Bigger Vessels to Berth at Onne Port As NPA Sets To Dredge Onne Port to 11m

ABIOLA Seun

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Usman has said that the Authority is fully committed to receiving bigger vessels at the nation’s seaports especially the Onne port.

This was disclosed by the MD; Hadiza Bala Usman stated this yesterday while receiving the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jesper Kamp, who paid her a courtesy visit on the corporate headquarters of the authority in Marina.

In a press statement made available to journalists by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Engr. Jatto Adams, the MD who was represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Davies said efforts are on-going to increase the depth of the draught of Onne port to eleven meters as a way of encouraging bigger vessels.

She also disclosed that the Authority is poised to providing enabling environment for business to grow in the maritime sector.

She called for continuous engagement on the way forward in the maritime sector.

Dr. Sokonte told the Ambassador that the Authority is committed to the development of Deep Seaports across Nigeria in line with the development of global economy which is about maritime.

He disclosed that efforts are on-going to increase the depth of the draught of Onne port to eleven{11} meters as a way of encouraging bigger vessels, adding that as a pioneer in the maritime business, the Authority will always tap from the wealth of experience of the Danish government.

Earlier, the Ambassador had told the Managing Director that he has embarked on the visit as part of his efforts to promote Danish-Nigerian trade relations and attract investment to Nigeria.

Mr. Kamp asserted further that besides facilitating investment in infrastructure to Nigeria, he has been mobilizing Danish companies to come and invest in Nigeria, as exemplified by MAERSK Line and other companies.

The Ambassador said that Danish government operates thirty commercial vessels in the Gulf of Guinea and therefore his country is concerned about security in the Nigeria maritime domain.

The envoy added that the Danish government is collaborating with NIMASA and IMO on training of marine cadets and maritime security and called on NPA to be part of this collaboration.

In his contribution, the Managing Director of MAERSK Line, Mr Gildas Tohouo, who accompanied the Danish Ambassador thanked the management of Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders for their support for Maersk Line and for efforts at increasing the depth of Onne port.

The Maersk Managing Director also reiterated the willingness of the company to patronize Onne Port the moment the port channel is deepened by additional one meter as being proposed stressing that the Maersk Line Operation will eventually increase the revenue base of the port by $2M.