Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island port, Lagos, has boosted the general cargo component of its service bouquet with the maiden call of a brand new vessel, MV Maritime Challenger, at the terminal.
The brand new bulk carrier made its first voyage from Singapore, but is owned and operated by the IMC Shipping, China, a leading dry bulk shipping service provider with more than half a decade experience plying international waters and with major trading routes in the Asia-Pacific that serves markets in South America and Africa, focusing on major and minor bulk cargoes.
The vessel, which has installed capacity of about 39,744 tons of cargoes, in its first call to Ports & Cargo terminal brought both major and minor bulk cargoes. Some of the items it brought include chemicals (pure ammonium nitrate), fluid transport tank, fibre ceiling, pulp wood, coils, pallets, tractors and trucks. seamless pie and hot rolled sheets, construction equipment and materials, wheel loader, sodium sulphate, are other items on the vessel.
Speaking on the significance of the new line calling the terminal, Mr. John Jenkins, Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, said the need to put the terminal and its facilities to full use and increase the company’s revenue base are the main reasons the company’s renewed interest in the general cargo business.
He said: “We are delighted that history has been made again at our terminal with the arrival of this brand new vessel that embarked on its first ever voyage to any port. The voyage was from Asia to the Nigerian waters, and ends with its berth at our terminal. Ports & Cargo terminal has demonstrated over the years its leadership capability in the country’s maritime industry, particularly in the area of efficient port terminal management coupled with excellent customer service.
“The company has made a huge investment in infrastructure and equipment at the terminal in the last ten years and has therefore attracted a number of discerning clients, including IMC, the operator of the vessel. What has been the unique selling proposition of the terminal is the quality of service that we provide.
“While we have concentrated heavily on the container business over the years, the terminal is actually a multi-purpose one that can conveniently handle other kinds of vessels. It is with this belief in our ability and opportunities that our unique terminal provides that we have decided to also develop the general cargo/bulk side of our business. This new line is a testimony of our commitment to excel in this business.”
On his part, Mr. Mustapha Mohammed, General Manager, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, assured IMC Shipping and other prospective clients of the readiness of the company to provide excellent terminal operations that would exceed their expectations.
Speaking on his experience, the captain of the ship, Captain Tang Jiang Tao, noted that he has received warm welcome from the Ports & Cargo terminal staff as well as other government regulatory agencies like Nigerian Ports Authority, among others. He also expressed his delight at the impressive equipment at the terminal. “We are delighted to take this ship on its first voyage from Asia to Nigeria and I must say that we are very impressed by what Ports & Cargo has offered us in terms of competent hands and quality service delivery. I and my crew will be happy to call the terminal again”, he said.
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