Port Congestion: Terminal Operator To Evacuate 49,000 Containers Out Of Lagos Port

APM Terminals, Apapa said it will evacuate over 49,000
containers out of the Lagos port complex, every week.

This was disclosed by the Nigeria Country Manager of APM
Terminals, Mr. Klaus Laursen over the weekend when the Minister of
Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, commissioned a new Operation
Command Centre built by the operator to boost efficiency and
service delivery at the terminal.

Recall that there have been backlog of containers at the Lagos
port complex due to gridlock on the port access road and
yuletide.

According to him, “We are targeting about 700 deliveries per day
and we would like to double that, so we need stronger delivery
capabilities so the importers and the exporters in Nigeria can get
faster access to their cargo and possibly at a cheaper rate.”

Mr. Laursen also said that the company is in support of the
Federal Government’s drive to achieve a rail transportation system
in the movement of cargo out of the port to relieve the roads of
traffic congestion.

“Nigeria has a desire to build and improve infrastructure by
building a new modern rail. We have a lot of support for that and I
can see a lot of support for our business doing well too. It is a
good idea.

“For an import container terminal that we are, getting the boxes
out of the port is the key challenge and with the road situation as
it has been in Lagos for a very long time; it makes sense to try to
reduce the traffic using the rail. We are here to support and to
partner with the government in achieving this,” he said.

Mr. Laursen said the new Operation Command Centre will, among
other benefits, strengthen exchange of information and coordination
in the movement of containers out of the port. This, he said, will
enhance operational efficiency and provide a better work
environment at the terminal.

He said, “The centre is the brain of the business. It is about
day-to-day execution where information is exchanged. This is where
we decide which box to put where, at which time and the equipment
to pick it up so that everything works together.

“It will help locate containers whether to go on a truck or
barge at the right time. It will also help you to know where a
container is and allocate a piece of equipment to lift the
container. That is what the centre will help do.

“With the type of terminal of this size and with this equipment,
we should be able to put around 40 to 45 moves per hour across the
quay. It will improve productivity.

“What we try to do is to raise the standard and if we raise the
standard, we believe that we can also raise the reliability of our
operations. More importantly is that you will get service at the
time when you need them.

“It gives virtually a better opportunity to collaborate and will
help in information sharing among staff. It will also provide space
for social distancing and there will be every opportunity for
communication.

Amaechi, who visited the terminal in company of the Permanent
Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Dr. Magdalene
Ajani; Director, Rail and Transport Services, FMOT, Engr. Muhammad
Baba-Kobi; Chairman of the Governing Board, Nigerian Railway
Corporation (NRC), Ibrahim Alhassan Musa; Managing Director,
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman and the Managing
Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria said the rail line, when completed,
will facilitate the movement of containers out of Apapa Port,
thereby reducing pressure on the roads.

APM Terminals, Apapa said it will evacuate over 49,000
containers out of the Lagos port complex, every week.

This was disclosed by the Nigeria Country Manager of APM
Terminals, Mr. Klaus Laursen over the weekend when the Minister of
Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, commissioned a new Operation
Command Centre built by the operator to boost efficiency and
service delivery at the terminal.

Recall that there have been backlog of containers at the Lagos
port complex due to gridlock on the port access road and
yuletide.

According to him, “We are targeting about 700 deliveries per day
and we would like to double that, so we need stronger delivery
capabilities so the importers and the exporters in Nigeria can get
faster access to their cargo and possibly at a cheaper rate.”

Mr. Laursen also said that the company is in support of the
Federal Government’s drive to achieve a rail transportation system
in the movement of cargo out of the port to relieve the roads of
traffic congestion.

“Nigeria has a desire to build and improve infrastructure by
building a new modern rail. We have a lot of support for that and I
can see a lot of support for our business doing well too. It is a
good idea.

“For an import container terminal that we are, getting the boxes
out of the port is the key challenge and with the road situation as
it has been in Lagos for a very long time; it makes sense to try to
reduce the traffic using the rail. We are here to support and to
partner with the government in achieving this,” he said.

Mr. Laursen said the new Operation Command Centre will, among
other benefits, strengthen exchange of information and coordination
in the movement of containers out of the port. This, he said, will
enhance operational efficiency and provide a better work
environment at the terminal.

He said, “The centre is the brain of the business. It is about
day-to-day execution where information is exchanged. This is where
we decide which box to put where, at which time and the equipment
to pick it up so that everything works together.

“It will help locate containers whether to go on a truck or
barge at the right time. It will also help you to know where a
container is and allocate a piece of equipment to lift the
container. That is what the centre will help do.

“With the type of terminal of this size and with this equipment,
we should be able to put around 40 to 45 moves per hour across the
quay. It will improve productivity.

“What we try to do is to raise the standard and if we raise the
standard, we believe that we can also raise the reliability of our
operations. More importantly is that you will get service at the
time when you need them.

“It gives virtually a better opportunity to collaborate and will
help in information sharing among staff. It will also provide space
for social distancing and there will be every opportunity for
communication.

Amaechi, who visited the terminal in company of the Permanent
Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Dr. Magdalene
Ajani; Director, Rail and Transport Services, FMOT, Engr. Muhammad
Baba-Kobi; Chairman of the Governing Board, Nigerian Railway
Corporation (NRC), Ibrahim Alhassan Musa; Managing Director,
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman and the Managing
Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria said the rail line, when completed,
will facilitate the movement of containers out of Apapa Port,
thereby reducing pressure on the roads.