The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), a key player in Nigeria’s maritime sector, achieved a historic feat last week as it welcomed the largest vessel ever to dock at the Onne Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT). The Kota Carum, a massive container ship flying the Singaporean flag, made its inaugural call at the port, further solidifying Onne’s role as a central hub for large-scale trade in West Africa.
Owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of Asia’s most prominent shipping companies, the Kota Carum spans 301.43 metres in length and boasts a formidable capacity of 6,606 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). It arrived at the terminal at 10:30 AM and was safely berthed by 10:50 AM, utilizing berths 9 and 10. During its 55-hour stay, the vessel is set to discharge 1,250 containers and load 1,619, including both export cargo and empty containers.
This landmark event was celebrated by officials at OMT, who were thrilled by the ship’s arrival, which they say highlights both the port’s growth and Nigeria’s expanding maritime infrastructure. Speaking at a welcoming reception, OMT’s Chief Operating Officer, Jim Stewart, praised the achievement, noting it was a testament to the terminal’s commitment to operational excellence and strategic investments in infrastructure.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the largest vessel to ever berth at Onne. This is not just a win for OMT, but a win for Nigeria’s maritime industry,” Stewart remarked. “Following the arrival of the Kota Cempaka last year, we are proud to see our continued growth in the region.”
Stewart further highlighted the ongoing modernization efforts at OMT, which have included the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art cranes. These investments have improved cargo-handling capabilities and reduced the vessel turnaround time, a critical factor for port efficiency.
Economic Impacts and Strategic Advantages
The ability to accommodate vessels like the Kota Carum is seen as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. Larger vessels that dock directly at Onne eliminate the need for smaller feeder vessels, which in turn reduces logistics costs and freight tariffs for both Nigerian importers and exporters. Stewart explained that this direct access not only enhances the efficiency of cargo movement but also boosts Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
“The ability to berth these larger ships directly reduces the need for transshipment, which leads to lower costs for freight forwarders and increased revenue for the country,” he said.
The port’s leadership also praised the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its essential role in supporting OMT’s growth. Stewart thanked the NPA’s leadership, particularly Port Manager Abdulrahmon Hussain, for their continued support in ensuring a conducive environment for Onne Port’s expansion.
Calls for Further Investment
While celebrating the success, Stewart called on the Federal Government to allocate additional funds for dredging the Onne channels. He emphasized that to maintain the momentum of growth and accommodate even larger vessels, further dredging and widening of the channels are necessary.
“We are fully prepared to handle vessels from any shipping line, but to unlock the full potential of Onne Port, additional dredging is crucial,” Stewart urged. “We call on the Federal Government to provide the necessary resources for this essential infrastructure development.”
The Onne Multipurpose Terminal’s hosting of the Kota Carum marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s maritime industry, positioning the country as a competitive force in global shipping. With continued investment and modernization, OMT aims to strengthen its status as a key maritime hub for the region.