The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, has said that the improved vessel dwell time at Lekki Port was in fulfilment of the authority’s promise to deliver on speedy cargo dwell time through improved efficiencies at the nation’s seaports.
The Lekki port on Friday, 19th May 2023 berthed a 300 Meter Length Over All (LOA) vessel and released the carrier same day. The vessel christened CMA-CGM RABELAIS, has an impressive capacity of 6570 TEUs will be discharging and loading cargo.
The journey of the vessel originated from Shanghai, China and called at Lekki Port.
Bello-Koko speaking against the backdrop of the Lekki port berthing a commercial vessel and as well releasing it on same day, said the authority will, however, improve on the milestone.
The NPA boss said, “the fact that this vessel is departing country on same day it berthed is a fulfillment of our promise to deliver on speedy cargo dwell time through improved efficiencies, and state of the art machineries and I am delighted to assure that we are committed to continuously improving on this milestone.”
Also speaking, on the milestone, the Asst. Harbour Master for Lekki Port, Captain Monday Gajere, said the marine equipment procured by the authority set the pace for seamless berthing of the vessel.
He said, “the thorough navigation risk assessment involving Pilots, Tugs and Mooring gangs set the pace for seamless berthing of the large cargo carrier is a demonstration of the NPA’s talent-readiness to maximize the competitive advantages that Lekki Port deep draught and state-of-the-art equipment offers as Nigeria advances towards attaining Port hub status.”
