APM Terminals reiterate need for port stakeholders’ collaboration

The Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, has reiterated the need for collaboration among all stakeholders in the logistics value chain to improve port operations.

He made this known recently when the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius Ukeyima and a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), led by the National President, Nwokeji Emenike, visited the terminal separately.

Knudsen said many of the factors militating against the prompt delivery of containers at the terminal are outside the control of the terminal operator.

He said, “The terminal has improved on its processes through automation as importers and their agents can now book their containers for examination and carry out other transactions online from the comfort of their homes or offices without having to visit the terminal.

“Global trade needs efficient port operations and integrated solutions. We started a new and exciting journey in Apapa three years ago where we deployed a significant amount of new equipment. We have also improved our facilities and trained all employees across functions and levels. This journey is our transformation to international standards.

“It is important that we embrace the transformation and accept that it is a multi-year journey, which is closely linked to our values as a company and our primary objective to create value for the Nigerian economy. This transformation offers all of us exciting new challenges, which we can all learn and grow from.”

He assured freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents of efficient service and timely delivery of their containers.

Encouraging investment in port operations, the NSC Executive Secretary, Ukeyima, reiterated the council’s commitment to port efficiency. He also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving port infrastructure.

The ANLCA National President, Nwokeji Emenike, said his association will continue to engage with terminal operators to improve efficiency at the port.