Thursday’s arrival of a general cargo vessel carrying 204 heavy-duty vehicles, 22 cubic metres of pipes, and other containers enhanced activity at the Calabar Port.
Mr. Festus Olumati, the Port Manager of Calabar, told reporters on Friday, following the berthing of the ship, that it had been three years since a ship had previously docked there.
The manager stated that Calabar Port was still feasible and economically beneficial to Nigeria and the state.
Olumati stated that the Calabar Port was safe for docking, thus consumers should utilize it to clear their general cargoes.
“The significance of this vessel’s docking is to signal to the world that Calabar Port is live and operational. The widespread rumor that nothing is occurring in Calabar Port is false.
“The length of this ship is 190 meters, and this has never occurred at Calabar Port in recent memory.
“The cargo on board consists of 204 vehicles, 22 cubic meters of general freight, mostly pipes, and several containers.
“It has never been like this in the past three years; we are pleased to announce to the world that we are receiving a cargo vessel that we have not seen in the past three years,” Olumati added.
He stated that the berthing of the ship was in accordance with the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) determination to modernize the port in order to attract customers, and that it would create jobs for Calabar citizens.
Olumati said that about fifty individuals were assisting the shipping business with the unloading of the trucks and containers.
In his remarks, Mr. Edward Akpan, General Manager of the berthing terminal operator, stated that the ship departed from Singapore.
According to Akpan, the cargo owners view Calabar Port as their favorite terminal due to the support they have received over the years.
“As a terminal operator, we entice customers to dock at Port by offering them incentives.
“Our clients are pleased with our manner of operation, and I would like to thank NPA for its ongoing support of the terminals.”
“When vessels berth at Calabar Port, the owners are always present to check that their cargo is undamaged, and they have been very impressed with the recommendations we have received for a job well done,” he explained.
According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), the port was bustling with activity throughout the unloading of the trucks and containers.