where data is processed for port operations.

    Fairway Buoy covers the region from the entry point of the Atlantic Ocean into the Lagos Ports, Tin Can Port and Badagry.

    NPA’s Managing Director Mallam Habib Abdullahi confirmed that the WAFMAX vessel would call at Onne port tomorrow.

    “Not only are our navigational channels now safe and navigable, but they have also started attracting bigger vessels who thereto do not call on our shore.

    “It is in fulfillment of its commitment to Nigerian customers that Maersk line, operated by AP Moller Terminal (APMT), is bringing its WAFMAX vessel to call at Onne port on May 14 (tomorrow).

    “Already, all preparations are on top gear to receive the vessel and to ensure that its calling at Onne is safetly handled,” he said.

    Abdullahi said the benefits derivable from the economies of scale in the deployment of the vessels to the country is a prelude to the attainment of hub port status as enunciated in the transformation agenda of President Godluck Jonathan.