The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State, Nigeria, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully accommodating the Kota Carum, a 6,606 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessel, the largest ever to call at the Onne Federal Ocean Terminal. This achievement underscores OMT’s growing importance as a major maritime hub in West Africa, capable of handling large-scale international trade. The Kota Carum, owned by Pacific International Lines, a prominent Asian shipping company, signifies the increasing trend of larger vessels choosing Onne Port as a preferred destination. This development has significant implications for Nigeria’s maritime sector and the broader economy.
The arrival of the Kota Carum, a Singaporean-flagged vessel measuring 301.43 meters in length, utilized berths 9 and 10 at the OMT jetty. During its 55-hour stay, the vessel handled a substantial volume of cargo, discharging 1,250 containers and loading 1,619 containers, encompassing both export-bound goods and empty containers. This efficient handling of cargo further demonstrates OMT’s operational capabilities and its commitment to facilitating seamless trade flows. The event was marked by a reception, attended by key stakeholders in the maritime industry, highlighting the collaborative efforts driving the growth of Onne Port.
OMT Chief Operating Officer, Jim Stewart, hailed the vessel’s arrival as a landmark event, not only for the terminal but also for the Nigerian maritime industry as a whole. This accomplishment follows the successful berthing of another large vessel, the Kota Cempaka, last year, demonstrating OMT’s consistent progress in attracting larger vessels. Stewart attributed this success to OMT’s ongoing modernization efforts, including investments in advanced cranes and other infrastructure upgrades, which have significantly enhanced cargo-handling efficiency and reduced vessel turnaround times. These improvements contribute to a more competitive and attractive port environment for shipping lines.
The economic benefits of accommodating larger vessels at Nigerian ports are substantial. Direct calls by these ships eliminate the need for transhipment through smaller feeder vessels, a process that adds significant costs and time to the supply chain. This direct access to global markets translates to lower logistics costs and reduced freight tariffs for Nigerian importers and exporters, enhancing their competitiveness in international trade. Furthermore, it simplifies logistics operations for freight forwarders, reducing their overhead and streamlining the movement of goods. The ability to handle larger vessels directly strengthens Nigeria’s position in global trade, boosting economic activity and generating increased revenue for the country.
While celebrating this milestone, Stewart also emphasized the need for further investment in port infrastructure. He called on the Federal Government to allocate more resources to dredging the channels at Onne Port to accommodate even larger vessels in the future. Deeper and wider channels are crucial for maximizing the port’s potential and attracting a wider range of shipping lines, leading to increased trade volumes and further economic growth. This appeal underscores the importance of continuous infrastructure development to sustain the positive momentum and ensure Onne Port remains competitive in the global maritime landscape.
The successful berthing of the Kota Carum was also lauded by Yakubu Ezra, the Chief Pilot of Onne Port, who reaffirmed the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) technical readiness to handle large vessels safely and efficiently. The NPA’s investment in training and technology ensures the safe navigation and handling of these large ships within the port, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high operational standards. This successful operation serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the terminal operator, the port authority, and other stakeholders in creating a conducive environment for the growth of the Nigerian maritime sector. The event highlights the strategic importance of Onne Port and its potential to become a leading gateway for global trade routes in West Africa.
