APM Terminals located in Apapa recently welcomed the largest container vessel ever to dock at Nigeria’s Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, boasting a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This significant event marked the vessel EA Centaurus’s first visit to a Nigerian port, setting a new record for the country’s primary port.
Owned by COSCO Shipping and currently flying the flag of Singapore, the vessel measures 272 meters in length, 43 meters in width, with a draft of 14.3 meters, and can carry 7,000 TEUs. The Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, highlighted the economic impact of accommodating such a large vessel, emphasizing the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of handling larger ships at the port.
The arrival of the vessel signifies a milestone in Nigeria’s trade capacity and demonstrates APMT’s dedication to supporting the country’s economic growth. By consolidating more cargo on a single vessel, the terminal aims to enhance efficiency and reduce import costs, ultimately benefiting Nigeria’s economy and promoting increased trade activity.
Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, the Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, expressed confidence in the partnership between APMT and COSCO Shipping, emphasizing the positive impact on the country’s economy and trade infrastructure. Rex Wang, the Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, highlighted the strategic importance of the vessel’s arrival, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its services in West Africa and supporting regional trade growth.
Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller at Apapa Command, assured support in facilitating swift cargo processing to handle larger shipments efficiently. This commitment aims to boost revenue and attract more vessels of similar scale to dock at Nigerian ports, promoting trade facilitation in the region.
COSCO Shipping, a global shipping giant based in China, aims to strengthen trade connections between Asia, Africa, and other markets worldwide. The arrival of the EA Centaurus at Apapa aligns with COSCO’s commitment to expanding West Africa’s shipping capacity and enhancing trade links across regions.