The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Onne Port complex said it successfully berthed one of the biggest gearless Maerskline vessels at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne in Rivers.
A statement by the Head Corporate and Strategic Communications, Onne Port Complex, Barbara Ejeme, said the vessel arrived August, 15 and was fully berthed at 1620 hrs, Nigerian time.
Speaking while receiving the vessel, the Managing Director NPA, Hadiza Usman, represented by the Asst. General Manager Harbours, Capt. Uduiguomen Eboreime said, she was very happy for the safe arrival of the ‘Maersk Stadelhorn Vessel’ at Onne Port.
“The NPA is equal to the task. What happened today is a five-day preparation for the arrival of the vessel from Cotonou, Benin Republic,” the MD said.
Giving details of the vessel, which is the biggest ever container to arrive at any Nigerian Ports, Maesrkline Port Capt. Kikelomo Cudjoe said the length of the vessel is 300 metres (length overall) and the Width is 48 metres and a total draught of 11.2 metres, while the vessel capacity stood at 9,971( TEUs ).
Receiving the vessel – ‘Maerskline Stardelhorn’ at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne along with some Onne Port Team, the Port Manager Alhasssan Ismaila Abubakar, said the arrival of the vessel was a milestone attained by NPA.
He expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of NPA for all the support and assistance given to Onne port Complex in making the arrival of the vessel possible.
The Port Manager added the arrival of the vessel was a trial, observing the port was well equipped with all facilities and equipment to receive such vessel.
He said the vessel came from Fairway Bouy Bonny by NPA’s three pilots, who were well trained on pilotage of such vessel.
“We deployed 3 TUG Boats with 3 Pilots from Onne Port Complex, and for us, the successful arrival of this vessel showcase the expertise of NPA’s Ports Operations,” the Port Manager said.
Abubakar said that the development showed that NPA was fully equipped, presenting alternatives to shippers in the Eastern Zone and the Northern axis.
He said that consumers in the Eastern and Northern axis would benefit from the milestone and congratulated NPA staff for a credible performance on safe arrival of the vessel.
Captain Marvin Omovbude, an Asst Harbour Master Onne Port, led other pilots, Ezra Yashiyi Yakubu and Abdulahi Sarki, to navigate the vessel to Onne Port Complex.
