By Adeniyi Onifade
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has procured and delivered two tug boats to Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprises Limited, the promoters of Lekki Deep Sea Port’
The two 80-ton Bollard Pull tug boats, named M.T MAIKOKO and M.T DA-OPUKORO are meant to enhance efficient port services and reduce cargo turnaround time at the Port.
The neoteric tug boats are the first of the 2813 Azimuth Stern Drive model to be available in Africa. They are credited with a maneuverability of 360 degrees, which will enhance the maneuvering of large capacity vessels of 300 metres LOA and above.
This is essential to Lekki Port for the smooth berthing of large vessels by assisting their movement from the approach channel to the quay wall and also departure from the Port.
According to Laurence Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, the provision of tug boats for Lekki Port by the Nigerian Port Authority is another crucial milestone for Lekki Port as a critical element of marine services. He added that the delivery of the tug boats would further position the Port as the standard bearer for port operations in West Africa.
Smith commended the NPA for demonstrating steadfast commitment to the success of the Port as a shareholder and a regulator throughout the construction period and now, with the commencement of commercial operations.
“The Nigerian Ports Authority have consistently shown their commitment to the success of Lekki Port, and this commitment is further demonstrated by the fact that they have invested in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure efficient provision of marine services by the Authority with regards to arrival/departure of vessels and technological systems that support the marine traffic process”, he said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, noted that the acquisition of the tug boats would enable Lekki Port to bring vessels of all sizes to the country.
The NPA boss maintained that the new investment in maritime infrastructure demonstrates the Agency’s resolve to assist in meeting the contemporary demands of trade facilitation.
According to him, “our determination to continuously enhance our operational efficiencies accounts for the purchase of these new 80 Ton Bollard Pull Tugboats to complement our existing fleet of tugs and recently commissioned Security patrol boats and pilot cutters deployed to enhance channel security across all our locations.
“The state-of-the-art tugs we have commissioned, which have one of the largest pulling capacities in West Africa today and will enable Nigerian ports to have the capacity to tow some of the largest container vessels currently sailing the ocean. This will be supported by recently purchased pilot cutters and mooring vessels, which continues the drive for greater efficiencies for the maritime industry here in Nigeria.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, during the commissioning ceremony, noted that the purchase of the tugboats accentuated the determination of the Federal Ministry of Transportation to boost port operational efficiency.
In response, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Port, Du Ruogang, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, NPA for fulfilling the obligation to provide marine services to Lekki Port.