To ensure efficiency in its operations, APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos State, Nigeria, has boosted its operations with the delivery of additional four Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes.
This is part of a larger equipment fleet renewal and expansion programme, where seven RTGs, seven reach stackers and two empty handlers have been acquired.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief Operating Officer of the terminal operator, Steen Knudsen, noted that with the new acquisition, the firm would have 30 RTGs in operation.
According to him, it also has 13 Mobile Harbour Cranes, in addition to several reach stackers, forklifts, empty handlers and specialised terminal trucks; making it the best-equipped port terminal in Nigeria.
Knudsen explained that the new cranes, which were built with the latest technology and with a lifting capacity of 41 tonnes, would ensure efficient services to the entire port community.
He said the new cranes were acquired as part of an ongoing investment of $80m for 2020 and 2021, bringing the total investment by the company in Apapa since 2006 to $438m (approximately N168bn).
“We remain committed to deepening our investment in Apapa to enable us handle increasing volumes at the port. The additional investments will create the capacity to handle growth in the economy to support the Federal Government’s efforts on trade growth and improve service delivery across the logistic chain,” Knudsen said.
He added that APMT, Apapa, recently deployed 4G LTE wireless network and commissioned its Operation Command Centre to enhance service delivery.
“We have embarked on massive digitisation of our operations and services. This is in keeping with our global transformation drive. The deployment of the 4G LTE wireless network has stimulated greater efficiency and higher productivity, as it will allow for better collaboration in our terminal operations.
“The new Operation Command Centre, which was commissioned by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accompanied by the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, in December, comes with several benefits to our customers,” he said.
According to Knudsen, APMT will continue to bring innovations at Apapa to help shipping lines and landside customers achieve improved supply chain efficiency, flexibility and dependability, in a cost-effective manner.
“This will enable our customers to compete in world markets and ultimately grow their business,” he said.
