Business
Onne OMT Port Acquires 2 Cranes For Container Haulage
Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), has commissioned two new mobile harbour cranes at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), in Onne, Rivers State.
The two cranes are part of the state-of-the-art container freight haulage to offer value-added services for importers and exporters.
The investment totals $25 million, with the harbour cranes being imported from Germany, each with capacity of delivering 25 tons of containers per hour and an outreach of 20 containers across.
These mobile harbour cranes are the biggest ever deployed in a Nigerian port and will set a new standard by allowing larger vessels than ever to call Nigeria.
Speaking during the commissioning at the quay area of OMT Terminal at FOT, the Managing Director of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by the Onne Port Manager, Abdulrahmon Hussain, commended OMT for their investments.
He noted that in recent years OMT has improved tremendously and shown its commitment to improve Nigeria’s economy.
“This is a big victory for the company, for NPA, and for the Nigerian economy. You see what OMT has done. The two Harbour Cranes will bring in more businesses to the country, more revenue to FG, to investors and to others”, Hussain stated.
He said the dogged determination of OMT to continue investing in state-of-the-art equipment, to ensure ease of business, is in line with the policy drive and vision of NPA Managing Director, Dantsoho who, on visiting OMT, had emphasised continuous port investments to enhance smooth operations of the port and boost FG revenue.
The Onne Port Manager also spoke on the need for collaboration between investors, government agencies, importers, agents and other stakeholders or agencies.
“I want to thank OMT Management again for this bold step in increasing your investment capacity in the Maritime/Blue Economy”, he said.
According to him, with this kind of investment, if emulated by other operators, Nigeria’s economy will boom, and become a maritime hub in the Sub-African region.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Onne Multi Purpose Terminal, Mr. Jacob Gulmann, thanked NPA for its pro-active and strong leadership in developing the blue economy and the role of Nigeria Customs, NDLEA, Agents, Importers, Communities and other stakeholders for their contributions to the shipping industry.
He particularly thanked OMT shipping line customers, MSC and PIL, Nigeria’s end-customers (the importers and exporters), and agents for their show of support and patronage saying, “Without you, none of us would be in business. So, we wish to say a big thank you to all of you”.
The MD said the introduction of the new cranes for OMT operations is a major milestone: “these cranes are the biggest mobile harbour cranes operating across Nigerian ports and they will allow our customers, MSC and PIL, to bring in the largest vessels to call Nigeria”.
In their separate speeches, Mike Ebeatu of Association of Nigerian Licences Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chairman, Onne Sea Port Chapter, thanked OMT for its continuous investments: “the right equipment will improve vessel dwell time and check-mate demurrage”.
Chief Commercial Officer for Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Udi Goldberg, and Chief Commercial Officer for Pacific International Lines (PIL), Olawunmi Akinyemi, both complimented OMT on the large-scale investments in equipment and warehousing which they see as another indicator of ICTSI’s commitment to their customers.
Customs Deputy Controller of Admin, represented by Customs Area 11 Controller, Onne Seaport, Mohammed Babandede, said Customs are happy with OMT, for procuring 2 additional harbour cranes.
“We are not surprised. What we are seeing here today is an organization – OMT – that decides to be serious and committed to addressing operational challenges. You did it, not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of all Nigerians “, Customs Controller, Babandede stated.
Also, a warehouse built and completed for stacking and storing of materials by OMT was commissioned by Customs Area 11 Controller, Mohammed Babandede, who was represented by Deputy Controller Admin, C. C Nwokorie.
Among dignitaries that attended the event were Ports Authority Police DPO, Onne Port, prominent Bonded Warehouse Chief Executives, including Kingso, Godify.
In an interview, Chief Odigbo Blais Chigozie, CEO of Great Focus, congratulated OMT on the two acquired harbour Cranes.
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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has affirmed that it is taking strategic steps to enhance local participation and encourage investment in the maritime sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who disclosed this recently while receiving the Executive Members of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to fostering a level playing field and creating an enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Dr. Mobereola revealed that NIMASA is deepening its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to explore policies that will boost indigenous involvement and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to encouraging indigenous players to invest more in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Issues such as national carriers and trade terms remain top priorities under this administration.
“Our focus is to create an enabling environment where private investors can thrive. In this regard, we have initiated discussions with the NCDMB and NNPC Limited to address these critical matters”, he stated.
He said NIMASA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that will enhance local investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
In response, Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono, Secretary General of the Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, emphasized the need for closer collaboration between NIMASA and the Merchant Navy.
He also urged the Agency to review waiver clauses to ensure more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
Stories by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Towards enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.
According to a statement on by the spokesman, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Suleiman Makama, the event, which was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, confirmed crucial steps taken to address the recurring challenges of boat accidents across the country.
In his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the urgent need to stem the tide of tragic boat mishaps, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and properties.
He described the country’s waterways as vital to commerce, transportation, and livelihoods, stressing that their safety and efficiency are paramount to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
He noted that the establishment of this committee aligns with the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.
“The task before us is daunting, but with unwavering commitment, we can eliminate boat mishaps and ensure that our waterways remain safe, navigable, and prosperous for generations to come”, Oyetola stated.
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including state government representatives, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety experts, and academics.
It will be chaired by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, while Mr. Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, will serve as Secretary.
The committee is tasked with conducting an in-depth review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying the root causes of boat mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, Oyebamiji assured the Minister on the dedication of members to deliver on the assignment.
He emphasized that safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways is non-negotiable, adding that NIWA, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, has been refocused to uphold its mandate without compromise.
Acknowledging the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his proactive leadership, Oyebamiji noted that the establishment of the committee represents a critical step in addressing the persistent safety challenges in inland water transport.
“This is another solution-driven initiative aimed at eliminating boat mishaps on our waterways. I assure you that the confidence reposed in this committee will not be misplaced.
“At NIWA, this is an opportunity for us to intensify our efforts in reducing marine accidents to the barest minimum. On behalf of my fellow committee members, we pledge to work diligently and with utmost focus on the assigned terms of reference.
“Safety on our inland waterways is non-negotiable. NIWA has been refocused to ensure the highest safety standards, and this committee will work diligently to address the causes of boat mishaps and find lasting solutions,” Oyebamiji said.
The committee has been tasked with evaluating the root causes of boat accidents and recommending lasting solutions to enhance safety and operational standards.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has launched a massive clampdown on illegal dredgers operating in the State, ordering them to stop work immediately.
This exercise, which was carried out by the officials of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development across the waterfront schemes located across the coastal regions of the metropolis.
According to a statement, the enforcement operation, led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, alongside members of his team, raided several illegal dredging sites which were subsequently shut down by the officials of the Ministry.
Some suspected dredging operators were arrested and a stop-work order was served on erring dredgers for non-compliance with laid-down regulations of the State Government.
Alebiosu warned the operators that failure to comply with extant laws guiding dredging activities could have dire effects and will result in severe penalties, including total closure of the sites.
Reacting to the claim that Dredgers are the major cause of environmental degradation in the state, including erosion and flooding, the Commissioner emphasised the need for dredging activities to be conducted lawfully to preserve roads, public infrastructure, and wetlands.
He explained that the State Government has vowed to streamline the activities of dredgers in the state to meet acceptable international standards.
“The Lagos State Government’s clampdown on illegal dredgers is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the state.
“We will continue to carry out surveillance and raids across the coastal areas to ensure that the activities of a few don’t impact the lives of law-abiding citizens negatively”, Alebiosu stated.
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