Largest container vessel in Nigerian history berths in Lagos Port, Apapa

APM Terminals, Apapa, has announced the arrival of the largest container vessel ever to visit Nigeria’s Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, with a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

In a statement issued on Thursday, the terminal operator highlighted that this event marks the first time a Nigerian port has welcomed the vessel EA Centaurus, setting a new milestone for Nigeria’s premier port.

The vessel, owned by COSCO Shipping and currently flying the Singaporean flag, measures 272 metres in length, 43 metres in width, and has a 14.3-metre draft. It boasts a capacity of 7,000 TEUs.

Speaking on the historic berthing, the Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, emphasised the economic implications of accommodating such a large vessel, noting that the arrival of the vessel represents a turning point in the size and scale of vessels that Apapa can handle.

“Larger ships mean more efficient economies of scale, which can ultimately lower the cost of imports to Nigeria. This milestone is a testament to Nigeria’s increasing trade capacity and APMT’s commitment to supporting this growth,” Knudsen said.

Knudsen also highlighted the operational advantages for both the port and its customers, adding that by consolidating more cargo on a single vessel, the terminal is enhancing efficiency and lowering freight rates for importers.

“This is a direct benefit to Nigeria’s economy, as it reduces import costs and encourages more robust trade activity,” he said.

The Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, expressed confidence in the partnership between APMT and COSCO Shipping,  describing it an important step forward for Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.

Aubert-Adewuyi stated further that the vessel, with its 7,000 TEU capacity, marks a new level of cooperation between APMT and COSCO, as well as Nigeria’s commitment to improving its import and export capabilities.

“We are looking forward to the positive impact on growth, not only for the country’s economy but also for our customers and trade partners,” Aubert-Adewuyi said.

The Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, Rex Wang, emphasized the strategic importance of the EA Centaurus’s arrival, describing the event as a landmark moment for COSCO.

Wang revealed that this is the largest vessel the shipping company has handled in the region, underscoring the expansion of their services in West Africa.

He expressed confidence in the region’s resilience and growth potential, adding, “Our expanded capacity in West Africa will bolster our market presence, and we are optimistic about an economic rebound, supported by an increase in exports like minerals, sesame seeds, and cashews. We believe in the continued recovery and growth of West African trade.”

On his part, the Customs Area Controller at Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, assured of the service’s support in facilitating swift cargo processing.