Rivers Port to receive first Roro vessel since inception

Efforts by the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to improve vessel traffic to the Eastern Ports has continued to yield returns as the Rivers Port, Port Harcourt is expecting its first Roll-on/Roll-off (Roro) operations in the next couple of weeks.

According to a statement signed at the weekend by the NPA Spokesman, Adams Jatto, “The first Roro Vessels, to berth in the history of the Rivers Port is scheduled to depart the United States of America in the middle of March and arrive Port Harcourt in April. Roro vessels are usually loaded with automobiles.

“This is a milestone in the history of Rivers Port and the whole of the Eastern Ports. The introduction of Roro operations will in no small measure increase the revenue base of Rivers Port in particular and NPA as a whole.

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“The achievement is traceable to intentional commitment and landmark reforms that the current management of the NPA has instituted towards ensuring that all ports in Nigeria become optimally functional.

“Steps taken by the Authority include; the introduction of ten Percent (10%) discount on harbour dues on some categories of cargoes berthing at the eastern ports, the dredging of Escravos Channel in Warri, the deployment of equipment and machinery to improve operational efficiency, constant engagement with stakeholders towards achieving industrial harmony and peaceful co-existence, conversations with shipping companies, which saw the deployment of flat bottom vessels to Calabar, working with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the Port Police Command to combat crimes on the nation’s waterways as well as engaging with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the rehabilitation of roads access to and from ports in the region.

“The management assures of its commitment to ensuring that all ports in Nigeria operate at maximum capacity to the advantage of all Nigerians.”