[PHOTO] ‘Largest’ container vessel berths at Lekki seaport- NPA

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the arrival of the largest container carrier to sail in Nigerian waters.

According to the Authority, the vessel, named ‘Maersk Edirne’, arrived at the Lekki Deep Seaport on January 21, 2024.

In a statement, the NPA said the vessel measuring 367M in length has a “breadth of 48.2 and carried a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 142,131metric tonnes and a Dead weight Tonnage (DWT) of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard”.

The vessel was navigated to safety by pilots of the NPA, the statement added.

Commenting on the milestone achievement, NPA boss, Mohammed Bello Koko, commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for the support and endorsement of the Authority’s initiatives and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal.

“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 of 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 transhippment proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations,” the NPA stated.