Ports & Terminal Multiservices Ltd. (PTML) Nigeria, the largest roll-on roll-off multipurpose (RoRo) port terminal in West Africa, has emerged as a key logistics hub for the transshipment of Chinese vehicles bound for Europe.
The new vehicles, loaded in China, were destined for ports in Europe and other African countries from the PTML terminal at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
This historic achievement began in July when the port welcomed a Grimaldi-class vessel named Grande Houston. The vessel arrived at Tin Can Island Port to tranship about 5,489 new vehicles that were loaded in China and destined for ports across Europe and Africa.
This is the first time that such a large number of new vehicles will be unloaded from a single vessel at a West African port, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian port industry.
PTML Nigeria Managing Director, Ascanio Russo, said the successful operation has made PTML and the Port of Lagos a major logistics platform for the global automotive industry, at par with established international port centres in Asia and Europe. He said the success was due to the terminal’s operational excellence, security, and high-tech infrastructure.
“PTML’s selection by Grimaldi as a transshipment hub highlights the terminal’s operational excellence and security. The terminal’s first-class infrastructure, the modern equipment, and the expertise of its staff were critical elements that convinced the Chinese car manufacturers and the Italian shipowner to use PTML as a hub.
“The decision to pick Lagos for these complex logistics operations is also a testament to the efforts of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in developing Lagos as a premier port hub, not only for containers but also for vehicles, trucks, plants, and other rollable cargo. He said the successful launch of Grande Houston paves the way for Grimaldi to launch new direct RO/RO services between China and Nigeria.
“For the first time, China and Nigeria will be connected by a dedicated Ro/Ro service, offering a fast and efficient route for all importers of rollable cargo, including cars, vans, trucks, and plants. This dedicated service is much faster than any existing container and general cargo vessel with a transit time between Shanghai and Lagos of less than 25 days and it is the only ro/ro service from China. The next Grimaldi vessel from China – MV Viking Queen – is expected to arrive at PTML on 25th September, followed by the MV Great Abidjan on 20th October,” he said.
The introduction of direct Ro/Ro service between China and Nigeria is the first in the history of both countries and will represent a new era of maritime logistics for Nigeria by providing a simpler and safer service. It will provide cheaper access to Chinese cars, trucks, factories, and equipment. Ro/Ro shipping is known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, especially in the transportation of vehicles and other mobile goods. It allows for a faster loading and unloading process, reduces the risk of damage, and is generally more environmentally friendly than container or general cargo shipping.
Direct Ro/Ro services from China are expected to enable more efficient trade routes and reduce transportation costs, thereby lowering import costs and boosting Nigeria’s economic growth. This will position PTML and the Port of Lagos as major players in the global automotive supply chain, strengthening Nigeria’s role in international trade. This historic achievement is a testament to PTML’s efficiency and capability, with all vehicles being unloaded within three days and trans-shipped to ships bound for various ports in Europe and other African countries within one week.
