The Terminal Manager, APM Terminals, Apapa, Steen Knudsen,has disclosed that bigger vessels have more environment-friendly and lower the total emissions of the shipping industry.
Knudsen made this known recently in Lagos when the terminal received the largest container ship ‘Kota Cantik’ to ever berth at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa. The Singapore-flagged Kota Cantik, operated and managed by Pacific International Lines, is a 6,606 TEU containership with a draught of 11.6 metres, a length overall (LOA) of 300 metres and a beam of 40 metres.
He further said that carrying a higher number of containers per vessel would translate into lower capital and operating costs per container, thereby reducing the transportation cost per unit.
“Also, since bigger vessels consume less fuel per container transported, the emissions per 20ft equivalent units are lower than for smaller vessels. Thus, bigger vessels like the Kota Cantik are more environment-friendly and contribute to lowering the total emissions of the shipping industry,” Knudsen said.
He applauded the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority for maintaining the channels and professionally piloting the vessel to the port.
“We are excited at this historic achievement. Without the effort, support and approval of NPA, this would not have been possible,” APM Terminals boss noted.
According to him, one of the advantages of bigger vessels is economies of scale through lower slot costs for consignees.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Pacific International Line Nigeria, Kevin Taylor, said consignees and the Nigerian economy would benefit from the vessel call.
“The customers in Nigeria have more opportunities to get cargoes in Lagos and also for competitive exports,” Taylor said.
The Harbour Master of Lagos Pilotage District, Captain Daniel Osiakagum, said, “This milestone has put Nigerian Ports Authority on the map, indicating that subsequently we can handle more and we are ready for 350 to 400-metre vessels in Lagos Pilotage District. This means that waiting time will be reduced outside and Nigerian Ports Authority will make more revenue for the government.”
