WASHINGTON: Ports & Cargo Handling Services Ltd., a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and Operator of Terminal ‘C’ Tin’Can Island Port, Lagos, has improved the general cargo component of its services with a brand new vessel, ‘MV Maritime Challenger’, from Singapore. According to a statement by the Group Managing Director, Sifax Group, Mr John Jenkins, on Sunday in Lagos, the brand new bulk carrier, which made its first voyage to any port in the world from Singapore, is owned and operated by the IMC Shipping, China. “IMC Shipping China has major trading routes in the Asia-Pacific that serve markets in South America and Africa, focusing on major and minor bulk cargoes. “The vessel, which has installed capacity of about 39,744 tonnes of cargoes, in its first call to Ports & Cargo Terminal, brought both major and minor bulk cargoes. “Some of the items it brought include: chemicals (pure Ammonium Nitrate), fluid transport tank, fibre ceiling, pulp wood, coils, pallets, tractors and trucks. seamless pie and hot rolled sheets.
“Others are: construction equipment and materials, wheel loader, Sodium Sulphate,” Jenkins said. He said the need to put the terminal and its facilities to full use and increase the company’s revenue base were the main reasons for the company’s renewed interest in the general cargo business. Jenkins said, “We are delighted that history has been made again at our terminal with the arrival of this brand new vessel that embarked on its first ever voyage to any port.” The Managing Director said that the voyage was from Asia to the Nigerian waters and ended with its berth in Lagos. “The company has made a huge investment in infrastructure and equipment at the terminal in the last 10 years and has, therefore, attracted a number of discerning clients, including IMC Shipping, the operator of the vessel. “What has been the unique selling proposition of the terminal is the quality of service that we provide.
“While we have concentrated heavily on the container business over the years, the terminal is actually a multi-purpose one that can conveniently handle other kinds of vessels. “It is with this belief in our ability and opportunities that our unique terminal provides that we have decided to also develop the general cargo/bulk side of our business. “This new line is a testimony of our commitment to excel in this business,” Jenkins said. Mr Mustapha Mohammed, General Manager, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Ltd., assured IMC Shipping and other prospective clients of the readiness of the company to provide excellent terminal operations. The captain of the ship, Captain Tang Jiang Tao, said that he received warm welcome from the Ports & Cargo terminal staff as well as other government regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority, among others. He also expressed his delight with the impressive equipment at the terminal. “We are delighted to take this ship on its first voyage from Asia to Nigeria and I must say that we are very impressed by what Ports & Cargo has offered us in terms of competent hands and quality service delivery. “I and my crew will be happy to call the terminal again,” he said.
