Ports & Cargo terminal intensifies general cargo handling services
Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited (PCHSL), a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and the terminal operator in charge of Terminal C of the Tin-Can Island Port, said it has received a general cargo vessel named MV Maritime Challenger, which is a brand new vessel on its maiden voyage.
The calling of MV Maritime Challenger enabled Ports and Cargo to advance the handling of general cargo in its terminal and expand the number of ships calling its terminal with general cargo.
The vessel, which was on its first voyage to any port in the world, is owned and operated by IMC Shipping of China, and she sailed from Singapore to Nigeria.
A statement signed by Muyiwa Akande, corporate affairs manager of SIFAX stated that the vessel has installed capacity of about 39,744 tons of cargoes and it brought both major and minor bulk cargoes on its first call to Ports & Cargo terminal in Lagos.
Some of the items brought into Nigeria include chemicals (pure ammonium nitrate), fluid transport tank, fibre ceiling, pulp wood, coils, pallets, tractors and trucks.
Others brought in by the vessel include seamless pie and hot rolled sheets, construction equipment and materials, wheel loader, sodium sulphate and others.
John Jenkins, group managing director of SIFAX Group, who spoke on the significance of the new vessel call to Ports and Cargo, said that the need to put the terminal and its facilities to full use is also very critical to enabling the company to increase its revenue base.
“We are delighted that history has been made again at our terminal with the arrival of this brand new vessel that embarked on its first ever voyage to any port. The voyage was from Asia to the Nigerian waters, and ends with its berth at our terminal. Ports & Cargo terminal has demonstrated over the years its leadership capability in the Nigeria’s maritime industry, particularly in the area of efficient port terminal management driven by excellent customer service,” he said.
“Ports and Cargo has made huge investment in the development of terminal infrastructure and equipment in the last 10 years. This has attracted a number of customers including IMC, the operator of the new vessel, to our terminal. What has been the unique selling proposition of the terminal is the quality of service that we render to our customers.
Continuing, he said: “The terminal is actually a multi-purpose one that can conveniently handle other kinds of vessels but we concentrated heavily on the container business over the years. It is with this belief in our ability and opportunities, which our unique terminal provides that we have decided to develop the general cargo/bulk side of our services. This new line is a testimony of our commitment to excel in the business of terminal operations.”
On his part, Mustapha Mohammed, general manager, Ports and Cargo assured IMC Shipping and other prospective clients of the company’s readiness to provide excellent terminal operations that would exceed their expectations.
On his experience, Tang Jiang Tao, captain of the ship stated that he has received warm welcome from Ports & Cargo staff as well as other government regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) among others.
He expressed delight at the impressive equipment at the terminal. “We are delighted to take this ship on its first voyage from Asia to Nigeria and I must say that we are very impressed with the services of Ports & Cargo especially in terms of competent hands and quality service delivery. I and my crew will be happy to call the terminal again”, he added.
Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie