Lekki Port takes delivery of Africa’s largest tugboats from NPA

The management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprises Limited, promoters of Lekki Deep Seaport, said it has taken delivery of two 80-ton Bollard Pull tugboats named MT Maikoko and MT Da-Opukoro, from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to enhance efficient port services and reduce ship turnaround time at the port.

The neoteric tugboats are the first of the 2813 Azimuth Stern Drive model to be available in Africa, with the manoeuvrability of 360 degrees which will enhance the manoeuvring of large capacity vessels of 300 metres LOA and above.

This is essential to Lekki Port for the smooth berthing of large vessels by assisting their movement from the approach channel to the quay wall and also a departure from the port.

Laurence Smith, chief operating officer of Lekki Port, said the provision of the two tugboats for Lekki Port by the Nigerian Port Authority is another crucial milestone for Lekki Port as a critical element of marine services.

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He said the delivery of the tugboats would further position the port as the standard bearer for port operations in West Africa.

He commended the Nigerian Port Authority for demonstrating a steadfast commitment toward the success of the port as a shareholder and regulator throughout the construction period as well as the commencement of commercial operations.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority have consistently shown their commitment to the success of Lekki Port, and this commitment is further demonstrated by the fact that they have invested in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure efficient provision of marine services by the Authority with regards to arrival/departure of vessels and technological systems that support the marine traffic process,” he said.

Du Ruogang, the managing director/CEO of Lekki Port, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the Nigerian Ports Authority for fulfilling its obligations to provide marine services to Lekki Port.

Recall that during the commissioning of the newly acquired marine crafts owned by the Nigerian Ports Authority on Friday, June 9, 2023, in Lagos, Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of NPA said the acquisition of the tugboats would enable Lekki Port to bring vessels of all sizes to the country.