The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recorded yet another milestone with the berthing today at the TinCan Island Port Complex of the largest ever container vessel to call at the Lagos Pilotage District.
The vessel – MSc Maureen – has Length Overall (LOA) of 300 meters and breadth of 40 meters, carrying a Gross Tonnage of 75,590 dead weight of 85,810Tonnes.
Speaking at the Quay Side where he received the Vessel, the Port Manager ofvTinCan Island Port Complex, Mr. Jibril Buba noted that the development was a testament of the readiness to receive vessels despite the pressing need for rehabilitation which the Management of Authority is working assiduously on, with the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
Elucidating further, the Assistant Harbour Master at TinCan, Captain Simpa Habib, clarified that the distinguishing historic feature of MSC Maureen was the fact that it is largest ever commercial carrier to call at the Lagos Pilotage district.
He also noted that the ‘EGINA’ that preceded it was a Floating Production and Storage unit for Oil and Gas operations.
It will be recalled that the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko, had stated that the Authority was at conclusive stages of securing approvals for the reconstruction of TinCan and rehabilitation of infrastructure across all Port locations.
He explained that this was in readiness for increased port competitiveness as the Management team puts modalities in place to position the ports to service the cargo needs of landlocked neighbouring countries, through transshipment.
