By Steve Agbota
In a major development for Nigeria’s maritime industry, PTML, West Africa’s premier roll-on roll-off (Ro/Ro) multipurpose port terminal, has emerged as a pivotal logistics hub for the transshipment of vehicles to Europe.
The milestone was marked in July with the arrival of the Grimaldi vessel “Grande Houston” at Tin Can Island Port, heralding a new era for Nigerian ports.
The Grande Houston, a state-of-the-art Ro/Ro ship, docked at PTML to offload 5,489 brand-new vehicles, all originating from China and destined for various European and African ports. This historic event is unprecedented in West Africa, as it is the first time a port in the region has received such a large consignment of new vehicles from a single vessel.
The operational efficiency of PTML was on full display as the terminal expertly managed the discharge of these vehicles in under three days. Remarkably, the reloading of the vehicles onto ships bound for their final destinations across Europe and Africa was completed within a week, underscoring PTML’s superior logistics capabilities.
Ascanio Russo, Managing Director of PTML Nigeria, credited the terminal’s success to its operational excellence, robust security measures, and cutting-edge infrastructure. “The selection of PTML by Grimaldi as a transshipment hub is a testament to the terminal’s exceptional operational standards and security protocols. Our top-tier infrastructure, advanced equipment, and highly skilled personnel were key factors in persuading both Chinese car manufacturers and the Italian shipping line to designate PTML as their hub,” Russo explained.
He further emphasised the significance of Lagos’ evolving role in global logistics. “The choice of Lagos for these intricate logistics operations highlights the Nigerian Port Authority’s (NPA) efforts to establish Lagos not only as a leading port for containers but also as a vital hub for vehicles, trucks, plants, and other rollable cargo. This successful operation positions PTML and Lagos port as a premier logistics platform on par with established international port hubs in Asia and Europe.”
Russo also announced that the success of the Grande Houston has paved the way for Grimaldi to launch a new direct Ro/Ro service between China and Nigeria. “This marks the first-ever dedicated Ro/Ro service connecting China and Nigeria, providing a swift and efficient route for the importation of rollable cargo, including cars, vans, trucks, and equipment. With a transit time of less than 25 days between Shanghai and Lagos, this service is significantly faster than traditional container and general cargo vessels and is unique in its direct route from China.”
Looking ahead, Russo revealed that the next Grimaldi vessels, MV Viking Queen and MV Great Abidjan, are scheduled to arrive at PTML on September 25 and October 20, respectively.
The introduction of this direct Ro/Ro service signifies a transformative moment in maritime logistics for Nigeria, offering new opportunities for the Nigerian automotive market and simplifying access to Chinese vehicles, trucks, and machinery.