The terminal operator of Apapa Container Terminal at the Lagos Port Complex, AP Moller Terminals Apapa Limited has disclosed that about 720,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) will be handled at the terminal this year, as against the 650,000 TEUs handled last year.
The concessionaire lamented that the cost of generating power at the terminal had been very high but that it had made necessary investment to ensure round-the-clock uninterrupted power supply.
Hampton also disclosed that the Apapa Container Terminal is now the largest mobile harbour crane-operated terminal and the largest container terminal in West Africa.
Its Managing Director, Mr. Dallas Hampton, who disclosed this in his office, noted that there were minimal expatriates working in the firm, while about 99 per cent of the workforce is made up of Nigerians.
Hampton said that the company's Nigerian employees are being trained to fill positions in the top management cadre.
He said: "With the investment that we have planned, the terminal will soon become one of the most productive mobile harbour crane terminals in the world.”
Hampton said that safety of workers remains a top priority at the terminal, noting: "We have very few people on ground and we're working on having fewer people on ground at the terminal all geared at ensuring safety."
The APMT boss said that his company undertakes extensive charity programmes in its host community.
He said: "We sponsor scholarships in schools and also support one of the secondary schools in Apapa. This year, we are sponsoring 50 scholarships and have recently rehabilitated and computerised the Randle Secondary School in Apapa. We support our host community as much as possible.”
He also disclosed that his company had placed order for 10 new Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, which, according to him, are the most fuel-efficient and environment-friendly available.
APM Terminals offers the global shipping community a geographically balanced, integrated Global Port, Terminal and Inland Services Network which includes current operations in 56 ports and terminals in 37 countries with six new terminal development projects and 12 expansion programmes now underway, along with 155 Inland Services operations in 47 countries.
Staffed by 24,000 professionals across 64 countries and spanning five continents, the company serves every major trade lane with a truly global presence, providing its customers with the most advanced terminal technology, equipment and operations in the industry.
APM Terminals took over operation at the Apapa Container Terminal in March 2006 after emerging as the preferred bidder following a competitive bidding exercise handled by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
The company has since invested over $200 million in modernising and upgrading the Apapa Container Terminal with an additional $130 million earmarked for expansion of the terminal.
Source: WorldStage Newsonline