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Lekki Deep Seaport Welcomes First LNG-Powered Vessel
Lekki Deep Seaport Welcomes First LNG-Powered Vessel
On Monday, January 29, 2024, a historic moment unfolded at the Lekki Deep Seaport as the CMA CGM SCANDOLA, the first LNG-powered container vessel to sail to West Africa, arrived. This significant event marked a milestone in Nigeria’s maritime industry, showcasing the port’s capacity to handle large container vessels and its commitment to energy efficiency.
The CMA CGM Sandola, with an impressive capacity of 14,812 TEUs, boasts a length overall (LoA) of 36.6 meters and a width of 51 meters, solidifying its position as Nigeria’s largest container vessel to dock. The arrival of this vessel was witnessed by key figures, including Mohammed Bello Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, among other industry leaders.
In response to this historic berthing, NPA Managing Director Mohammed Bello Koko emphasized the alignment of the LNG-powered vessel’s arrival with the Authority’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency. This move reflects the NPA’s dedication to incorporating measures that support energy transition in port modernization projects, as per ministerial directives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his positive outlook on the berthing, highlighting the significance of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as the only Nigerian port equipped to handle substantial container vessels like the CMA CGM Sandola. The collective sentiment from the Lagos Governor, the NPA Managing Director, and the NPA underscores the pivotal role of the Lekki Deep Seaport in elevating Nigeria’s maritime industry and its potential to serve as a mega transshipment hub for neighboring countries.
With a natural depth of 16 meters and advanced infrastructure capable of handling up to 1.2 million TEUs in Phase 1, Lekki Deep Seaport is positioned to become a pivotal mega transshipment hub for Nigeria’s neighboring countries in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. The arrival of the CMA CGM Sandola, the first LNG-powered container vessel to navigate West Africa, reinforces the port’s standing as the exclusive facility in Nigeria with the capability to receive such large container vessels.
In conclusion, the arrival of the CMA CGM Sandola at the Lekki Deep Seaport signifies a momentous leap for Nigeria’s maritime industry, underscoring the port’s potential to drive economic growth and serve as a critical gateway for regional trade. This historic event sets the stage for further advancements, positioning the Lekki Deep Seaport as a key player in the global maritime landscape.