The Lekki Deep Seaport, operated by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has enhanced international trade in the country by successfully berthing the largest container carrier ever to call at the country.
The vessel codenamed, Maersk Edirne, sailed to Nigeria’s territorial waters on Sunday.
Measuring 367 metres in overall length, she has a breadth of 48.2 metres and carried a Gross Registered Tonnage of 142,131 metric tonnes and a Dead Weight Tonnage of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 metric tonnes total cargo onboard.
She was navigated to safety anchorage by NPA’s highly experienced and thoroughly equipped pilots, assisted by their foreign crew counterparts.
According to shipping pundits, the development is inline with assurances by NPA’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello- Koko during the recent signing of the Presidential/Ministerial Performance Bond last month.
Bello-Koko had stated 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”.
While receiving the novel vessel, Bello- Koko commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola for the consistent support and endorsement of NPA’s initiatives and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal, which made the event seamlessly achievable.
Before now, 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.
The Lekki Deep Seaport has by this feat in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transshipment, proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.
