The APM Terminals Apapa, on Wednesday, received the largest container vessel to ever visit Lagos Port Complex in Apapa.
LEADERSHIP reports this event marked the first time a Nigerian port welcomed the vessel, setting a new milestone for Nigeria’s premier port.
The vessel, EA CENTAURUS, is owned by COSCO Shipping and currently flies the Singaporean flag.
This impressive vessel, 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, APM Terminals Apapa’s Manager, Steen 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.
Knudsen highlighted the operational advantages for both the port and its customers, adding, “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.”
The Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, expressed her 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,” Aubert-Adewuyi remarked.
“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.”
Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, Rex Wang, 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.”
The 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, Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim, emphasised the significance of handling such a “gigantic vessel.”
Lawal who was represented by Traffic Manager, Jimoh Anthony, 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.”
