THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), on Sunday, January 21, announced the berthing of the largest container to sail on Nigeria’s territorial waters at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos State.
Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, who confirmed this in a statement in Lagos, explained that the vessel, measuring 367M in length, christened, Maersk Edirne, has a breadth of 48.2 and carried a Gross Registered Tonnage of 142,131 metric tonnes.
He stated that the vessel, which had a Dead Weight Tonnage of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard, was navigated to safety by the highly experienced and thoroughly equipped pilots of the NPA.
Bello-Koko noted that the development validates his assurances during the signing of the presidential/ministerial performance bond in December last year, adding: “The authority, under my watch, is poised to provide the leadership and technical guidance required to maximise the potentials inherent in our marine and blue economy.”
The NPA boss commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his consistent support and endorsement of the authority’s initiatives and for his investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal, which made the milestone seamlessly achievable.
“Before this time, the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were MV Stadelhorn and MSC Maureen at Onne Port and TinCan Island Port Complexes, respectively.
“Thus, the berthing of a ship measuring 367 metres 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 transhippment, proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations,” he said.
