HAPPENING NOW: Official Reception of Vessel “MV Great Lagos” At PTML Terminal

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Maritime industry stakeholders on Monday gathered at the PTML Terminal at Tin Can Port of Lagos, owned by Grimaldi Agency Nigeria for the official commissioning of MV GREAT LAGOS, the largest container-Roll-On-Roll-Off ship ever to visit the sub-region.

DAILY TREND gathered that the vessel arrived at the port on Dec 1, 05:58 UTC.

The vessel GREAT LAGOS (IMO 9935026, MMSI 247451600) is a Ro-Ro Cargo Ship built in 2023 and currently sailing under the flag of Italy.

The arrival of the vessel is a landmark event for the newly established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Sources at the ongoing ceremony confirmed that dignitaries in attendance included; The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Babafemi Hamzat.

Others are; ACG Bello Jybo (representing the ComptrollerGeneralofCustoms, Wale Adeniyi), Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Director General of NIMASA, President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) among others.

MV Great Lagos, is owned by the Grimaldi Group.

The ship which was launched in April, was a marvel of modern engineering and environmental consciousness, stretching 250 metres in length with a beam of 38 metres and a weight of over 45,000 tonnes.

The ship, according to the company, can transport 4.7 kilometres of rolling freight, 2,500 car equivalent units, and 2,000 20-foot equivalent units.

Speaking on the ship, the Managing Director of PTML, Ascanio Russo in a recent statement, said, “MV Great Lagos is the second of the G5-class of ships recently launched by the Grimaldi Group and named after Nigeria’s commercial capital, which it has served for many decades. The vessel sets a new benchmark in the shipping industry,”

Russo commended the Nigerian Ports Authority for its support towards receiving the vessel.

He said the visit of MV Great Lagos to Lagos is a landmark event for Nigeria’s maritime sector and PTML

Russo added that the visit showcased the terminal’s advanced capabilities and its role as a leading multipurpose logistics hub in the region.

According to him, the arrival of ‘Great Lagos’ at PTML is not just a routine port call; it is a testament to the terminal’s cutting-edge facilities and its readiness to handle the new generation of mega-vessels. Its arrival at the Lagos Port is a testament to the port’s capability to handle vessels of such magnitude, further positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global shipping industry.

“What truly sets the ‘Great Lagos’ apart is its compliance with the highest environmental standards. In an age where environmental sustainability is not just a preference but also a necessity, the ship leads the way in eco-friendly maritime transport. Its advanced design and technology significantly reduce the environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems,” Mr. Russo said.

He added that the terminal operator invested over $20m to receive the ship, “By extending its Berth 11, equipping it with deeper berths, expanded storage areas, and acquired state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment,” he added.

“This transformation positions PTML as one of the most advanced logistics terminals in West Africa, capable of handling a diverse range of cargo types including bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and RORO cargoes, he said.

He said, “The seamless integration of vessels and terminal activities at PTML is a clear indication of Nigeria’s dedication to advancing its maritime infrastructure while prioritizing environmental responsibility,”