In a noteworthy achievement, the Nigerian Ports Authority reveals that the Lekki Deep Seaport has accommodated the largest container vessel to sail within Nigerian territorial waters.
The NPA disclosed in a Sunday statement that the vessel, named ‘Maersk Edirne,’ boasts an impressive length of 367 meters.
The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, shared details that the vessel holds a breadth of 48.2 and carries an impressive gross registered tonnage of 142,131 metric tonnes.
Africa Today News, New York, detailed that the management of the deep seaport made an announcement in June 2023 about the arrival of Rimbaud, the inaugural transshipment vessel to visit the container terminal.
Additionally, the management stated that the vessel arrived with cargo from two of the world’s largest container shipping lines, CMA CGM and Maersk.
However speaking on the recent carrier, Bello-Koko said, ‘The new vessel had a dead weight tonnage of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard. The vessel was navigated by the highly experienced and thoroughly equipped pilots of the NPA,’
Bello-Koko said that the development validated the assurance given by the agency, during the signing of the presidential / ministerial performance bond in December 2023 that, ‘the authority under my watch is poised to provide the leadership and technical guidance required to maximise the potentials inherent in our marine and blue economy.’
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The NPA boss commended Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the consistent support and endorsement of the authority’s initiatives, ‘and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal which made this milestone seamlessly achievable,’
He added, ‘Before this time, the largest commercial vessel to sail on Nigerian waters were “MV Stadelhorn” and “MSC Maureen” at Onne Port and Tincan Island Port Complexes respectively. Thus the berth of a ship measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward.’
‘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.’