APM Terminals-operated West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) has marked a significant milestone by opening its new Container Freight Station (CFS).
APM Terminals said this investment brings Port of Onne’s WACT closer to its strategic vision of becoming the “gateway to Eastern Nigeria and beyond”, offering a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions.
The new station is expected to act as a central hub for various trade-related activities, including interaction with regulatory authorities, and seamlessly connects businesses in Eastern Nigeria to the global marketplace and vice versa.
According to APM Terminals statement, expertly crafted solutions are designed to expedite the movement of key Nigerian commodities like agro products and solid minerals, ensuring Just-in-Time service delivery through efficient stuffing and swift transfers to the port. It also offers a reliable warehousing service for both import and export cargo across diverse sectors.
Speaking during the ceremony to mark the commissioning of the Container Freight Station, WACT’s managing director, Jeethu Jose said, “The CFS will serve as a one-stop-shop where all our customers can consolidate their exports. The facility will aid the Nigerian government’s drive to promote export and forex which will be beneficial to the country and the economy.”
The new CFS is anticipated to strengthen WACT’s capabilities and contribute to the development of the region, while it ensures the sustainability of the supply chain by promoting efficient cargo handling practices.
WACT was one of the first greenfield terminals to be built in Nigeria under a public, private partnership with the Nigerian government in 2003. Located in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone near Port Harcourt, WACT caters to the greater Port Harcourt area and Eastern Nigeria, including the Nigeria Oil Industry. Since its inception, WACT has played a pivotal role in successfully connecting East, North, West Central Nigeria and River State to the world.
In 2020, WACT announced a further investment of US$115 million (Onne Terminal Upgrade Project) that included the acquisition of three additional Mobile Harbour Cranes, bringing the total in operation to five; 20 Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes; three Reach Stackers; 13 terminal trucks and trailers and two container empty handlers.
The upgrade also includes the deployment of reefer racks with a 600-plug capacity, as well as expansion of the current yard, new workshop, a new terminal auto gate, modernised offices, and state of the art technology. The final phase of the project is expected to be completed this year.
