Importers in the eastern region will now experience shorter transit times, more predictable arrival windows and reduced freight costs as the first direct vessel from China and the Far East, with a carrying capacity of 5,089 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), has berthed at the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Onne Port, Rivers State.

The Liberian-flagged Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Dorine V, which sailed directly from China and the Far East, berthed at OMT in the early hours of November 9, 2025.

According to the terminal operator, this signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s shipping dynamics and strengthens the position of the country’s eastern maritime corridor.

OMT’s Managing Director, Nicolo Scannavini, said the vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of 68,383 tonnes, gross tonnage of 54,193 tonnes and an overall length of 294 metres, stands among the largest containerships to ever call at any eastern Nigerian port.

Scannavini explained that the direct call cuts out several layers of delay that importers have traditionally faced, adding that this means shorter transit times, more predictable arrival windows and significantly reduced freight costs for goods coming from China and the Far East.

He said for agents, manufacturers and traders, this translates into a faster supply chain, more available cargo and an expansion of commercial opportunities.

“When bigger vessels call directly, the entire ecosystem benefits because economies of scale kick in, and that stimulates jobs, competitiveness and growth,” he said.

He said the benefits of direct calls to Onne from China and the Far East are extensive as they include reduced shipping time for consignments, lower freight charges, direct discharge of cargo without the delays associated with transshipment, and enhanced reliability for businesses awaiting critical inputs.

According to him, the development is also expected to boost Nigeria’s non-oil trade profile and reinforce the attractiveness of the eastern ports to global carriers.

Scannavini also appealed to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) o accelerate the completion of dredging works in the port of Onne and along the channel.

According to him, the creation of a second turning basin and deeper draft access will allow even larger vessels to berth safely and will further cement Onne Port’s status as a strategic maritime hub for the South-South and the broader Eastern region.
MSC’s Regional Manager and Business Head for South-South and South-East Nigeria, Oscar Aguocha, described the maiden call of the MSC Dorine V as a strong demonstration of MSC’s long-term commitment to the Eastern Nigerian market, which he said has grown by 27 per cent year-on-year.

Aguocha explained that with this direct service, consignees and agents can now receive their shipments from China and Eastern Asia in as little as 40 to 42 days.

He encouraged businesses to take full advantage of this new corridor as it delivers speed, certainty and cost-efficiency in ways that were not possible before.