Lekki Port welcomes 75 vessels facilitates 25,000 transshipments in one year

Lekki Deep Sea Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited on Monday marked one year of commercial operations since its official launch on April 1, 2023.

In a statement shared on its LinkedIn social media platform, the Port highlighted several achievements attained over the past year.

Within the review period, the port said it welcomed a total of 75 vessels, including the first LNG-powered vessel and the largest ship, measuring 366 LOA, to enter Nigerian waters.

The port disclosed that it embarked on transshipment activities in June 2023, facilitating over 25,000 transshipments to date.

With the capacity to handle 14,000 TEU container vessels, the port said it also managed over 100,000 containers, demonstrating its ability to support global trade effectively.

Expressing gratitude for the support received, Lekki Deep Sea Port acknowledged the Nigerian Ports Authority for providing marine services and tug boats.

The port also extended appreciation to various government officials and key stakeholders, including the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, among others.

The statement reads, “We are proud to announce that today, April 1, 2024 marks one year since the official commencement of commercial operations at Lekki Deep Sea Port. It has been a remarkable journey with the berthing of GSL Alice on 6th April 2023.

“In all, we have welcomed 75 vessels including the first LNG-powered vessel and the largest ship of 366 LOA to enter Nigerian waters.

“We also embarked on transshipment from June 2023 with the arrival of the first transshipment vessel, the CMA CGM RIMBAUD. Since then, we have facilitated over 25,000 transshipments and counting.

“As the only deep sea port in Nigeria with the ability to handle 14,000 TEU container vessels, we put our facilities to good use and have handled over 100,000 containers in the past 1 year, showcasing our capability to support global trade.

“We are grateful for the support of the Nigerian Ports Authority who provided marine services and tug boats. Lekki Port will continue to deliver on its promise to serve as a transshipment hub in West Africa.

“To ensure efficient and seamless traffic management, we have created a 153-capacity pre-gate truck park which will work with our vehicle booking system at the Lekki Port gate to avoid congestion.

“We have also deployed the use of 2 Nuctech FS 6000 non-intrusive scanners by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to fast-track the process of cargo examination and evacuation to ensure safety and security with regards to goods passing through our gates.

“None of these achievements would have been possible without the support and guidance of our key stakeholders and the host communities, many of whom we hosted, including the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi MFR, the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi.

“The Managing Director of ICRC, Mr. Michael Ohiani and most especially His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, who was the special guest of honour at the ceremony to witness the arrival of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA. The first LNG-powered, 14,000TEU vessel to arrive in Nigerian waters.

“Lekki Port is also duly authorised by the NCS to process and receive pharmaceutical products, expanding our operational versatility and contributing to public health.

“As we reflect on these achievements, we are reminded of the journey’s challenges and triumphs.

“Our success is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and collaboration of our dedicated team, our partners, Lekki Freeport Terminal & CMA CGM, the Government agencies at the Port working tirelessly and the maritime community.

“We also specially recognise the Chairman of our Board of Directors, Mr Biodun Dabiri and our non-executive directors, Alhaji Bode Oyedele, Mr Haresh Aswani, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, Mr Navin Nahata, Mr Wu Di, Mr Steven Liu and Mr Dinesh Rathi for their support and advice.

“Thank you all for being an integral part of our story. We are committed to ensuring we serve you better and for Nigeria to be a hub for global maritime transportation.”