Morocco-Nigeria-Mauritania (MNM) Africa Shipping Line on Friday made its maiden call at the nation’s port.
The ship, MV MSL Angela made its first call at Port & Cargo Handling Services, Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Apapa Lagos.
Speaking at the reception organised for the ship, the Executive Director, Human Resources and Administration of Sifax Group – owners of Port & Cargo, Dr. Phil Ofulue said the MNM Shipping was set up to ensure that African shippers have easy access to vessels that can meet their needs and yearning.
“The vessels, MV MSL Angela and Mv Orient Spirit, are to ensure that African shippers and all other shippers around the world have easy, regular and effective access to vessels that can meet their needs and yearnings for a very smooth and hitch-free shipment,” he said.
Ofulue said the new shipping line has a special focus on shippers in Nigeria and around the West African coast.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Shipping Services of Sifax Group, Henry Ajoh said three countries came together to form the MNM Africa Shipping Line.
He said, “The three countries that conceived the idea of the shipping line were Morocco, Nigeria and Mauritania but in the process, Mauritania pulled out for some reasons and the remaining two countries went ahead to make the dream a reality.”
Ajoh, who disclosed that the new shipping line was the brainchild of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said, “We know it won’t be easy, we know we are to face challenges but we believe we can do it and we can achieve a lot.
“The vessels will come fortnightly to Nigeria with MNM as the principal while ?Sifax is the agent. Also, for all her call in Ghana, Sifax will be the agent.”
Managing Director of Port & Cargo Handling Services, John Jenkins said the shipping line was in Nigeria to stay.
He said, “I like to welcome the MNM Shipping Line under Sifax Shipping and the purpose of this line is to reduce both shipping and terminal cost.”
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