Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line Will Aid Cargo Movement – Steen Knudsen.

The general manager of APM terminal Apapa, Steen Knudsen has stated that the construction of a new standard gauge line will boost the economy in the maritime sector, as the new infrastructure would provide a cost efficient means of moving cargo from the port.

According to Knudsen, once the standard gauge becomes operational, more cargos would move on rail and this would help the terminals green agenda. While speaking during an interactive session with some journalist Knudsen said “The rail project is in line with the company’s agenda of making its entire supply chain eco-friendly”.

According to him, while a narrow-gauge railway line connecting Kano is operational at the terminal, the construction of standard gauge line by the federal government would further enhance cargo delivery through the rail. Knudsen said APM terminal is a global operator that has deployed international best practices in facilitating trade in Nigeria. Knudsen said that the terminal had, in the past, made much effort to incorporate environmentally friendly policies in its operation, such as collaboration with a recycling firm to recycle the terminals worn out tyres into paving tiles. He noted that the terminals` latest environmentally friendly venture is the conversion of single used plastics into effective overall.

He added that some of the terminals` investments were also in the area of trade facilitation; noting that it is using global best practices to introduce digitalized products to ensure importers and exporters enjoy a seamless service at the terminal. Knudsen stated that a berthing window has also been provided at the terminal for both deep sea vessels as well as barges to help create more efficient flow of containers, thereby removing costs and wastes from the supply chain.

He said the company has continued to expand its barging traffic to enable it to penetrate both east and west of the terminal and ensure that customers take possession of their cargo in areas that are closer to their warehouses. According to him “The shipping lines that come in get consistent and cost efficient service, for the Nigerian importers and exporters, it means our efficiency on the waterfront allows us to be cost efficient in terms of facilitating their trade into the market. It is also important for the terminal to continuously focus on customer-centricity and to continuously focus on creating a consistent and safe environment”.

Knudsen added that aside from its investment in equipment, the terminal is also investing heavily in manpower; he said “an equally important investment is the investment into our workforce, ensuring that we continuously develop our staff mostly in terms of training, career and progression and also expanding the business”.