No fewer than 1,800 export containers are currently trapped at the APM Terminals (APMT) Apapa due to growing congestion at the terminal, raising concerns over potential losses to exporters.
The Head of the Complaints Unit of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mrs. Juliana Saka, disclosed this during a media parley in Lagos at the weekend, saying the Council had intervened following complaints from shippers over the delayed shipment of export cargo.
According to Saka, the complaints were brought before the Council by the Shippers Association, prompting a tripartite meeting involving the Council, Maersk Nigeria and the leadership of the shippers’ association.
She explained that Maersk attributed the delay to congestion at APMT, particularly affecting export cargo destined for African countries and the Far East, as well as repeated vessel rescheduling.
“Maersk explained the challenge they are having in shipping out exports….
“At the moment, they complained about congestion at APMT with 1,800 export containers sitting at the terminal. They have been able to export about 800 containers, leaving about 1,000 still at the port,” she said.
She revealed that the affected cargo consists mainly of hibiscus flowers, which have a shelf life of about one year, warning that prolonged delays at the port could lead to deterioration and possible rejection at the destination.
Saka noted that while shipping lines had previously complained about a shortage of export cargo in Nigeria, the situation has now changed, with export volumes increasing.
“Before now, most shipping companies often complained that when they come to Nigeria, they go empty because there were not enough exports. Now we are having more exports but we don’t even have enough vessels to take them out, ” she said.
Saka said the Council had reminded Maersk that if any of the delayed cargo arrives at its destination in poor condition and is rejected because of the delay, the shipping line would be held liable for both the value of the cargo and the freight charges already paid by the exporters.
According to her, Maersk has assured the Council that it is making efforts to secure a vessel to evacuate the outstanding containers next week.
“We have communicated the resolution of the meeting to both Maersk and the shippers’ association. Maersk promised that by next week they will see how they can get a vessel to lift the remaining containers. We are keeping our fingers crossed and following up on the matter,” Saka said.
She added that should the cargo arrive at its destination in a deteriorated condition due to the delay, the Council would pursue claims and refunds on behalf of the affected exporters.
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