Terminal Operator commissions N3.6bn cargo handling equipment at Onne Port 

Due to increase vessel traffic experienced at Eastern ports as a result of the recent diversion of cargoes because of the traffic gridlock experienced at the Lagos port, the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), yesterday launched two biggest mobile harbour cranes for discharge of cargoes at the terminal.

The mobile harbour cranes which worth over $10million (N3.6billion at a prevailing rate of N360/$1) was acquired in conjunction with 10 terminal trucks and reach stackers to increase turn around time of vessels at the terminal.

The two new container cargoes handling facilities would bring WACT, one of the most efficient container terminals outside Lagos, at par with its peers in Apapa, and Tin Can Island Ports, in terms of equipment and operational efficiency.

Speaking at the commissioning, in Onne, Rivers State, yesterday, the Managing Director, WACT, Aamir Mirza, said the massive investment at the terminal has attracted 700 direct and 2000 indirect employment in the country.

He said the company has recorded tremendous growth of 17 percent in 2017, 21 per cent growth in 2018 and 20 per cent growth attained so far this year.

Mizra described the $10 million investment as a key enabler to customers’ satisfaction.

“Our vision is to make the best performing container terminal in West Africa.  We believe this vision can be realised early enough if the government can support us to reduce the challenges be ensuring safety of vessels on our waters, and improved road connectivity, among others,” he said.

Mirza said the cranes would enable volume growth resulting in increased productivity; reduce port stay and provide bunker savings; improve reliability in cargo delivery times; reduce the impact of crane break down/ idle time on overall terminal operations; and Increase customers satisfaction and speedy delivery.

Speaking earlier, the executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, said the new facility would aid the efficiency and improve the vessels turn around time at the terminal

He reiterated the government’s commitment to encourage more importers to patronise Onne Port saying the government is determined in seeing shipping contributes to the economy.

“Our terminals needs to grow and show efficiency, I am happy with the competition because this is how to compete. We need options, choice for shippers where they will divert their cargoes.”

“The commissioning of these mobiles harbour cranes is no doubt significant because that goes to improve efficiency. We are happy with the 30percent increase in volumes of cargoes and in the long run, more Nigerians would be employed and to make the terminal operation contribute to the economy.

“The more efficiency we have, the more cargoes we will get because Nigeria is a natural harbour due to the market that is available and am happy today that this terminal is becoming one of the most efficient we have in West Africa and this is gladening our heart and the main reason of concessioning the port to private sector will be realised by this terminal and we will use this terminal to benchmark the performance of other terminals.”

Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Umana Okon Umana, lauded WACT for making the nation meet the objectives of establishing the free zone.

He promised to run the free zone in a professional manner and assured of provision of dedicated power to the zone for efficient service delivery.

He said, “For us, the fact that WACT is expanding their operation is a show of confidence they have in the economy and confidence they have in Nigeria and the MD was whispering that they have sent Nigerians out for training  because this are very specialised equipment and as we know the objectives of free zones is to attract FDI that will support job creation, support transfer of skills and technology and what government loses by tax revenues, government takes back in employment,  skills and transfer of skills,” he stated.

Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),  Hadiza Bala Usman, lauded the company for the development and urged shippers to patronise Onne port.

Usman,  who was represented by the Port Manager, Malam Al-Hassan Ismaila said the government is looking into the security of vessels on the nation’s high sea.

“The Onne port is a nexus to connecting the North-East, North-Central, South _South and South-East so cargies for this section of the country is expected to be discharged through this port,” she said.

The MD further pledged to continue to sweep the channel to aid navigation into the port uto attract bger vessels.

“We are calling on shippers to patronize Onne port because of the friendly environment, and the synergy between the agencies of government operating at the seaport.”