In a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime industry and international trade, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal, and the Lagos Free Zone have launched new shipping services from COSCO, ONE (Ocean Network Express) and ZIM at Lekki Deep Sea Port.
This milestone was marked by the arrival of the E A Centaurus, a 277-meter vessel with a capacity of 7,000 TEUs, which is now the largest COSCO vessel to dock in Nigeria. The E A Centaurus arrived at Lekki Deep Sea Port on Friday, 8 November 2024, at around 10:30 a.m.
Christophe Cassang, CEO of Lekki Freeport Terminal, highlighted this launch as a pivotal step in the terminal’s growth, emphasizing the company’s ambition to establish itself as a key maritime hub in West Africa. Du Ruogang, Managing Director of Lekki Port, described the service launch as a clear indication of the company’s commitment to the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector and praised it as a transformative milestone for the port.
“Through the strategic partnership with global shipping leaders such as COSCO, ONE, and ZIM, we are strengthening our position on the international stage and opening new opportunities for trade and industry in Nigeria and the region. Lekki Freeport Terminal is run by a well-trained workforce, passionate about meeting challenges of the future, and is equipped with the most advanced technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the growing needs of the shipping lines and of our customers,” explained Cassang.
“After 18 months of commencement of commercial operations and continued efforts, we are proud to welcome COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines to Lekki Port. With the bi-weekly calls of the consortium, we are realizing our vision of driving significant cargo volumes and further positioning Lekki Port to enhance the Nigerian maritime sector and improve business efficiency across the country. The achievement is not the end but rather the beginning,” added Cassang.
Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone, underscored the significance of the occasion, noting that the addition of these major shipping lines not only enhances the stature of Lekki Port and the Freeport Terminal but also positions the Lagos Free Zone as a promising destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
