Lekki Port berths 75 vessels with over 100,000 containers in one year

One year after Lekki Port, Nigeria’s first deep seaport, commenced commercial operations, the port has welcomed 75 vessels and handled over 100,000 containers, the management has said.

The port, which marked one year since it officially, commenced commercial operations on April 1, 2024, has also facilitated over 25,000 transshipments of cargo destined for neigbouring West African countries.

According to a statement on its official X handle @LekkiPort, the past year has been a remarkable journey for Lekki Deep Sea Port since the berthing of GSL Alice on 6th April 2023.

“We have welcomed 75 vessels including the first LNG-powered vessel and the largest ship of 366 length overall (LOA) to enter Nigerian waters. We also embarked on transshipment in June 2023 with the arrival of the first transshipment vessel, the CMA CGM RIMBAUD. Since then, we have facilitated over 25,000 transshipments and counting.

“As the only deep seaport in Nigeria with the ability to handle 14,000 Twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) container vessels, we put our facilities to good use and have handled over 100,000 containers in the past one year, showcasing our capability to support global trade,” the management said.

They stated that the port created a 153-capacity pre-gate truck park that works with the vehicle booking system at the Lekki Port gate to avoid congestion and ensure efficiency as well as seamless traffic management.

“We have also deployed two non-intrusive scanners to be used by the Nigeria Customs Service to fast-track the process of cargo examination and evacuation to ensure safety and security of goods passing through gates.

“We are grateful for the support of the Nigerian Ports Authority who provided marine services and tug boats. Lekki Port will continue to deliver on its promise to serve as a transshipment hub in West Africa.

“None of these achievements would have been possible without the support and guidance of our key stakeholders and the host communities including Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller general of Nigeria Customs Service; Olufemi Ogunyemi, managing director of NEPZA and Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” the statement reads part.

Lekki Port is also authorised by Customs to process and receive pharmaceutical products, expanding its operational versatility and contributing to public health.

The port also received the first LNG-powered 14,000TEU vessel to arrive in Nigerian waters.

“As we reflect on these achievements, we are reminded of the journey’s challenges and triumphs. Our success is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and collaboration of our dedicated team, our partners, Lekki Freeport Terminal and CMA CGM, the government agencies at the port working tirelessly, and the maritime community.

According to the management, Lekki Port is committed to ensuring it serves the port community better and for Nigeria to be a hub for global maritime transportation.