Lekki Deep Seaport Welcomes Largest Container Ship To Ever Sail on Nigerian Waters

The largest container ship to ever sail Nigerian waters was successfully berthed at the Lekki Deep Seaport on Sunday, January 21, 2024, marking the beginning of a new age of trade facilitation for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The “Maersk Edirne” is a massive container ship that made history when it docked at Lekki Port around 14:42 hours. Its overall length is 367 meters, and its breadth is 48.2 meters. Its Gross Registered Tonnage is 142,131 metric tonnes, and its Dead Weight Tonnage is 147,340.

The assurances made by Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority, during the signing of the Presidential/Ministerial Performance Bond in December 2023, have been validated by this outstanding achievement. Koko had stated that the Authority was committed to offering technical advice and leadership to optimise the potential of the marine and blue economy.

The ship, a CMA CGM WAX service member, is one of thirteen big container ships that travel via essential ports such as Xiamen, Qingdao, Shanghai, Singapore, Lekki Port, and Abidjan. The only port in Nigeria in this remarkable port rotation is Lekki Port.

Lekki Port Chairman Biodun Dabiri expressed his happiness at the achievement, highlighting how Lekki Port’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and top-notch machinery made it possible to berth such massive vessels. To begin Nigeria’s reality as a maritime hub in the sub-Saharan African region, he emphasised the importance of putting Lagos State and Nigeria on the international marine map.

Since starting commercial operations in April 2023, Laurence Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, has commended Lekki Freeport Terminal, a subsidiary of CMA CGM, for providing effective terminal services. With the berthing of larger vessels, he expected favourable economic effects, such as increased cargo delivery and lower shipping expenses. The Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, reaffirmed that the accomplishment aligned with the Authority’s guarantees. He praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his continuous support of staff upskilling and equipment replacement.

The “MSC Maureen” and “MV Stadelhorn” at the Onne Port and Tin-Can Island Port Complexes were formerly the largest commercial ships in Nigerian waters. The Maersk Edirne’s berthing at Lekki Deep Seaport is a significant step that demonstrates the port’s readiness to go above and beyond for its stakeholders. Its innovative automation and transhipment facilitation initiatives further show the port’s dedication to innovation and quality.

Reference: Business Day

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