Ports & Cargo Handling Services Ltd., a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has received at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, the largest ship to call at any Nigerian port.
According to a statement by the Corporate Affairs Manager of SIFAX Group, Mr Muyiwa Akande, the container vessel, MSC SHAULA, has a maximum cargo capacity of 4,651 TEUs (containers).
He said that the vessel is owned and operated by MSC Ship Management Hong Kong, the Asian division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
Akande said the vessel, which was the second largest container shipping operator in the world, had an overall length of 275.04 meters and the length between perpendiculars stood at 263.00 meters.
MSC SHAULA, built by the Hyundai Heavy Industries, has a maximum cargo capacity of 4,651 TEUs, while its draft and gross tonnage are 13.62 meters and 51,836 GRT respectively, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes him as saying.
Speaking on the significance of the vessel, the Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Mr John Jenkins, said it was historic but not coincidental that such vessel berthed at the Ports & Cargo terminal.
“We are delighted that history was made with the arrival of this humongous vessel in the Nigerian waters, most especially its berth at our terminal.
“Ports & Cargo terminal has demonstrated over the years its leadership capability in the country’s maritime industry, particularly in the area of port terminal management, coupled with excellent customer service.
“The company has made a huge investment in infrastructure and equipment at the terminal in 10 years and has also attracted a number of clients, including MSC, the operator of the vessel.
“What has been the unique selling proposition of the terminal is the quality of service that we provide,” NAN quotes Jenkins as saying. (NAN)