Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal, and Lagos Free Zone have launched new shipping services from COSCO, ONE (Ocean Network Express), and ZIM, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime sector.
This development was signaled by the arrival of the EA Centaurus, the largest COSCO vessel ever to call in Nigeria, at Lekki Deep Sea Port recently.
The EA Centaurus, measuring 277 meters and with a capacity of 7,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), docked at the port at approximately 10:30 a.m., inaugurating what is expected to be a series of bi-weekly calls by COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines.
Christophe Cassang, CEO of Lekki Freeport Terminal, described the launch as a critical milestone for the terminal. He highlighted that partnerships with major global shipping companies position Lekki Port as a growing hub for trade across West Africa. “Through our collaboration with COSCO, ONE, and ZIM, we’re opening up new trade opportunities for Nigeria and enhancing our global connectivity,” he stated.
Managing Director of Lekki Port, Du Ruogang, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the port’s role in advancing Nigeria’s maritime industry. He emphasized that the service launch reinforces Lekki Port’s commitment to driving cargo volumes and supporting Nigeria’s logistics network. “The arrival of the E A Centaurus is just the beginning,” he said, calling the bi-weekly calls from these international lines a significant step in the port’s commercial operations.
Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone, noted that the new shipping lines are expected to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Lekki axis, benefiting both Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone. “With four major shipping lines now servicing Lekki Port, we’re providing companies more options for importing raw materials and exporting finished products, directly supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth,” she said.
Representatives from COSCO, ONE, and ZIM, including Rex Wang, Deputy Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria Limited; Stefan Pedersen, Director of Ocean Network Express (Nigeria) Limited; and Todd Rives, Managing Director of Lansal, expressed satisfaction with Lekki Port’s world-class infrastructure and readiness to support their operations.
With these new services in place, Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone are set to further contribute to Nigeria’s economy, bolstering trade efficiency and connectivity with global markets.
