The Tin Can Island Container Terminal Ltd (TICT) in Lagos ports has received what is being hailed as the largest containership ever to dock at the facility, the MSC Maureen.
The vessel, with a capacity of 6,750 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), measures 300 meters in length and has a beam of 40 meters.
The arrival of the ship was met by a welcoming committee comprising senior ICT personnel, officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority, and representatives of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which operates the vessel.
Andrew Lynch, the Managing Director of MSC Nigeria Ltd, emphasized that the successful berthing of the MSC Maureen holds significant economic benefits for Nigeria.
In addition to the inherent economies of scale associated with the arrival of such a large ship, Lynch highlighted the potential for boosting Nigeria’s export drive.
He explained that the introduction of larger vessels would lead to cost reduction and other economies of scale for importers and exporters.
Lynch further emphasized the importance of Tin Can and Apapa ports to the Nigerian economy, noting that larger vessels would enhance competitiveness by reducing freight rates for imports and exports.
Edward Ancly, CEO of TICT, expressed his delight at the arrival of the MSC Maureen, describing it as a major milestone for their operations.
He emphasized that it was the first time a vessel measuring 300 meters in length had entered Lagos port, which would significantly increase shipping capacity and bring more business opportunities to Nigeria. Ancly expressed his satisfaction that this significant event occurred at TICT.
The MSC Maureen arrived at Tin Can Island, Lagos on May 9 at 21:30 and departed three days later on May 11 at 14:40, heading towards Abidjan.