Imports surge triggers Lagos Port congestion as shipping lines shun empty containers
A growing number of shipping companies are steering clear of evacuating empty containers from Lagos Port, opting instead to prioritise the movement of loaded import boxes. This operational trend has led to significant congestion at the port’s terminals, with empty containers taking up valuable yard space.
Investigations revealed that APM Terminals, the operator of the Lagos Port container terminal in Apapa, was recently forced to halt the acceptance of empty containers for nearly a week. The suspension was prompted by an excessive buildup of empties clogging the terminal.
In a recent statement, Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, attributed the situation to a marked and sustained rise in incoming cargo volumes. He explained that, in response, shipping lines have focused on unloading laden containers, placing less priority on removing empty ones.
“This increase in imports has caused a rapid accumulation of empty containers, reducing available yard space at the terminal,” Knudsen stated.
“As a consequence of this growing stockpile, APM Terminals Apapa has had to temporarily stop receiving more empty containers until shipping lines clear the current backlog.
“We understand the inconvenience this creates for truck operators, consignees, and landside logistics. We’re working closely with shipping lines and government authorities to fast-track the evacuation of these empties by sea,” he added.
When contacted, a port worker who requested anonymity, citing lack of authorisation to speak officially, gave further insight into the issue. He noted that shipping lines prefer loading export-bound containers rather than returning empties, which offer no immediate financial benefit.
“In shipping, moving empty boxes isn’t profitable,” the worker explained. “When vessels discharge imports, their owners expect them to leave the port with export cargo, not empty containers.
“It’s expensive to run a vessel. No operator wants to waste resources carrying containers without content. The real money comes from exporting boxes, not sailing with empty ones.”
He further pointed out that the accumulation of empties has been building up over time, gradually choking yard operations.
“The trucks bringing back empty containers are doing so mainly to reclaim their Container Deposit Fees. If those fees were scrapped, many truckers wouldn’t bother returning empties, because it adds no operational value for them.
“Likewise, shipping lines gain nothing from carrying empty boxes. Their profits lie in how many loaded export containers they can move out of the port,” he said.
The current situation highlights growing pressures on Nigeria’s busiest port and underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to improve container turnaround times and yard efficiency.
