APM Terminals (APMT) has announced the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Port of Onne, has invested in two new mobile harbor cranes (MHCs) from Liebherr, as it looks to handle increasing regional growth in container traffic.
According to a statement, the two Liebherr LHM 550 MHCs are due for deployment in July this year and will further boost the efficiency and cargo handling operation of the terminal, improving service delivery and reducing vessel waiting time.
The acquisition is part of a wider plan from WACT to improve and expand its infrastructure. This year alone has seen WACT invest around US$2.5 million in 10 purpose-built terminal trucks, three reach stackers and an empty container handler.
Earlier this year, the first delivery of terminal trucks was flown into Nigeria one of the world’s largest cargo planes, the Antonov An-124, as the WACT looks to meet and increase volume demand.
In response to volume growth, the West Africa Container Terminal located in Onne Port has invested in two new Mobile Harbor Cranes. The cranes will boost the cargo handling operation of the terminal. Find out more: https://t.co/DUhu1F9M4M #APMTerminals #OnnePort pic.twitter.com/1n0C6Ew6iP
— APM Terminals (@APMTerminals) May 22, 2019
WACT, one of the first greenfield terminals to be built in Nigeria, is expected to undergo an overall terminal infrastructure upgrade in 2020.
Noah Sheriff, WACT’s Commercial manager, had this to say: “We have handled over 100% more cargo compared to what was advised by our shipping line customers.
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“In 2018, for example, we saw volumes grow by 21% compared to the previous year.”
“This increase was considerably more than what we had planned for. To maintain high service delivery levels we are taking concrete steps to ensure our strong market position is maintained.”
Managing Director, Aamir Mirza, also commented: “We have been working tirelessly to provide superior service to our shipping line and landside customers.
“This latest investment in mobile harbor cranes will help us achieve our objectives and reach our goals.
“Growth in volume over the last two years have highlighted various infrastructure challenges and we are working with key stakeholders to address them.
“This is expected to bring a lot more opportunities to us and our customers and grow our businesses.”