LEKKI PORT, FREEPORT TERMINAL, LAGOS FREE ZONE LAUNCH SHIPPING ALLIANCE
In a significant boost for Nigeria’s maritime sector and international trade, the management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal, and Lagos Free Zone announced the launch of COSCO, ONE (Ocean Network Express), and ZIM alliance services at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The milestone event was marked by the arrival of the E. A. Centaurus at the port last week. The ship, measuring 277 meters in length and capable of handling 7,000 TEUs, is the largest COSCO vessel to ever dock in Nigeria.
Christophe Cassang, CEO of Lekki Freeport Terminal, highlighted the launch as a pivotal step in the terminal’s growth and capacity enhancement. He emphasized the terminal’s vision to become a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
“Through strategic partnerships with global shipping leaders like COSCO, ONE, and ZIM, we are strengthening our international presence and unlocking new opportunities for trade and industry in Nigeria and the region. Our team is highly skilled, passionate about innovation, and supported by cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of the shipping industry and our customers,” said Cassang.
Du Ruogang, Managing Director of Lekki Port, called the launch a testament to the port’s dedication to Nigeria’s maritime future. He noted that the berthing of the E. A. Centaurus inaugurated bi-weekly calls from the COSCO, ONE, and ZIM consortium.
“This development underscores our commitment to positioning Lekki Port as a transformative force in Nigeria’s maritime industry. After 18 months of operations, we are proud to welcome this consortium, marking a new era of increased cargo volumes and greater efficiency for businesses nationwide. This achievement is just the beginning,” Ruogang stated.
Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone, hailed the launch as a transformative event for the region. Ladoja noted that the introduction of COSCO, ONE, and ZIM services would attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Lagos Free Zone.
“With four major shipping lines now calling at Lekki Port, we provide customers with more options and access to world-class facilities. This fosters the growth of businesses in the Lagos Free Zone and the wider Lekki economic region. Companies can now import raw materials directly and export finished goods globally, supporting the economic revitalization we all strive for. Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone are proud to play a vital role in this transformation,” Ladoja said.