NPA records another first as 100-year-old Apapa Port, Lagos berths largest container carrier

Another landmark achievement was recorded on Friday, June 16 by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, Lagos, berthed a 300m LOA vessel, the largest container carrier in history.

This development, which is unprecedented, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Mohammed Bello Koko-led Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to sustained investment in port infrastructure and equipment that enable operational excellence.

The vessel christened, “Kota Canik” meaning “beautiful point” and is designed to carry up to 6600 TEUS at a move, signals a turning point and signposts the possibilities that improved infrastructural and equipment upgrade can engender.

Inaugurating the two ultra modern control towers aimed at boosting safety of navigation and scaling up Apapa and TinCan Ports to acceptable international standards, Bello Koko had reiterated the Authority’s resolve to “equip the ports for performance that meet and indeed exceed stakeholders’ expectations”.

Commenting on the development, the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Charles Bamidele Okaga, said, “Apapa Port is poised to continuously improve on the quality of service that made this milestone possible.

He assured the Liner, Pacific International Line (PIL), that the requisite efficiencies to berth the 350m LOA being expected are already in place.

This exceptional delivery by Apapa port coming on the heels of the reception in the month of May of MSc Maureen, a vessel with Length Over All(LOA) of 300m and breadth of 40m, which berthed at the TinCan Island Port Complex in Lagos demonstrates the NPA’s readiness to create and sustain improved performance.