- Officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority, APM Terminals Apapa and COSCO Shipping, with the 7,000 TEUs EA CENTAURUS when she birthed at the APM Terminals Apapa…recently
By Anthony Nwachukwu
In another outstanding milestone, Nigeria’s leading port terminal operator, APM Terminals Apapa, has birthed at is terminal the largest containership ever to visit the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, EA CENTAURUS.
The first time a Nigerian port was receiving the massive containership, EA CENTAURUS, which is owned by COSCO Shipping and flies the Singaporean flag, arrived the terminal Wednesday. The 7,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) measures 272 metres in length, 43 metres in width, and has a 14.3-meter draft.
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 the moment for Nigeria’s trade sector.
Speaking on the development, Terminal Manager of APMT Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said the arrival of EA CENTAURUS represents a turning point in the size and scale of vessels that Apapa can handle.”
Knudsen explained that “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.”
On the operational advantages for both the port and its customers, he noted: “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.”
Excited at the development, the Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, described the partnership between APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping as an important step forward for Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.
According to her, “this vessel with 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.
“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.”
Also, the Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, Rex Wang, said it was a landmark event for COSCO, with EA CENTAURUS being the largest vessel the company has handled in this region, which underscores its service expansion in West Africa.
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.”
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Compt. Babatunde Olomu, has pledged the support of the Nigeria Customs Service in facilitating swift cargo processing. According to him, the achievement highlights the agency’s 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 said.
Similarly, the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Adebowale Ibrahim, who was represented by the Traffic Manager, Jimoh Anthony, commended APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping for their roles in helping the NPA achieve this new standard.
He added that “facilitating larger imports and exports is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth.”
