The management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal, and Lagos Free Zone announced the opening of COSCO, ONE (Ocean Network Express), and ZIM alliance services at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is a major boost for Nigeria’s marine industry and international trade.Lekki Port, Freeport Terminal, Lagos Free Zone form shipping alliance

The E. A. Centaurus arrived in the dock last week, marking the milestone occasion. The ship is the largest COSCO vessel to ever dock in Nigeria, with a length of 277 meters and a capacity of 7,000 TEUs.

Lekki Freeport Terminal CEO Christophe Cassang emphasised the launch as a critical phase in the expansion and capacity expansion of the terminal. He underlined the terminal’s goal of becoming one of West Africa’s premier marine hubs.

We are expanding our worldwide reach and opening up new trade and business prospects in Nigeria and the surrounding area by forming strategic alliances with major shipping companies like COSCO, ONE, and ZIM. To address the changing needs of the shipping industry and our clients, our workforce is highly qualified, innovative, and backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology,” Cassang added.

Lekki Port’s managing director, Du Ruogang, described the inauguration as evidence of the port’s commitment to Nigeria’s maritime future. He mentioned that the E. A. Centaurus’ berthing marked the beginning of the COSCO, ONE, and ZIM consortium’s biweekly calls.

This move demonstrates our dedication to making Lekki Port a game-changer for Nigeria’s marine sector. We are pleased to welcome this partnership after 18 months of operation, ushering in a new age of higher cargo volumes and improved productivity for companies across the country. “This accomplishment is only the start,” Ruogang said.

Lagos Free Zone CEO Adesuwa Ladoja praised the launch as a game-changing occasion for the area. According to Ladoja, the Lagos Free Zone would see a significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) with the launch of COSCO, ONE, and ZIM services.

“We give clients more alternatives and access to top-notch amenities now that four major shipping lines call at Lekki Port. Businesses in the Lagos Free Zone and the larger Lekki economic area benefit from this. Businesses can now export completed goods worldwide and purchase raw materials directly, promoting the economic revival that we all aspire to. Lagos Free Zone and Lekki Port are honoured to be key players in this change,” Ladoja stated.