The Nigerian Ports Authority NPA has taken trade facilitation a notch higher as it successfully berths the largest container carrier ever at the country’s newest seaport, the Lekki Deep Seaport. The vessel sailed to Nigeria’s territorial waters Sunday, January 21, 2024.
The vessel, MAERSK EDIRNE, measuring 367m in overall length, has a breadth of 48.2m and carried a Gross Registered Tonnage GRT of 142,131metric tonnes and a Dead Weight Tonnage DWT of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 metric tonnes total cargo onboard was navigated to safety by the highly experienced and thoroughly equipped Pilots of the NPA.
This development validates the assurances by the Managing Director / CEO of the NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello- Koko during the signing of the Presidential / Ministerial Performance Bond in December 2023, that “the Authority under my watch is poised to providing the leadership and technical guidance required to maximise the potential inherent in our marine and blue economy.”
Responding to the milestone achievement Sunday, Bello- Koko commended the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for the consistent support and endorsement of the Authority’s initiatives and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal, which made this milestone seamlessly achievable.
Recall that before this time, the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were “MV Stadelhorn” and “MSC Maureen” at Onne Port and Tin Can Island Port Complexes respectively. Thus, the berthing of the current vessel measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward.
The Lekki Deep Seaport has by this feat in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transhipment, proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.
