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West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne Port has invested in two new mobile harbour cranes (MHCs) in response to continued volume growth in the Eastern Nigerian market.
This is in addition to an investment of around US$2.5m already made this year in ten purpose-built terminal trucks, three reachstackers and an empty container handler, as well as terminal infrastructure and manpower development.
The two Liebherr LHM 550 MHCs are due for deployment in July this year.
Commercial manager at the terminal, Noah Sheriff, said: “We have handled over 100% more cargo compared to what was advised by our shipping line customers. In 2018, for example, we saw volumes grow by 21% compared to the previous year.
“This increase was considerably more than what we had planned for. To maintain high service delivery levels we are taking concrete steps to ensure our strong market position is maintained.”
WACT’s managing director Aamir Mirza stated: “Growth in volume over the last two years have highlighted various infrastructure challenges and we are working with key stakeholders to address them.”
An overall terminal infrastructure upgrade project is expected to commence in 2020. WACT is working with the Nigeria Port Authority, Oil & Gas Free Zone and other government entities to ensure Onne Port is ready for the future growth opportunities.
WACT was one of the first greenfield terminals to be built in Nigeria under a public, private partnership with the Nigerian government in 2003.
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 Industry.