Posted on December 6, 2023
Largest Container-RORO (CON-RORO) Vessel, in the world, MV Great Lagos, yesterday, berthed at the Ports and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML), Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos.
LEADERSHIP gathered that MV Great Lagos is the largest vessel in the world in the category of combining Containers and Roll on Roll Off, also known as vehicles. Also, the MV Lagos has a capacity of 2,500 vehicles and 2000 containers in a voyage.
Speaking at a reception organised to celebrate the maiden call of the ship to Lagos, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, said the visit of the MV Great Lagos to Tin-Can Island Port is an expression of confidence of the international community in Nigeria.
Sanwo-olu who was represented by the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, commended the Grimaldi Group for its investment in Lagos State.
“This vessel is not just a means of marine transport but a physical embodiment of our shared vision for a prosperous, connected Lagos that plays a central role in the global maritime industry. It is a symbol of our collective efforts to foster an environment where innovation thrives, and opportunities abound. We are committed, as part of the strategy to actualise the agenda of making Lagos a 21st century economy, providing the enabling environment and the infrastructure support to maximise the economic potentials in the maritime space.
“The capacity of the Badagry deep seaport under construction combined with that of the Lekki deep seaport which is already in operation will boost the status of Lagos State as a hub for maritime business in Africa.
As we look towards the horizon, let us recommit ourselves to this journey of growth and development. Together, with partners like the Grimaldi Group and PTML, we will continue to harness the vast potential of our maritime sector, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of our people,”Sanwo-olu stated.
Also speaking, the minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said the successful berthing of the vessel testifies to the dedication of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and PTML to enhance efficiency at the port. The minister commended Grimaldi Group and PTML for deploying the vessel to Nigeria and for adding value to the Nigerian economy.
On his part, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, said Great Lagos symbolises the fact that the Nigerian business environment is progressively getting better.
Bello-Koko disclosed that apart from the high loading capacity and several other distinctive features of the vessel, the authority is fascinated by the great attention to environmental impact that was infused into its construction.
“The christening of this vessel ‘Great Lagos’ symbolises the fact that the Nigerian business environment is progressively getting better. With shipping volumes promising to get higher, forward looking investments such as the one we are gathered here to celebrate will certainly have a big impact in the long run.
“So, I want to assure you that the Authority will continue to galvanise stakeholder efforts to continuously promote the ease of doing business all in a concerted bid to optimise the rich blue economy inherent in our maritime endowments.”
“The very fact that this G5-class vessel is technologically equipped to reduce CO2 emissions per transported tonne up to 43 per cent ahead of previous classifications gives us great delight as it signposts the seriousness of Nigeria’s commitment to the dictates of the 2023 International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GreenHouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which envisages a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40 per cent by the year 2030.
“Let me seize this moment to reiterate that the Authority’s port modernization project and ongoing reform initiatives around our Port Operations is cognizant of the impact of global energy transition and we have deliberately factored in measures that promote energy efficiency. This means that we would have zero-tolerance for non-compliance by our stakeholders.”
Speaking earlier, the managing director of PTML, Mr. Ascanio Russo, said the new ultramodern megaship is a marvel of modern engineering and environmental consciousness, stretching 290 meters in length with a beam of 38 meters and deadweight of over 45,000 tonnes. The ship, he said, has capacity to transport 4.7 kilometres of rolling freight, 2,500 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), and 2,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
He said MV GREAT LAGOS is the second of the G5-class of ships recently launched by the Grimaldi Group and named after Nigeria’s commercial capital, which it has served for many decades.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for PTML and Grimaldi but for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. We are gathered here on board this magnificent ship to celebrate the maiden call of the “Great Lagos”, a majestic vessel in the new G5 class of Ro/Ro multipurpose ships The naming of this vessel is not merely a coincidence; it is a deliberate and meaningful choice that reflects the deep and enduring connection between the Grimaldi Group and the port city of Lagos,” he said.
Russo said for more than six decades, the Grimaldi Group has been a cornerstone in the development of trade and maritime relations with Nigeria, a journey of mutual growth, understanding, and unwavering commitment.
“The arrival of the “Great Lagos” is not just an addition to our fleet but a reaffirmation of our devotion to the Nigerian economy and its vibrant economic capital. The “Great Lagos” is amongst the largest ships ever built in its class.
“This is not just an upgrade; it is a leap into the future of maritime transport and we are proud that we are witnessing this in Nigeria.
“But the greatness of the “Great Lagos” is not measured solely by her size or capacity. This vessel stands as a testament to our enthusiasm to achieve the minimum environmental impact. With technological advancements allowing for a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 43% per tonne transported, the “Great Lagos” is a beacon of sustainable maritime transport, setting new industry standards.
“At PTML, the port terminal which is hosting us now, we have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancement and operational efficiency. Our terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in Nigeria, stands as a clear demonstration of our ambitions. In the last one year alone, we have invested over USD20 million to upgrade our facilities to receive this beautiful ship.
“We have been extending our quay by over 40 meters while strengthening it to enable us to receive and operate a new Mobile Harbour Crane. All of this to accommodate the “Great Lagos.” This investment underscores our strive to achieve operational excellence, while delivering efficient and cost effective logistics services to the broader Nigerian economy and its people. It reinforces our position as a key player in the maritime sector and confirms our readiness to take the port of Lagos on larger roles in the global trading community,” the PTML Managing Director said.
Also at the event are the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh; the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by ACG Bello Jibo; the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah; Former NPA board chairman, Olabode George; the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stefano De Leo and President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, among other dignitaries.
