34 vessels expected at Lagos ports, six others waiting to berth

About 34 vessels are expected to arrive at the Lagos pilotage district with various cargoes, including petroleum products, wheat, sugar, coal and steel among others.

This is coming on the heels of another two motor vessels carrying fertiliser and fish; and another four motor vessels with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol and Palolein are waiting to berth at the Lagos ports.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which revealed these in its shipping position on Tuesday, said the two tanker vessels were currently at ENL port, while the petroleum-laden ships are at ACJ port and the other waiting at ABTL port.

The fuel, which is expected to boost supply in the downstream market is yet to be cleared for discharge, as the cargo is labeled Customs release not applicable (CRNAPP).

Meanwhile, the 34 other ships that are expected in the Lagos pilotage district would start arriving from October 11 to November 5, 2016.

The vessels expected include; African Grouse, Songa Opal, Ore Ofe, Bridegate, Elizabeth River, Astra, Hammonia Kosiko, Mandarin Grace, St Andrew, Desert Osprey, Hansa Marburg, Unifortuna, Henry Rickmers, Autumn E, MSK Cunene among others.

Petroleum products, such as PMS, Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and base oil are leading the expected cargoes, while other products such as steel, slag, coal, wheat, and fish among others are being imported.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, had recently urged the Board of NPA to align itself with the functions of the Authority in order to engender a regime of greater operational efficiency which accordingly to him would bring about an increase in a most efficient customer service delivery at the nation’s sea ports.

Amaechi said matters that relate to ports development, jetties, canals and water courses are amongst their mandate to manage not forgetting issues concerning pilotage, warehousing, and harbours.

He then entrusted the Board with the drive for the NPA to operate in line with prudence, equity and fairness in the discharge of their responsibilities with zero tolerance for corruption.