APM Terminals (APMT) has introduced the first call of Hapag-Lloyd’s new fortnightly West Africa Service (WA1) to Monrovia, Liberia.
Tanger Med, Nouakchott, Freetown, Conakry, Monrovia, and Tanger Med are all served every two weeks.
The WA1, which began operations in mid-May, introduces Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia as new markets for the shipping line and expands regional import and export business potential.
APM Terminals Monrovia is the country’s only container and general cargo facility.
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Recent dredging activities have enlarged port channels and removed around one million cubic metres of sediment.
As a result, the terminal’s draft has increased from 9.5 metres to 12.5 metres, allowing larger vessels to enter the Freeport.
Currently, the terminal averages first lift within around 30 minutes of berthing, and vessel waiting times are now consistently under 24 hours.
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On the first call to Monrovia, with 28 containers, APM Terminals staff presented the Okee Cuno’s captain and crew with mementos to mark the occasion.
At the presentation, Thomas Moore, APM Terminals Liberia Head of Commercial said: “We are very happy with the preparations, handling and continued support in this first call from Hapag Lloyd.
“We’ve been proud to provide a smooth introduction into their new market and look forward to increasing volumes.”
