The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal, and the Lagos Free Zone have officially launched COSCO, ONE (Ocean Network Express), and ZIM alliance services at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The launch was celebrated with the arrival of the E. A. Centaurus, which docked at the port last week.
Measuring 277 meters in length and capable of handling 7,000 TEUs, this vessel is the largest COSCO ship to ever dock in Nigeria.
Christophe Cassang, CEO of Lekki Freeport Terminal, described this launch as a crucial milestone in the terminal’s development and capacity enhancement.
He underscored the terminal’s ambition to become a leading maritime hub in West Africa. “By partnering with global shipping leaders like COSCO, ONE, and ZIM, we are enhancing our international presence and creating new opportunities for trade and industry in Nigeria and beyond,” Cassang stated.
Du Ruogang, Managing Director of Lekki Port, hailed the launch as a testament to the port's commitment to Nigeria’s maritime future. He noted that the E. A. Centaurus's docking marks the beginning of bi-weekly calls from the COSCO, ONE, and ZIM consortium.
“This development positions Lekki Port as a transformative force in Nigeria’s maritime sector. After 18 months of operations, we are excited to welcome this consortium, paving the way for increased cargo volumes and improved efficiency for businesses across the nation,” Ruogang remarked.
Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone, called the launch a transformative event for the region. She emphasized that the introduction of these services would attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Lagos Free Zone.
“With four major shipping lines now operating at Lekki Port, we offer customers more options and access to world-class facilities. This will stimulate business growth within the Lagos Free Zone and the broader Lekki economic region,” Ladoja explained.
