SEREC Proposes Comprehensive Solutions to APM Terminals Apapa Empty Containers Logjam

The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has released a comprehensive bulletin outlining a range of solutions aimed at resolving the persistent logjam between terminal operator; APM Terminals Apapa and shipping lines over empty container congestion at the terminal in Lagos.

The recommendations, detailed in SEREC’s End of Month (May 2025) Bulletin, address both immediate congestion issues at facilities like APM Terminals Apapa and the broader problem of delayed container deposit refunds.

Eugene Nweke, Head of SEREC, emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges to enhance the efficiency of shipping activities across the nation.

SEREC’s proposed solutions for improving efficiency at Nigerian ports are categorized into short-term and long-term strategies, alongside best practices for sustainable improvement.

Short-term Solutions include:

* Prioritizing the prompt discharge of incoming laden containers.
* Collaborating with shipping lines to quickly evacuate empty containers.
* Temporarily limiting the receipt of empty containers until existing stock is cleared to prevent further congestion.
* Providing regular updates to landside customers, truck operators, and stakeholders on backlog clearance progress.

Long-term Solutions focus on collaborative efforts and infrastructure improvements:

* Increasing evacuation rates by ensuring regular departures of vessels to clear empty containers.
* Installing and enhancing tracking systems for efficient monitoring of empty container movement.
* Increasing storage capacity or improving handling equipment to manage container volumes effectively.
* Strengthening partnerships among all stakeholders to optimize container management and reduce congestion.
* Establishing a clear policy to regulate empty container management, thereby preventing “dumping” and abandonment in Nigeria.

Best Practices recommended by SEREC for optimal operations include:

* Adopting real-time tracking and management systems.
* Fostering open communication with stakeholders for transparency and coordination.
* Leveraging automation and data analytics to improve terminal operations and optimize container handling.
* Considering alternative financial mechanisms such as insurance covers or collective funds managed by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for shippers and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) for freight forwarders, as a replacement for container deposit payments.

Tackling Delayed Container Deposit Refunds

Beyond port efficiency, SEREC also addressed the recurring issue of shipping lines collecting container deposits and failing to refund them promptly. Their advice includes:
* Regulatory Framework: Establishing clear regulations and guidelines for shipping lines on container deposit refunds, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
* Industry Standards: Developing industry-wide standards for consistent and fair deposit refund processes, and considering automated systems for prompt refunds.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engaging with shipping lines to understand their challenges and work collaboratively on solutions, while involving shippers and freight forwarders in the development of refund processes.
* Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring clear communication with shippers and freight forwarders regarding refund processes and timelines, and implementing systems to track and monitor refunds.
* Alternative Deposit Schemes: Exploring alternative schemes such as insurance covers or collective funds managed by shippers and freight forwarders to alleviate the burden on these parties.

“By implementing these comprehensive solutions and best practices, SEREC believes that relevant agencies and operators can significantly reduce congestion, increase efficiency, and fundamentally improve overall container management within the Nigeria shipping space,” stated Eugene Nweke.