The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced on Sunday the successful berthing of the largest container vessel to navigate the nation’s waters at the Lekki Deep Seaport. Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of NPA, confirmed this significant achievement in a statement released in Lagos.
The vessel, named “Maersk Edirne,” measures 367 meters in length, boasts a breadth of 48.2 meters, and carries an impressive Gross Registered Tonnage of 142,131 metric tonnes. With a Dead Weight Tonnage of 147,340 metric tonnes and a total cargo onboard of 3,376, the vessel was safely guided by the highly experienced and well-equipped pilots of the NPA.
Bello-Koko emphasized the importance of this development, stating that, “this validates the assurances I gave during the signing of the Presidential/Ministerial Performance Bond in December 2023. The authority under my watch is poised to provide the leadership and technical guidance required to maximize the potentials inherent in our marine and blue economy.”
In acknowledging the milestone, Bello-Koko commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for consistent support and endorsement of the authority’s initiatives. He also praised the minister for investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal, contributing to the seamless achievement of this milestone.
“Before this time, the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were ‘MV Stadelhorn’ and ‘MSC Maureen’ at Onne Port and TinCan Island Port Complexes, respectively. Thus, the berthing of a ship measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward,” Bello-Koko noted.
Highlighting the significance of this achievement, he stated, “The Lekki Deep Seaport has, by this feat, in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transshipment, proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.”
