The largest container vessel to sail in Nigerian territorial waters landed at the Lekki Deep Seaport. The vessel measuring 367M in length overall christened “Maersk Edirne” has a Breadth of 48.2 and carries a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 142,131metric tonnes and a Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard was navigated to safety by the highly experienced and thoroughly equipped Pilots of the NPA.
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the country’s deepest seaport recently welcomed the Maersk Edirne, which berthed at the Lekki Port around 14:42 hours on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, in the statement explained that “the new vessel had a dead weight tonnage of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard. The vessel was navigated by the highly experienced and thoroughly equipped pilots of the NPA.”
He noted that the development validated the assurance given by the agency. “the authority under my watch is poised to provide the leadership and technical guidance required to maximize the potentials inherent in our marine and blue economy, and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal which made this milestone seamlessly achievable.” - Bello-Koko
Before concluding, the MD, NPA noted that earlier, “the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were ‘MV Stadelhorn’ and ‘MSC Maureen’ at Onne Port and Tincan Island Port Complexes respectively. Thus the berth of a ship measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward.
“The Lekki Deep Seaport has by this feat in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transshipment proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.”
The management of the deep seaport had in June 2023, announced the arrival of Rimbaud, the first transshipment vessel to call at the container terminal of the deep seaport. The management added that the vessel came with cargo from two of the largest container shipping lines in the world, CMA CGM and Maersk.
