The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has started dredging of the Escravos channel to host bigger vessels.
The Federal Government has awarded contract for remedial dredging at Escravos channel in an effort to revive the port in Delta State and deploy maritime investments to attract importers and exports to different locations other than Lagos.
Upon completion, the dredging works will enable bigger vessels to visit ports in the Delta State – East from Lagos – and reduce incidents of vessels running aground.
The Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, has released that works are about halfway done and will be carried out to boost the cargo volume at both Warri and Calabar Ports.
“We all know that the breakwaters collapsed about 10 years ago, and there has been high siltation resulting in reduction of the draft from 7 meters to 3 meters in some places,” Bello-Koko said.
The NPA team visited the Olu of Warri Kingdom on 10 May to seek support in reviving Warri Port.
During the visit, Bello-Koko further disclosed that the NPA has also started the mapping and charting of the Escravos channel starting from the fairway buoy down to Koko Port.
“We have a special interest in ensuring that Warri and other ports are more active. The essence is to enable us to be able to know the draft along the way and also ensure that the navigational aids are properly placed.“
