The MV Great Cotonou, a container-roll-on/roll-off (Con-Ro) vessel operated by Grimaldi Group, which offers a direct service from Shanghai docked at the Lagos terminal.
This pioneering service revolutionizes regional trade, boasting an unprecedented 27-day transit time.
By eliminating intermediary transshipments, Nigerian importers can expect faster and more reliable delivery, minimizing delays and additional handling costs.
The MV Great Cotonou is a state-of-the-art G5 class vessel, measuring 250 meters in length, 38 meters in beam, with a deadweight of 45,864 tonnes.
Its impressive capacity allows it to transport 4,700 linear meters of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU, and 2,000 TEU.
The new route offers Nigerian traders a convenient and efficient solution, enabling them to receive a wide range of cargo, including containerized goods, vehicles (such as cars, vans, and trucks), and project cargo, all on a single vessel.
The terminal operator, in a statement sighted by The Punch stated that the arrival of the vessel marks a significant advancement in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, reducing transit times and enhancing logistics efficiency.
This innovative service allows Nigerian businesses to consolidate their cargo needs, streamlining their logistics and supply chain operations.
“This unique multimodal transport solution presents a substantial logistical advantage, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall costs for importers,” the terminal added in the statement.
PTML predicts growth for Nigerian importers
Last month, the Grimaldi Group announced the launch of a direct shipping service connecting Shanghai, China, to Lagos, Nigeria, eliminating the need for transshipments and setting a new standard for speed and efficiency in maritime logistics.
Ascanio Russo, Managing Director of PTML, hailed the vessel’s arrival as a game-changer for Nigerian importers.
According to Russo, the vessel will drastically cut transit times and logistics costs, while offering unparalleled convenience by allowing multiple cargo types to be shipped together
“We have the infrastructure, the expertise, the human capital and we will offer a great service to our importers and exporters. The arrival of this ship will definitely create many more opportunities for our terminal, workers, host community, and Nigeria as a whole,” Russo said.
Nigerian ports record wins
The arrival of the vessel marks a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s trade relations with China and other regions.
Nigeria’s cargo import trade route has experienced notable successes in recent years, with numerous valuable shipments arriving in the country.
Last year, APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos, made history by welcoming the EA Centaurus, the largest container vessel to ever call at the Lagos Port Complex.
With a capacity of 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the EA Centaurus measures 272 meters in length, 43 meters in width, and has a 14.3-meter draft.
The EA Centaurus’ arrival generated significant excitement, signaling substantial investment opportunities for Nigeria.
The vessel’s cargo included essential economic commodities, creating a lucrative opening for growth and expansion in the region
