The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Mohammed Bello Koko; and the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, were among the dignitaries that received the MV Great Lagos, the largest container RORO ship, to visit Nigeria and the West African sub-region on Monday.
MV Great Lagos, which is on its maiden call to Nigeria’s largest multipurpose roll-on-roll-off (RORO) terminal, the Port Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) at the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, is owned by the Grimaldi Group.
In his address at a reception organised to celebrate the maiden call of the ship, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the visit of the MV Great Lagos to Tin-Can Island Port is an expression of confidence in the international community in Nigeria. He also commended the Grimaldi Group for its investment in Lagos State.
Also speaking, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said the successful berthing of the vessel testifies to the dedication of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and PTML to enhance efficiency at the port. The Minister commended the Grimaldi Group and PTML for deploying the vessel to Nigeria and for adding value to the Nigerian economy.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of PTML, Mr Ascanio Russo, said the new ultramodern mega-ship is a marvel of modern engineering and environmental consciousness, stretching 290 metres in length with a beam of 38 metres and a deadweight of over 45,000 tonnes. The ship, he said, can transport 4.7 kilometres of rolling freight, 2,500 car equivalent units (CEUs), and 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
He said MV Great Lagos is the second of the G5-class ships recently launched by the Grimaldi Group and named after Nigeria’s commercial capital, which it has served for many decades.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for PTML and Grimaldi but for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. We have gathered here on board this magnificent ship to celebrate the maiden call of the “Great Lagos,” a majestic vessel in the new G5 class of Ro/Ro multipurpose ships.
“The naming of this vessel is not merely a coincidence; it is a deliberate and meaningful choice that reflects the deep and enduring connection between the Grimaldi Group and the port city of Lagos,” he said.
Russo said that for more than six decades, the Grimaldi Group has been a cornerstone in the development of trade and maritime relations with Nigeria, a journey of mutual growth, understanding, and unwavering commitment.
“The arrival of the “Great Lagos” is not just an addition to our fleet but a reaffirmation of our devotion to the Nigerian economy and its vibrant economic capital. The “Great Lagos” is among the largest ships ever built in its class.
“This is not just an upgrade; it is a leap into the future of maritime transport, and we are proud that we are witnessing this in Nigeria.
“But the greatness of the “Great Lagos” is not measured solely by her size or capacity. This vessel stands as a testament to our enthusiasm to achieve the minimum environmental impact. With technological advancements allowing for a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 43% per tonne transported, the “Great Lagos” is a beacon of sustainable maritime transport, setting new industry standards.
“At PTML, the port terminal that is hosting us now, we have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancement and operational efficiency. Our terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in Nigeria, stands as a clear demonstration of our ambitions.
“In the last year alone, we have invested over USD 20 million to upgrade our facilities to receive this beautiful ship.
“We have been extending our quay by over 40 metres while strengthening it to enable us to receive and operate a new Mobile Harbour Crane. All of this is to accommodate the “Great Lagos.
“This investment underscores our strive to achieve operational excellence while delivering efficient and cost-effective logistics services to the broader Nigerian economy and its people. It reinforces our position as a key player in the maritime sector and confirms our readiness to take the port of Lagos on larger roles in the global trading community.
“Our efforts align seamlessly with the vision and support of the Nigerian authorities. I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Transport, now the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Port Authority for enabling the infrastructural work critical to today’s event. Our appreciation extends to NIMASA for ensuring the security of our waterways, the Nigerian Shippers Council for fostering a competitive environment conducive to enhanced port services, and Nigerian Customs for their dedication to facilitating trade while maintaining essential security functions.
“To the Lagos State Government, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in our massive infrastructure investments beyond the port area, I say a heartfelt thank you,” the PTML Managing Director said.
Other speakers, including the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Akutah Pius Ukeyima; the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo; and the President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, all showered encomiums on Grimaldi Group and PTML for deploying the vessel and for making a significant investment at the port.
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