The EA CENTAURUS, owned by COSCO Shipping and registered under the Singaporean flag, is an impressive vessel measuring 272 meters in length, 43 meters in width, and featuring a draft of 14.3 meters, with a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The arrival was celebrated by high-ranking officials from APM Terminals, COSCO Shipping, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Customs Service, highlighting the significance of this event for Nigeria’s trade landscape.
In remarks regarding this historic docking, Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, highlighted the economic benefits associated with accommodating such a large vessel.
“The docking of EA CENTAURUS signifies a pivotal moment in the capacity of Apapa to manage larger vessels,” Knudsen stated. “Bigger ships facilitate more efficient economies of scale, which can ultimately reduce import costs for Nigeria. This achievement reflects Nigeria’s growing trade capabilities and APM Terminals’ dedication to fostering this development.”
Knudsen emphasized the operational benefits for both the port and its clientele, stating, “By consolidating a greater volume of cargo onto a single vessel, we are improving efficiency and reducing freight costs for importers. This directly benefits Nigeria’s economy by lowering import expenses and fostering increased trade activity.”
Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, conveyed her excitement regarding the collaboration between APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping, describing it as a significant advancement for Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.
“This vessel, with a capacity of 7,000 TEU, represents a new era of collaboration between APM Terminals and COSCO, as well as Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing its import and export capabilities,” Aubert-Adewuyi noted. “We anticipate a positive influence on growth, benefiting not only the national economy but also our customers and trade partners.”
Rex Wang, Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, discussed the strategic significance of the arrival of EA CENTAURUS.
“This marks a pivotal moment for COSCO, as it is the largest vessel we have managed in this region, highlighting the expansion of our services in West Africa,” Wang stated.
He expressed optimism about the region’s resilience and growth potential, adding, “Our increased capacity in West Africa will strengthen our market presence, and we are hopeful for an economic recovery, driven by a rise in exports such as minerals, sesame seeds, and cashews. We are confident in the ongoing recovery and growth of West African trade.”
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, assured the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to facilitating efficient cargo processing.
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| Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi (left); Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu (3rd from left); Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen (4th from left); Traffic Manager, Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Jimoh Anthony (fifth from left); Managing Director, COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria, Rex Wang (sixth from left) and other officials in front of the EA CENTAURUS, the largest containership to call at the Lagos Port Complex, when the vessel berthed at APM Terminals Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday |
This accomplishment underscores our dedication to the swift and effective management of larger shipments, according to Olomu.
“Our focus on trade facilitation not only enhances revenue but also attracts more vessels of this size to our ports.”
In addition to these accolades, Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim, Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, represented by Traffic Manager Jimoh Anthony, highlighted the importance of accommodating such a “massive vessel.”
He stated, “Facilitating larger imports and exports is crucial for Nigeria’s economic development, and we commend APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping for their contributions in reaching this new benchmark.”
APM Terminals Apapa, a vital segment of APM Terminals and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, manages one of Nigeria’s busiest ports and plays a key role in enhancing trade logistics in West Africa. Through ongoing investments in port infrastructure, technology, and workforce development, APM Terminals Apapa leads the way in facilitating efficient cargo movement and optimizing trade flow in the region.
COSCO Shipping, based in China, ranks among the largest shipping companies globally and is a significant player in international logistics. Its fleet comprises hundreds of vessels, serving nearly every major port worldwide.
The arrival of EA CENTAURUS at Apapa is part of COSCO’s broader initiative to strengthen trade links between Asia, Africa, and other global markets, demonstrating the company’s commitment to expanding shipping capacity in West Africa.