Largest Container Carrier Berths at Lekki Deep Seaport – NPA

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the successful berthing of the largest container carrier, the ‘Maersk Edirne,’ in Nigerian territorial waters.

NPA in a statement said, the vessel, with an impressive length of 367 meters, has a “breadth of 48.2 and carried a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 142,131metric tonnes and deadweight Tonnage (DWT) of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard, docked at the Lekki Deep Seaport on January 21, 2024.

Emphasising safety, the NPA highlighted that skilled pilots ensured the secure navigation of the massive vessel.

NPA Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, lauded the milestone and credited Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for endorsing and supporting the Authority’s initiatives. Koko specifically acknowledged investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal as pivotal contributors to this significant achievement.

“Before this time, the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were “MV Stadelhorn” and “MSC Maureen” at Onne Port and TinCan Island Port Complexes respectively. Thus the berthing of a ship measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward.

“The Lekki Deep Seaport has by this feat in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transshipment proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations,” the NPA stated.