From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
SIFAX Group’s flagship company and concessionaire of Terminal C of the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, has added international shipping and container transportation company, Hapag Lloyd AG Limited, to its growing list of clientele.
The German shipping line, which is the world’s fifth largest container carrier in terms of vessel capacity, made its maiden call at the Nigerian terminal recently through one of its largest vessels, Navious Azure, a container ship built in 2007 with 39,906 gross tonnage and overall length of 260.5 metres.
Receiving the vessel’s crew at the terminal, the Managing Director of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, Mr. John Jenkins, said its maiden call was a testimony to his company’s readiness to provide cutting-edge port terminal services to more clients.
“We are excited to have this ship berth at our terminal today,” he said. “We are delighted that Hapag Lloyd, which is one the world’s largest ocean shipping fleet owners, prefer our terminal for their operations and the shipping line will call frequently at this terminal.
“This business relationship with Hapag Lloyd is one of several partnerships (that) we have been working on in the past few months.
“This new wave of patronage is a result of the massive investment we have made in modern equipment, quality personnel and improved processes over the years. All these have translated to better service delivery, which is what an average client wants.”
On behalf of the vessel’s crew members, Capt. John Trafiero, who was excited at their host’s hospitality and excellent services, said they were happy berthing at one of Africa’s prime ports.
“This is a resounding welcome we have received here today and it would stick in our memories wherever we sail to. Though we are sailing back very soon, my crew and I cannot wait to be back here again,” he said.
