By Steve Agbota, Lagos
Nigeria’s largest multipurpose terminal, the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) has acquired a new state of the art 600 tons Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane (MHC) worth more than seven million euros (about N10.5 billion) to boost operation at its facility.
The acquisition of the new crane is coming barely five months after the terminal hosted the largest container-RORO ship to visit Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The Managing Director of PTML, Ascanio Russo, said the terminal also invested an additional N5 billion to strengthen Berth 11 to withstand the weight of the new Mobile Harbour Crane.
He said the new crane is fitted with smart technology and is among the most powerful cargo-handling equipment in the world.
“Our commitment is to ensure prompt service delivery to shipping lines and our landside customers. We pride ourselves on rendering top-quality service to the lines, importers, exporters and agents. We also make it our business to ensure that all approved government agencies at our terminal operate under the most conducive environment.
“We are also committed to ensuring that our staff work with the best equipment available in the market, hence our investment of seven million euros to acquire the new 600 tons Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane. It is one of the best and strongest piece of port machinery in the world.
“PTML is known for prompt service delivery. We have the fastest cargo delivery record in any Nigerian port. Customers take delivery of their cargo within 48 hours at our terminal. We have many instances where we were able to deliver cargo in less than 24 hours. This is because we continually invest in our operations. I am happy to say that this new equipment will make our service even better and faster,” Russo said.
He said the new Mobile Harbour Crane will improve productivity and work on a wide range of vessels, especially gearless vessels visiting the terminal.
PTML Terminal is a greenfield terminal developed and owned by the Grimaldi Group.
In December 2023, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola and other notable personalities visited the terminal to receive the “MV Great Lagos” – the largest container-RORO ship to visit Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
“At PTML, we have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancement and operational efficiency. Our terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in Nigeria, stands as a clear demonstration of our ambitions. In the last one year alone, we have invested over $20 million to upgrade our facilities to receive this beautiful ship.
“We have been extending our quay by over 40 meters while strengthening it to enable us to receive and operate a new Mobile Harbour Crane. All of this to accommodate the “Great Lagos.” This investment underscores our strive to achieve operational excellence while delivering efficient and cost-effective logistics services to the broader Nigerian economy and its people. It reinforces our position as a key player in the maritime sector and confirms our readiness to take the port of Lagos on larger roles in the global trading community,” Russo had said at the grand reception to welcome the ship to Nigeria.