One of the world’s huge containers and vehicle ships, MV Great Lagos, made its first stop at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos, carrying roughly 2000 containers and 2500 vehicles.
This ship, named after Lagos, is embarking on its inaugural trip to three West African nations, beginning its journey in Nigeria.
Constructed at a cost of about $100 million, the MV Great Lagos, commissioned in 2023, is currently sailing under Italy’s flag and is owned by the Grimaldi Group.
Notable dignitaries present to welcome the massive vessel included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s representative, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority Mr Mohammed Bello Koko, and Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Dr Bashir Jamoh.
During a reception aboard the ship, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the visit of MV Great Lagos as a testament to international confidence in Nigeria and lauded the Grimaldi Group’s investment in Lagos State.
The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, represented by Dr Magdalene Ajani, praised the successful docking of the vessel, acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and PTML in enhancing port efficiency.
Port Terminal Multipurpose Limited’s Managing Director, Mr Ascanio Russo, described the ultramodern mega-ship as an engineering marvel, spanning 290 meters in length, with significant freight carrying capacity.
Russo emphasized the ship’s ability to transport a vast amount of rolling freight, Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), and Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), underscoring its importance as an addition to Nigeria’s maritime landscape and the economy.
He also highlighted PTML’s commitment to technological advancement and operational efficiency, showcasing the terminal as a symbol of ambition and investment in upgrading facilities to accommodate this significant ship.
