APM Terminals has strengthened its presence in Nigeria’s busiest port corridor after signing an exclusive lease agreement with Barging Marine Solutions Limited to expand cargo handling and logistics services in and around Apapa until September 2031.
The deal signals a long-term commitment by the terminal operator to deepen its investment in Nigeria’s trade infrastructure at a time when cargo volumes and supply chain pressures continue to grow.
The agreement is built on an existing working relationship between the two companies and is aimed at boosting capacity while improving landside and barge connectivity for customers and shipping lines.
By expanding the use of inland and waterfront terminals linked by barges, the partnership seeks to address one of the most persistent challenges in Lagos port operations: severe road congestion and the high costs associated with trucking cargo in and out of Apapa.
Speaking at the signing, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals, Keith Svendsen, said Nigeria’s trade performance in 2025 had reinforced the company’s confidence in the market.
He noted that sustained growth in cargo volumes made it essential for APM Terminals to unlock the full potential of its Lagos operations while preparing for further investment and modernisation.
He described Barging Marine Solutions as a resilient operator and said the collaboration would allow both companies to develop strong synergies that support customers and shipping lines more effectively.
The Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, said the expanded barge services and Barging Marine Solutions’ position as a market leader in inland container depots would improve reliability and speed for customers.
He added that closer coordination across the supply chain would help create a more seamless and predictable customer experience, from vessel discharge to final delivery.
Barging Marine Solutions’ Chief Executive Officer, Karim Said, said the partnership builds on a solid existing business relationship and would deliver enhanced logistics solutions by combining APM Terminals’ scale with BMS’s expertise in barging and terminal operations.
He explained that the arrangement would create additional capacity and ensure more reliable cargo delivery, particularly for importers and exporters seeking alternatives to congested road transport.
The facilities covered by the agreement include two waterfront and inland container terminals, supported by barge services designed to move containers efficiently across the Lagos waterways.
These services are expected to significantly reduce reliance on trucks, ease pressure on Apapa’s roads, cut transit times and lower overall logistics costs, while also contributing to reduced emissions and safer transport corridors.
Under the terms of the agreement, Barging Marine Solutions will operate the services on behalf of APM Terminals, while both companies will jointly develop value-added logistics solutions tailored to customer needs.