Ports & Cargo receives largest ship to call Nigerian ports

History was made at Port & Cargo terminal, a subsidiary of Sifax group when the largest ship to call at any Nigerian port berthed at the terminal at Tin Can Island Port on Tuesday.

The container vessel, MSC SHAULA owned and operated by MSC ship management Hong Kong, which is the second largest container shipping operator in the world, has an overall length of 275.04 meters and the length between perpendiculars stands at 263.00 meters.

MSC SHAULA built by Hyundai Heavy Industries has a maximum cargo capacity of 4,651 TEUs while its draft and gross tonnage are 13.62 meters and 51,836 gross tonnage GRT respectively.

Speaking on the significance of the vessel, Group Managing Director, Sifax group, John Jenkins described as historic the arrival of the vessel but noted that it was not coincidental that such vessel berthed at Port and Cargo terminal.

“We are delighted that history was made with the arrival of this humongous (ship) in the Nigerian waters, most especially its berths at our terminal.

“Port & Cargo has demonstrated over the years its leadership capability in the country’s maritime industry, particularly in the area of port terminal management coupled with excellent customer service.

“The company has made a huge investment in infrastructure and equipment at the terminal in the last 10 years and has also attracted a number of discerning clients including MSC, the operator of the vessel.

“What has been the unique selling proposition of the terminal is the quality of service that we provide,” Corporate Affairs Manager, Sifax group, Muyiwa Akande quoted Jenkins as saying in a statement.

Speaking on his experience, the captain of the ship, Captain Dinkar noted that he has received warm welcome form the Ports & Cargo terminal staff as well as other government regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) among others.

He also expressed his delight at the impressive equipment at the terminal.