Reconstruction under way at Apapa

The redevelopment of the terminal and its operation is still in progress, according to Lund Hansen, chairman of APM Terminals, Apapa Ltd. The reconstruction programme includes maximising the use of terminal space, the provision of new equipment and infrastructure, and the modernisation of operating systems within the terminal.

Hansen said that one of the key factors was to improve the dwell time taken by containers arriving at the port, which currently is 30 days on average. In addition, the Lagos channel has required dredging up to 13.5 m to overcome draught constraints on the size of vessels using the terminal.

One of the first problems APM Terminals had to deal with was to improve general security around the port, which it did by erecting fences and restricting access to unauthorised personnel. Its then turned its attention to the construction of new facilities and the provision of new equipment. Old buildings were demolished to create additional container stacking space and construction work has begun on a new office building, workshop and entry and exit gates.