By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal, and the Lagos Free Zone have launched the COSCO, ONE (Ocean Network Express), and ZIM alliance services at Lekki Deep Sea Port as part of efforts to boost the Nigerian maritime sector and international trade.
The launch of the services was signalled by the arrival of the E A Centaurus at Lekki Deep Sea Port on Friday, November 8, 2024. The E A Centaurus, with an overall length of 277m and a container handling capacity of 7,000 TEU, is also the largest COSCO vessel to call Nigeria. It docked at the port at about 10:30 a.m.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Christophe Cassang, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lekki Freeport Terminal, explained that the service’s launch marks a crucial milestone in the terminal’s development and capacity expansion.
He added that the launch of the service demonstrates the company’s commitment to becoming a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
“Through the strategic partnership with global shipping leaders such as COSCO, ONE, and ZIM, we are strengthening our position on the international stage and opening new opportunities for trade and industry in Nigeria and the region.
“Lekki Freeport Terminal is run by a well-trained workforce, passionate about meeting challenges of the future, and is equipped with the most advanced technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the growing needs of the shipping lines and of our customers,” said Mr Cassang.
In his remarks during the ceremony, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Du Ruogang, described the launch of the new shipping line services as a true testament to the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s maritime future. Ruogang noted that the berthing of the E A Centaurus marked the first of bi-weekly calls to Lekki Deep Sea Port by COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines.
He described the launch of the COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines as a symbol of the company’s unwavering dedication to positioning Lekki Port as a transformative force in the Nigerian maritime Industry.
“After 18 months of commencement of commercial operations and continued efforts, we are proud to welcome COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines to Lekki Port. With the bi-weekly calls of the consortium, we are realizing our vision of driving significant cargo volumes and further positioning Lekki Port to enhance the Nigerian maritime sector and improve business efficiency across the country. The achievement is not the end but rather the beginning,” he said.
In her statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, described the launch of COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines services at Lekki Port as a momentous occasion and a significant achievement not only for Lekki Port and Lekki Freeport Terminal but also for Lagos Free Zone as it is bound to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to the zone.
“From one shipping line, we now have four shipping lines calling at the Lekki Deep Sea Port; it is significant because we now have more options that allow more customers access to the state-of-the-art facilities at the Lekki Port.
“It also allows the growth of enterprises in the Lagos Free Zone and, in fact, the entire Lekki economic axis. The companies can bring their raw materials through any of the four shipping lines and move them straight into the factories for production. They can also export finished goods to other parts of Africa and, indeed, the world. This is the economic rejuvenation we are all looking for, and Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone are happy to be doing our part”, she said.
In their reaction, the COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping line representatives expressed their excitement about partnering with Lekki Port and Lekki Freeport Terminal. They expressed satisfaction with the world-class infrastructure and facilities available at the port. The companies were represented by the Deputy Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria Limited, Mr Rex Wang, Director, Ocean Network Express (Nigeria) Limited, Mr Stefan Pedersen, and Managing Director, Lansal, Mr Todd Rives.