Sixty-two years after the ports came into being, the largest ship ever to call in the country last week berthed at the Tin-Can Island Port.
The historic event took place at the Lagos Terminal of Ports and Cargo Handling Services Ltd, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group
The container vessel, MSC SHAULA, is owned and operated by MSC Ship Management Hong Kong, the Asian division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the second largest container shipping operator in the world. The vessel has a length of 275.04 metres and the length between perpendiculars stands at 263.00 metres.
MSC SHAULA, built by the Hyundai Heavy Industries, has a cargo capacity of 4,651 TEUs; its draft and gross tonnage are 13.62 metres and 51,836 GRT.
On the significance of the vessel, SIFAX Group Managing Director, Mr. John Jenkins, said it was historic that the vessel berthed at their terminal.
“We are delighted that history was made with the arrival of this humongous vessel in the Nigerian waters. Its berth at our terminal, Ports & Cargo Terminal 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,” he said.
“The company has made a huge investment in infrastructure and equipment at the terminal in the last ten 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.”
Speaking on his experience, the captain of the ship, Captain Dinkar, noted that he has received warm welcome from the Ports & Cargo terminal staff as well as other government regulatory agencies like Nigerian Ports Authority, among others. He also expressed his delight at the impressive equipment at the terminal.
