Apapa Gridlock: PTML Terminal moves cargo by barges to ease delivery

Relief has come the way of importers and Nigerian businesses using Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Lagos as the terminal said it has commenced evacuation of Customs cleared import containers from its terminal at the Tin-Can Island Port Complex by barges to its off dock terminal in the Mile Two area of Lagos for onward delivery to customers.

This newly introduced service line was geared at reducing the difficulties experienced by its customers in taking delivery of their consignments following the bad state of port access roads, which results to heavy traffic gridlocks and loss of quality man-hour.

Tunde Keshiro, general manager of PTML Terminal, who disclosed this in a statement, said evacuation of the cleared containers by barges, is to save the customers the pains they usually go through in taking delivery from the main terminal in the Tin-Can Island Port Complex because of the perennial gridlock in the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Ijora-Apapa/Wharf roads.

Recall that many port users have been undergoing series of troubles in trying to move their cargoes in and out of the ports since the two major access roads into Apapa failed. However, the Federal Government and consortium of private sector players have signed Memorandum of Understanding to commence construction of some portions of the road in July 7 and it is expected to last for one year.

“The arrangement is to leverage on the existing short waterway between PTML main terminal and Mile Two Off dock terminal by extending the barge service to deliver import containers.

According to him, this unique logistics solution is to help importers overcome current delays in evacuating Customs cleared cargo being experienced on account of the deplorable port access road condition.

Keshiro said the new arrangement has been worked out to ensure safe and secured movement of cargo from the port to importer’s warehouse, ensure quick evacuation of cargo and effective inventory management.

He also said that the new arrangement will enhance truck productivity and ensure fast return of empty containers to the terminal.

PTML Terminal, which is Nigeria’s newest port facility, was built by Grimaldi Group and commissioned in 2006. It is the largest RORO terminal in Nigeria that handles majority of vehicles imported into the country.

The second phase of the main terminal – which includes the construction of a second 200metres berth (Berth 12) and the reclamation of additional 40,000 square metres of terminal area, was completed in 2007.

In 2008 in anticipation of the expected growth of traffic, PTML acquired an underdeveloped waterfront area located about four nautical miles from the main terminal at Mile 2 where it built a new off dock terminal dedicated to cargo transfer from the main terminal using an environmentally friendly barge operation, thus reducing congestion around the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie