Pacific International Lines vessel Kota Cantik is the largest containership to call at APM Terminals Apapa in Lagos Port Complex, Nigeria, reflecting PIL’s commitment to serving West Africa.
The historic berthing of the 6,606 teu vessel was witnessed on 16 June by officials of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as well as executives of PIL and APM Terminals Apapa.
According to APM Terminals Apapa, there are many benefits of larger vessels calling at the terminal. These include economies of scale which translates to lower costs to consignees.
Larger vessels calling at the terminal is also more environmentally friendly, as these ships consume less fuel per container transported, which results in lower emissions per teu. It also improves the operational efficiency at the terminal, which is a significant benefit to the economy, as PIL states.
Kevin Taylor, Managing Director of Pacific International Lines in Nigeria, noted that “PIL’s customers in the West African country would benefit from the additional port capacity for import and export of cargo, and this ultimately supports the economic growth of Nigeria. This is also part of PIL’s aim to drive connectivity for its customers.”
Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen said that “Carrying a higher number of containers per vessel translates into lower capital and operating costs per container, thereby reducing the transportation cost per unit.”
He added that “since bigger vessels consume less fuel per container transported, the emissions per teu are lower than for smaller vessels. Thus, bigger vessels like the Kota Cantik are more environmentally friendly and contribute to lowering the total emissions of the shipping industry.”
The Singapore-based company will continue to strengthen its collaboration with partners in Nigeria to better meet the growing needs of its customers in Africa and in other regions which it serves.
The container giant Pacific International Lines, a company which is ranked 12th among the world’s top container shipping lines, together with its sister companies Mariana Express Lines and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide, with a fleet of around 100 container and multi-purpose vessels.
