Nigeria welcomed the largest container vessel ever to visit the country. The vessel EA Centaurus with a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units
Nigeria welcomed the largest container vessel ever to visit the country. The vessel EA Centaurus with a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) touched down at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
According to Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, accommodating such a large vessel will help reduce import costs by optimizing economies of scale. This efficiency enables the consolidation of cargo, lowering freight rates and benefiting Nigerian importers. Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, APM Terminals Nigeria’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized that the arrival of this vessel reflects strengthened cooperation between APMT and COSCO and Nigeria’s growing capacity in international trade.
Boost in exports of regional goods
Rex Wang, Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, highlighted this as a strategic expansion for COSCO in West Africa, reflecting the region’s trade resilience and potential. The expansion of COSCO’s services aims to support exports of regional goods such as minerals, sesame seeds, and cashews, fueling economic recovery and growth.
Additionally, Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller at Apapa Command, reinforced Customs’ dedication to efficient cargo processing, emphasizing the positive impact on trade facilitation and revenue. COSCO Shipping’s commitment to enhancing trade links between Asia, Africa, and global markets is reflected in this milestone, signaling an optimistic outlook for West Africa’s shipping and trade capacity.