WACT Deploys Cargo Handling Equipment To Compete With Lagos Ports

Harboursandport.com: Onne - In a bid to take advantage of the diversion of cargo to Onne port over the congestion witnessed in Lagos, the West Africa Container Terminal, WACT, one of Nigeria’s leading container terminal is to deploy cargo handling equipment worth N3.6 billion in its bid to become gateway to the eastern part of the country.  

The investment in equipment which includes three additional Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) to bring the number of MHCs at the terminal to five; acquisition of 20 Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs); 3 Reach Stackers; 13 terminal trucks and trailers and an empty container handler is part of the phase 2 upgrade within the next 18 months.

A statement by Maersk line, Africa Communications Manager, Kerry Rosser, noted that WACT Managing Director, Aamir Mirza, explained that the upgrade is WACT believe that its vision can be realized through active collaboration with the Government to reduce the security challenges faced by vessels in our waters, and improved road connectivity.”

The statement also noted that the Commercial Manager of WACT, Noah Sheriff, WACT which a subsidiary of Maersk, has become the most preferred container terminal outside the Lagos area is fast gaining a reputation as the gateway to Eastern Nigeria and the alternative to the ports in Lagos.

The WACT Commercial Manager noted that the upgrade will include deployment of reefer racks with 600 plugs capacity, as well as expansion and paving of our current yard by 13 hectares, new workshop and new terminal gate complex.

The statement noted in part, “We anticipate additional volume growth as more and more shipping lines, importers and exporters are developing confidence in our ability to handle their cargo. This further investment is to ensure that we are well prepared to handle this additional business in the future,” he said.

Sheriff adds that the new investments will increase productivity and improve the reliability of cargo delivery whilst reducing port stays and vessel idle time. All of the above will lead to greater customer satisfaction.

In 2019, WACT spent USD14 million to acquire equipment including two Mobile Harbour Cranes, 14 specialized terminal trucks and two reach stackers. This first phase of investment last year brought high operational efficiency and set WACT apart from other ports in East Nigeria. “Our vision is to make WACT the best performing container terminal in West Africa.  

Located in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone near Port Harcourt, WACT caters to the greater Port Harcourt area and Eastern Nigeria, including the Nigeria oil and gas industry. Since its inception, WACT has played a pivotal role in successfully connecting East, North, West Central Nigeria and River State to the world.