New vessel makes debut voyage to Nigerian port

• Firm resumes general cargo services

Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group has received a brand new vessel, MV Maritime Challenger, at its Terminal C, Tin Can Island port, Lagos. This marks its resumption of general cargo handling services.

The brand-new bulk carrier, which made its first ever voyage to any port in the world and sailed from Singapore, is owned and operated by the IMC Shipping, China, a leading dry bulk shipping service provider.

The vessel, which has installed capacity of about 39,744 tons of cargoes, in its first call to Ports & Cargo terminal brought both major and minor bulk cargoes. Some of the items it brought include chemicals (pure ammonium nitrate), fluid transport tank, fibre ceiling, pulp wood, coils, pallets, tractors and trucks. seamless pie and hot rolled sheets, construction equipment and materials, wheel loader, sodium sulphate, are other items on the vessel.

Speaking on the significance of the feat, Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, John Jenkins, said the need to put the terminal and its facilities to full use and increase the company’s revenue base are the main reasons the company’s renewed interest in the general cargo business.

He said: “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 country’s maritime industry, particularly in the area of efficient port terminal management coupled with excellent customer service,”

General Manager, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, Mustapha Mohammed, assured IMC Shipping and other prospective clients of the readiness of the company to provide excellent terminal operations that would exceed their expectations.

Speaking on his experience, the captain of the ship, Captain Tang Jiang Tao, expressed his 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 by what Ports & Cargo has offered us in terms of competent hands and quality service delivery. I and my crew will be happy to call the terminal again”, he said.