The Lekki Deep Sea Port has made a significant milestone with the arrival of the CMA CGM RIMBAUD, the port’s first transshipment vessel. This exciting development marks a major step towards positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
In a statement released in Lagos on Thursday, Du Ruogang, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, expressed his delight at the vessel’s arrival. The CMA CGM RIMBAUD carries cargo from two of the world’s largest container shipping lines, CMA CGM and Maersk.
The transshipment service began in the Far East, passing through several ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Nansha, Tanjung Pelpas, Singapore, and Kribi in Cameroon before finally reaching Lekki Port. The vessel is loaded with 411 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) of transshipment cargo, with a container handling capacity of 6,900 TEUs.
Mr Ruogang extended his gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Ports Authority for their support in facilitating transshipment activities at Lekki Port. He also commended the collaborative efforts of regulatory agencies, particularly the Nigerian Customs Service, Lekki Port, and the container terminal operator, Lekki Freeport Terminal, in ensuring a smooth arrival and cargo processing.
Laurence Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, emphasized the port’s readiness to become a leading transshipment hub in West Africa. With its state-of-the-art Ship to Shore cranes and advanced scanners, Lekki Port is well-equipped to handle significant transshipment volumes.
The transshipped cargo on the CMA CGM RIMBAUD is scheduled to depart for its final destination, Cotonou, on July 6. This marks the beginning of a new era for Lekki Port, which aims to play a crucial role in facilitating trade and boosting economic growth in Nigeria.
Transshipment involves the movement of goods from one ship to another, optimizing logistics and enhancing efficiency in international trade. The arrival of the CMA CGM RIMBAUD at Lekki Port signifies Nigeria’s growing prominence as a key player in the maritime industry.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port, operated by Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), was awarded the Concession Agreement by the Nigerian Ports Authority. LPLEL is responsible for the development, construction, and operation of a common user multipurpose port in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
This significant achievement at Lekki Port paves the way for greater opportunities in international shipping and trade. The success of the port’s transshipment operations will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, attracting more investment and positioning the country as a strategic maritime destination in the region.
NAN (News Agency of Nigeria) is reporting this remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s maritime industry, highlighting the key role played by Lekki Port in driving economic growth and expanding Nigeria’s presence in the global shipping landscape.
