Largest Container-RORO (CONRO) vessel to berth in Lagos

Nigeria’s multipurpose roll-on-roll-off (RORO) terminal, the Port Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), Lagos, is set to receive the largest Container-RORO (CONRO) ship, the first to visit West Africa, on November 30.

The new ultramodern mega Container-RORO ship named MV Great Lagos an owned by the Grimaldi Group, is a marvel of modern engineering and environmental consciousness, stretching 250 meters in length with a beam of 38 meters and deadweight of over 45,000 tonnes.

The ship, which was launched in April this year, can transport 4.7 kilometres of rolling freight, 2,500 car equivalent units (CEUs) and 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

MV Great Lagos is the second of the G5-class of ships recently launched by the Grimaldi Group and named after Nigeria’s commercial capital, which it has served for many decades.

The Managing Director, PTML, Ascanio Russo, said the vessel sets a new benchmark in the shipping industry and a landmark event for Nigeria’s maritime sector and PTML, as it showcases the terminal’s advanced capabilities and its role as a leading multipurpose logistics hub in the region. He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the support it gave towards receiving the vessel.

“The arrival of Great Lagos at PTML is not just a routine port call; it is a testament to the terminal’s cutting-edge facilities and its readiness to handle the new generation of mega-vessels. Its arrival at the Lagos Port is a testament to the port’s capability to handle vessels of such magnitude, further positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global shipping industry.

“What truly sets Great Lagos apart is its compliance with the highest environmental standards. In an age where environmental sustainability is not just a preference but also a necessity, the Great Lagos leads the way in eco-friendly maritime transport. Its advanced design and technology significantly reduce the environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems,” Russo said.

Russo said to receive the vessel, PTML has invested over $20 million to extend its Berth 11, equipping it with deeper berths, expanded storage areas, and acquired state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment.

He said this transformation positions PTML as one of the most advanced logistics terminals in West Africa, capable of handling a diverse range of cargo types including bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes.

According to him, the seamless integration of vessels and terminal activities at PTML is a clear indication of Nigeria’s dedication to advancing its maritime infrastructure while prioritising environmental responsibility.