The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intervened in the lingering dispute between APM Terminals and major shipping lines over delays in the evacuation of empty containers — a development contributing to worsening congestion at the Apapa Port.
At a strategic meeting held in Lagos, the NPA emphasised the need for improved coordination, consistent communication, and efficient use of holding bays and bonded terminals to decongest the terminal and improve overall operations.
According to the Authority's General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, both parties agreed to enhance communication regarding available free container pools to guide movement and avoid further pile-ups.
Shipping lines had attributed the congestion to simultaneous gate closures by APMT, while the terminal operator pointed to increased import and export volumes as the main factor behind the delays.
Read also
To address the situation, the following resolutions were reached:
- APMT will begin sharing regular yard stock updates with shipping lines to improve planning.
- A revised gate closure notice schedule was adopted: five days' initial notice, a three-day reminder, and a final one-day notice.
- Import containers will be redirected to off-dock terminals to create space within the main terminal.
- NPA will intensify inspection and assessment of holding bays to better manage capacity and detect operational gaps.
The Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, stressed the need for closer collaboration among terminal operators, shipping lines, and the port authority, especially in tackling the accumulation of empty containers which continues to hamper smooth logistics operations.
Terminal congestion has long been a critical concern for importers and exporters, particularly small businesses dependent on timely access to goods and raw materials.
No comments:
Post a Comment