‘Largest’ container vessel berths at Lekki Deep Seaport

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the berthing of the largest container carrier, Maersk Edrine, at the Lekki Deep Seaport.

The Maersk Edirne is one of 13 large container vessels which form the new CMA CGM WAX service that will operate along key locations including Xiamen, Qingdao, Shanghai, Singapore, Lekki Port, and Abidjan.

The container ship has a length overall (LOA) of 367 meters and a width of 48.2 meters.

In a statement on Sunday, the NPA said the ship carried a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 142,131 metric tonnes and a dead weight tonnage (DWT) of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard.

The authority said the Maersk Edirne was navigated to safety by the “highly experienced and thoroughly equipped pilots of the NPA”. 

According to the statement, before this time, the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were “MV Stadelhorn” and “MSC Maureen” at Onne Port and TinCan Island Port complexes respectively. 

“The berthing of a ship of measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward,” NPA said.

“The Lekki deep seaport has by this feat in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transhippment proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.”

Commenting on the milestone on Sunday, Mohammed Bello Koko, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of NPA commended Adegboyega Oyetola minister of marine and blue economy.

He appreciated the minister for his consistent support and endorsement of the authority’s initiatives and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal which made this milestone seamlessly achievable. 

On June 30, 2023, the Lekki Deep Seaport management had announced the arrival of Rimbaud, the first transshipment vessel to berth at the terminal.