SIFAX
Group, a multinational corporation with subsidiaries in maritime, aviation, haulage & logistics, oil & gas and hospitality, has launched its one-stop-shop vehicle importation service, which is aimed at transforming the RoRo industry in Lagos to a model in Africa.
The vehicle importation service is a joint-venture partnership involving SIFAX Group, foremost international shipping agent, Auto Export Shipping (AES) and Hyundai Glovis, the logistics arm of Hyundai KIA Automotive Group.
At the formal reception of the first vessel, MV Glovis Supreme, at the Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited terminal, Mr. John Jenkins, Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, said the RORO service was part of the business expansion strategy of the company, adding that its experience in handling such service in times past coupled with its customer-focused philosophy have positioned it well to make a success of the service.
He said: “SIFAX Group has a policy of exploring various opportunities to deepen our impact in the country’s economy. This partnership is designed to bring innovation, excellent service and unparalleled customer satisfaction to the RORO business in the country. Expansion of our service base is one of the key elements of SIFAX Group business strategy for 2016.
“The service will be a one-stop shop one which will include port terminal services, stevedoring, ship agency and off-dock services. I am happy to say that our partners, agents and consignees are in for a swell time due to the volume of preparations that has gone into this new business.”
On his part, Alhaji Mohammed Bulangu, Acting Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, noted that the terminal, a multi-purpose one, under the terms of the concession agreement can handle general cargo, container and RORO vessels.
“Over the years, we have come to do more of containerized cargo, even though this is a multi-purpose terminal. However, the reality of the current economic situation, the need to increase revenue base and business volume, employ more staff and deliver array of top-notch services, among others, have compelled us to resume our RORO services. The terminal has all the required facilities, equipment and manpower to meet and satisfy all expectations,” Bulangu said.
The new RORO service will connect five ports in the USA to Nigeria with a direct link of approximately 19 days transit time. The route will connect Galveston, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Newmark, Boston, all in the United States of America to Lagos (Tin Can Island). Each vessel that will berth at Ports and Cargo Terminal will import over 1,000 second hand cars and trucks. The maiden vessel, MV Glovis Supreme, came with 1,448 cars/vans and 88 trucks, making a total of 1,536 vehicles on her maiden voyage to Ports & Cargo terminal.
