The Port Manager, Tincan Island Port, Buba Jubril, has hailed the successful berthing of M.S.C Maureen (Panama) a 300 meters long container vessel which marked the arrival of the longest vessel to ever call at the Lagos pilotage District.
Speaking at the quays at the Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) Tuesday, Buba said the vessel is the largest commercial vessel ever to call at the Lagos Pilotage District describing the development as a ground breaking achievement at the TCIP.
He added that while there may be challenges, that has not however stopped the Port from doing its day to day operations excellently.
The Port manager asserted that a vessel of 300 meters length would automatically fetched NPA and the government hundreds of dollars in revenue which will go a long way to benefit the country.
He said the Port is expecting more of such vessels in the future.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement Tin Can Island Customs Command, G.I. Aliu said the berthing of the vessel is an affirmation of the standards readily available at the Port which is a manifestation of efficiency and a big revenue earner for the country.
“This container carrier can carry about 15,000 TEU of containers and this portends more revenue and more development for the nation,” he said.
Similarly, The TCIP Harbour Master Capt. Ibrahim Habib said with the arrival of M.S.C Maureen, they have been able to maximize the potential of our channels” which before now had only berthed a vessel with 275 metres length.
He said that with the achievements, the port is gradually pushing the limits and the berthing of the vessel have helped to increase investors confidence on the nation’s port competencies and will surely attract more economic values.
Pilot Emmanuel Samaila who spoke on behalf of other pilots said it was a great achievement to bring a length of 300 meters to TCIP adding that this marks double of the kind of vessels that usually call at the Port.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of M.S.C Nigeria Limited, Mr Andrew Lynch said it was a great day which they have been working towards and had several simulations and meetings among stakeholders, adding that it would bring greater benefit to Lagos importers and exporters to have larger container vessels inward and will make the port more competitive.
