Paragraph 1: A New Partnership for Enhanced Shipping Services at Onne Port
West Africa Container Terminal-APM Terminals Nigeria (WACT-APMT) has partnered with Hapag-Lloyd, a global leader in liner shipping, to launch a new weekly service at Onne Port. This strategic collaboration aims to significantly enhance shipping services in Eastern Nigeria by connecting the region directly to global trade routes. The partnership is a testament to WACT-APMT’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s maritime capabilities and solidifying the nation’s position as a key player in international commerce. This new service promises increased vessel capacity, improved transit times, and greater schedule reliability for businesses operating in Eastern Nigeria, fostering economic growth and facilitating trade.
Paragraph 2: Strengthening Eastern Nigeria’s Trade Potential
The launch of Hapag-Lloyd’s service at Onne Port represents a significant milestone for Eastern Nigeria, unlocking the region’s vast trade potential. Frederik Klinke, CEO of APMT Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this partnership, highlighting the strong global relationship between APMT and Hapag-Lloyd. He underscored APMT Terminals’ belief in the Eastern Nigerian market and their dedication to providing better logistic solutions to facilitate trade and economic growth. This new service opens up additional opportunities for shippers, providing access to new goods and export markets, further contributing to the region’s economic development.
Paragraph 3: Significant Investments and Growing Customer Confidence
APMT Terminals has invested $115 million in WACT over the past year, significantly expanding the terminal’s capacity and facilitating smoother trade operations. This investment, according to Klinke, has been instrumental in attracting new customers, including Hapag-Lloyd. The addition of a new shipping line like Hapag-Lloyd signifies incremental growth and reinforces the growing trust and confidence that WACT-APMT is earning within the regional and global trade ecosystems. This investment reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing the port’s infrastructure and service offerings, ultimately benefiting the region’s economy.
Paragraph 4: A Testament to Customer-Centric Service and Stakeholder Collaboration
Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT-APMT Nigeria, echoed Klinke’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Hapag-Lloyd’s arrival at Onne Port. He highlighted the growing trust and confidence in WACT within the trade community, attributing it to the continued support of stakeholders and the company’s unwavering commitment to providing best-in-class service. Jose acknowledged the critical role of stakeholders in WACT’s success, emphasizing the collaborative effort to enhance service delivery and attract new business opportunities. This partnership reinforces WACT’s dedication to customer satisfaction and its collaborative approach with stakeholders.
Paragraph 5: Expanding Global Trade Connectivity and Empowering Local Businesses
The partnership between WACT-APMT and Hapag-Lloyd is poised to create significant positive impact on the Nigerian maritime sector and the broader economy. Hapag-Lloyd’s reputation for excellence and reliability will open new opportunities across the value chain, benefiting landside customers, regulators, and local businesses. By expanding global trade connectivity, this partnership empowers local businesses to flourish and contributes to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy. Hapag-Lloyd’s presence in Eastern Nigeria strengthens the region’s integration into global trade networks.
Paragraph 6: Nigeria’s Importance in the African Market and Hapag-Lloyd’s Focus on Customer Service
Himmat Ahlawat, Country Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd, emphasized Nigeria’s significance as one of the most important markets in Africa, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service. He stressed that customer satisfaction is paramount for Hapag-Lloyd and that their aim is to be the undisputed leader in customer service. Raymond Abdulrahman, Port Manager of Onne Port, lauded the new service as a significant milestone achieved by WACT-APMT, reflecting the collaborative efforts of WACT, Hapag-Lloyd, and the Nigerian Ports Authority. This partnership underscores the importance of customer-centricity in driving success within the maritime industry and highlights the collaborative spirit fostering growth at Onne Port. The launch of this new service establishes a platform for enhanced trade and economic development in Eastern Nigeria and beyond, marking a significant step forward for the region’s maritime sector.
