The Maerskline vessel berth at ONNE.
Uchendu Mark – Port Harcourt
The Nigerian Ports Authority, Onne Port complex has successfully berthed one of the biggest gearless Maerskline vessel, calling at Federal Ocean Terminal FOT, Onne in Rivers State, Nigeria.
The vessel arrived Saturday August, 15, 2020 and was fully berthed at 16:20 hours, Nigerian time.
Speaking, while receiving the vessel, the Managing Director NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, represented by the Assistant General Manager Harbours, Captain Uduiguomen Eboreime said, she is very happy for the safe arrival of the ‘Maersk Stadelhorn Vessel’ at Onne Port.
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The MD said that NPA is equal to the task, observing that what happened today, was a five day preparation for the arrival of this vessel from Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Giving details of the vessel which is the biggest ever container vessel to arrive at any Nigerian Ports, Maesrkline Port Captain kikelomo Abiola Cudjoe, said the length of the vessel is 300 metres (length overall) and the Width is 48 metres and a total draught of 11.2 metres, while the vessel capacity stood at 9,971( TEUs ).
Receiving the vessel – ‘Maerskline Stardelhorn’ at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne along with some Onne Port Team, the Port Manager Alhasssan Ismaila Abubakar said the arrival of the vessel is a milestone attained by NPA.
He expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman for all the support and assistance given to Onne port Complex in making the arrival of the vessel possible.
“I give kudos to NPA MD. She made this ‘Landmark/achievement today possible. This is the first time such a gigantic Container vessel is calling at any Nigerian ports’’, the Port Manager stated.
The Port Manager added that the arrival of the vessel is a trial, observing that the port is well equipped with all facilities and equipment to receive the vessel.
In a statement by the Head corporate and strategic communications. Onne Port, Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-achukwu, the Port Manager informed that the vessel was brought in from Fairway Bouy Bonny by NPA’s three Pilots who are well trained on pilotage of such vessel.
“We deployed 3 TUG boats with 3 Pilots from Onne Port Complex, and for us, the successful arrival of this vessel showcase the expertise of NPA’s Ports Operations “, the Port Manager stated.
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Abubakar added that this development shows that presently NPA is fully equipped, noting that shippers in the Eastern Zone and those in the Northern axis will have option to make choices. He said that consumers in the Eastern and Northern axis will benefit as he congratulated NPA staff for a credible performance on safe arrival of the vessel.
Also speaking at the event, the Country Manager of A P Molleer klaos Holman Laursen said, this is the biggest Container vessel to call in Nigerian Ports, saying that the vessel Length overall is 300 metres, width is 48 metres and draught of 11.2 metres.
However, it could be noted that the vessel – ‘Maersk Stadelhorn’ is a flagship from Singapore, while the vessel sailed from Cotonou Port in Benin Republic to Onne Port in Nigeria.
Captain Marvin Omovbude, an Asst Harbour Master Onne Port, who led other Pilots – Ezra Yashiyi Yakubu and Abdulahi Sarki piloted the vessel to Onne Port Complex.
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The vessel arrived safely without any Security Challenges of any type, indicating that Security status of Onne Channel has improved tremendously and the Channel depth has also been improved and maintained to receive such large modern vessels.
Speaking to jubilating Port stakeholders who came to welcome the vessel, Captain Omovbude said NPA has recorded a milestone. He however, congratulated NPA MD for making this possible, saying that Onne Port is taking the lead in Ports Operations and efficiency among the Ports in African sub-region.
It should be noted that Executive Management of Nigerian Ports Authority led by Hadiza Bala Usman has been implementing deliberate policies to promote the patronage of the Eastern Ports by given incentives and provision of Port facilities and dredging of the channel.
