By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Lekki Port has recorded another milestone in its drive to position Nigeria as a major maritime hub, with the commencement of a new international container service jointly operated by global shipping giants Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Ocean Network Express (ONE).
The port is scheduled to receive the maiden call of the HMM-ONE alliance service on Saturday, July 25, 2026, under the newly launched Mediterranean West Africa Service (MA2), further expanding its connectivity to key ports across Europe and West Africa.
The development is expected to boost Nigeria’s participation in international trade by providing importers and exporters with improved access to global markets while enhancing cargo movement and supply chain efficiency.
The MA2 service, jointly operated by HMM and ONE, connects strategic ports in Europe and West Africa, with Lekki Port now included in its rotation, a move industry stakeholders say reflects the growing confidence of leading international shipping lines in the Nigerian deep seaport.
According to the management of Lekki Port, the new service is expected to support increased direct vessel calls, facilitate faster cargo evacuation and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global maritime trade.
Speaking on the significance of the development, Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, described the maiden call as a major endorsement of the port’s world-class infrastructure and operational efficiency.
He said the inclusion of Lekki Port in the Mediterranean West Africa Service demonstrates the increasing confidence reposed in the facility by global shipping companies.
“We are delighted to welcome the maiden call of the HMM-ONE alliance service to Lekki Port. The inclusion of Lekki Port in the new Mediterranean West Africa Service reflects the increasing confidence that leading global shipping lines have in our capabilities and the value we offer as a modern deep-sea port.
“This new service expands trade opportunities for our customers, strengthens Nigeria’s connectivity to key international markets and further advances our vision of positioning Lekki Port as the leading gateway for trade and logistics in West Africa,” Qiang stated.
Industry observers believe the introduction of the HMM-ONE alliance service will offer Nigerian shippers greater flexibility and more reliable shipping schedules while reducing transit challenges associated with cargo movement between Nigeria, Europe and other international destinations.
The service is also expected to encourage export growth by providing manufacturers and agricultural exporters with improved access to overseas markets through regular liner services.
Lekki Port noted that its inclusion in the MA2 service rotation reinforces its strategic importance on global shipping routes and highlights the confidence of international carriers in its deep draught, modern cargo handling facilities and efficient port operations.
The port management added that the latest development aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambition of transforming its maritime sector into a regional logistics hub capable of attracting larger vessels, increasing cargo throughput and supporting economic growth through enhanced trade facilitation.
Since commencing commercial operations, Lekki Deep Seaport has continued to attract some of the world’s leading shipping lines, leveraging its deep-water capability, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology-driven operations to improve efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround time.
