The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Saturday received the biggest container vessel to ever call at any Nigerian port at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne in Rivers State.
A statement by NPA spokesman Jatto Adams disclosed that Maersk Line Stardelhorn vessel with length overall of 300 metres and width of 48 metres berthed at 4:20pm.
The vessel, which has a capacity of 9,971(TEUs), is a flagship from Singapore.
It was brought in from Bonny Fairway Bouy Bonny with the aid of three tugboats operated by NPA’s pilots and received by Onne Ports manager Alhasssan Abubakar
“The authority is delighted to state that the landmark arrival of the biggest gearless Maersk Line vessel at the Onne Ports is a result of management’s determination to improve the patronage of the Eastern Ports.
“It is an indication of the fact that the Eastern Ports are equipped to receive all manner of vessels and an expansion of the options of consignees in the eastern and northern parts of the country.
“The management of the NPA congratulates its team at the Onne Ports
“Management also appreciates all stakeholders at the Onne Ports for their cooperation towards seeing that the vessel berthed safely without any challenge.
“The authority assures of its commitment to ensuring that all ports locations in Nigeria work at their optimal capacity and the repositioning of Nigerian ports as the hub in the sub-region,” Mr Adams’ statement read in parts.
