Lekki Deep Seaport celebrated a significant milestone Thursday last week as it received its first transshipment vessel at the container terminal. The vessel, Rimbaud, owned by CMA CGM shipping company, arrived at the port with cargo from two of the world’s largest container shipping lines, CMA CGM and Maersk, marking the beginning of transshipment activities.
In a statement to the Media, Lekki Deep Seaport explained that the vessel, Rimbaud, owned by CMA CGM shipping company, arrived at the terminal on Thursday, adding that the vessel came with cargo from two of the largest container shipping lines in the world, CMA CGM and Maersk.
According to the statement, the vessel was carrying 411 twenty-foot equivalent units of transshipment cargo and had a nominal container handling capacity of 6,900 TEUs.
“The vessel, which arrived at approximately 1.00 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023, was carrying cargo from two of the largest container shipping lines in the world, CMA CGM and Maersk. The service originated from the far east passing through Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Nansha, TanjungPelpas, and Singapore to Kribi, Cameroun, before finally arriving at Lekki Port this afternoon. The vessel was carrying 411 TEUs of transshipment cargo and has a nominal container handling capacity of 6,900 TEUs,” the statement said.
The Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, Du Ruogang, while speaking on the development, thanked the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Ports Authority for their support in ensuring the commencement of transshipment activities at Lekki Port.
Du Ruogang, the Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Ports Authority for their support in making the commencement of transshipment activities at Lekki Port possible. This acknowledgment highlights the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders in driving the development of the port and enhancing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The arrival of the first transshipment vessel at Lekki Deep Seaport signifies a significant step forward in the port’s operations and its contribution to the Nigerian economy. Transshipment activities involve the transfer of cargo from one vessel to another, enabling efficient logistics and connectivity between various shipping routes. Lekki Port’s capability to handle transshipment cargo from prominent shipping lines demonstrates its potential as a strategic hub in West Africa for containerized trade.
It is expected that the successful handling of transshipment cargo at Lekki Deep Seaport will pave the way for increased trade opportunities, improved efficiency, and enhanced connectivity within the maritime sector. As the port continues to develop and expand its operations, it is expected to attract more shipping lines and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs and fostering trade relationships with international partners.
The arrival of the first transshipment vessel at Lekki Deep Seaport marks a significant achievement for the Nigerian maritime industry. This milestone showcases the port’s potential as a crucial player in regional and global trade, offering efficient logistics solutions and enhancing connectivity. With ongoing support from key authorities and stakeholders, Lekki Port is poised to become a vital hub in West Africa, driving economic growth and further positioning Nigeria as a prominent maritime nation.
