SIFAX invests N7.2 Billion on handling equipment

Segun OLADIPUPO |

Foremost indigenous terminal operator, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, on Monday showcased new handling equipment worth 7.2 billion naira it acquired.

The new equipment includes; 5 shore cranes, 9 Reach Stackers, 10 terminal tractors, 5 Nissan pickup vehicles, 4 trailer backs and other machineries.

Mr. Adekunle Oyinloye, Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group hinted that the acquisition was part of the company’s strategic investment to deliver quality service to its clientele and to further attract more patronage.

He said, “With our new internal restructuring project code named Quantum Leap, SIFAX Group is repositioning itself to become the first choice terminal not just in Nigeria but in West Africa. We have also set a target that will increase our revenue with over 300% in five years. One of the ways, we can achieve our set targets is to first begin with investment in equipment which will complement our excellent personnel asset. These new equipment are the best and latest in town, they will catapult us into the next level growth we are working toward.”

While welcoming the guests, Mr. John Jenkins, Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, said there was a need to acquire the latest equipment in order to meet the architecture requirements of modern ship calling the terminal.

He noted further the company was already engaging several shipping lines in order to boost the company’s clientele base.

In her remarks, Aisha Ali Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager, Operations, who represented Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, expressed delight at the new acquisition, adding that it was a thing of joy that an indigenous company, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, is competing favourably with foreign multinationals in the maritime sector in terms of investment, manpower and quality of service delivery.

Andrew Lynch, Managing Director, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Nigeria, one of the world’s foremost shipping lines also congratulated Ports & Cargo on the acquisition of these equipment.

Lynch explained that the partnership between Ports & Cargo and MSC will be better forged with the acquisition of these equipment.

He said: “Ports & Cargo and MSC have both forged an alliance which has been one of the best partnerships in the maritime sector. We are excited that these new equipment will enhance the discharge of more cargo volumes at the terminal”.

For Norman Herzberg, Sales Manager, Africa, for Liebherr Group, his company is delighted to be the partner in the supply of some of these equipment. He noted that the newly-acquired mobile shore cranes LHM 500 are the latest technologies with wider reach into the vessels and can discharge faster effectively and efficiently.