₦airaland Forum

The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State has once again made history, successfully hosting the ‘Kota Carum’ the largest vessel ever to berth at the Onne Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT).

The milestone event occurred last week further underscoring OMT’s growing prominence as a hub for large-scale maritime trade in West Africa.

Flying the Singaporean flag, the ‘Kota Carum’ is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of Asia’s leading shipping companies.


The mega container vessel, measuring an impressive 301.43 metres in length overall, arrived at the OMT jetty at 10:30 hours and was safely berthed by 10:50 hours, utilizing berths 9 and 10.


Boasting a capacity of 6,606 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), Kota Carum is a major addition to the line of large vessels now calling Onne Port. During its 55-hour port stay, the vessel will discharge 1,250 containers and load 1,619 containers—including export-bound cargo and empty containers.

Speaking at a reception to welcome the vessel, Chief Operating Officer of OMT, Jim Stewart, described the call as a landmark event not only for the terminal but for Nigeria’s maritime industry at large.


“We are incredibly honoured to receive the largest vessel to ever berth at Onne. Following the arrival of the Kota Cempaka last year, this achievement reflects our continued growth, our strategic investments in terminal infrastructure, and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” Stewart stated.

Stewart emphasized that OMT’s ongoing modernization efforts, including the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art cranes, have significantly enhanced cargo-handling capabilities and reduced vessel turnaround time.


He further noted the economic advantages of hosting such large vessels at Nigerian ports, explaining that direct calls by larger ships eliminate the need for transshipment via smaller feeder vessels—cutting down logistics costs and reducing freight tariffs for Nigerian importers and exporters.

“This is not just a win for OMT, it’s a win for the Nigerian economy. The ability to berth larger vessels means more direct cargo movement, reduced logistics costs, and increased revenue for the country. Freight forwarders also benefit significantly, as they avoid the extra costs associated with transshipment,” he said

Stewart also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its vital support in creating an enabling environment for OMT to thrive.


“We have an excellent working relationship with the Port Manager, Mr. Abdulrahmon Hussain, and the entire team at the Nigerian Ports Authority. The leadership of the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been instrumental in our success. Allowing a vessel of this magnitude to berth at our terminal is a vote of confidence in our capabilities,” he added.

He called on the Federal Government to allocate more funding for channel dredging at the Onne Port to accommodate even larger vessels and further boost trade volumes.

“We are fully prepared to receive vessels from any shipping line. But for us to unlock the full potential of Onne Port, additional dredging is essential. We urge the Federal Government to support NPA with the necessary resources to deepen and widen the channels,” Stewart appealed.

https://www-vanguardngr-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/historic-moment-as-onne-multipurpose-terminal-hosts-largest-vessel-ever-in-nigeria/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17453854643391&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2025%2F04%2Fhistoric-moment-as-onne-multipurpose-terminal-hosts-largest-vessel-ever-in-nigeria%2Famp%2F%23amp_tf%3DFrom%2520%25251%2524s%26aoh%3D17453854643391%26referrer%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com

FTC. Can I drop my account number for my reward?

AGCNewsNet:
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Those who blame Lagos seaports for the absence of development in their region, what do you have to say to this

Lagos mafia left the WhatsApp group. They must really be angry that they are losing the IGR to other places. With time more good news like this will happen other places

This is good

AGCNewsNet:
https://www-vanguardngr-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/historic-moment-as-onne-multipurpose-terminal-hosts-largest-vessel-ever-in-nigeria/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17453854643391&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2025%2F04%2Fhistoric-moment-as-onne-multipurpose-terminal-hosts-largest-vessel-ever-in-nigeria%2Famp%2F%23amp_tf%3DFrom%2520%25251%2524s%26aoh%3D17453854643391%26referrer%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com

They need to move that pipeline that is making dredging impossible at the warri sapele neck of the Sea.

Some people won't still like dis news.. they will still blame Lagos n yorubas

We need loaded export containers not empty. Unrefined natural resources will be 90%

I keep wondering if this port is effective. Someone I know has been thinking about starting car importation business, but doesn't want to use Lagos port.
Is this One port effective enough to bring in cars from the USA? What about the clearing process, it is also effective?

tobtap:
Some people won't still like dis news.. they will still blame Lagos n yorubas

You mean Lagos mafia?

Thought only Lagos port was working.

anonimi:
Those who blame Lagos seaports for the absence of development in their region, what do you have to say to this

Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

Oceanfl0w:
Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

Those who are concerned AND interested should get their senators and representatives to have the necessary laws amended.

Not so

Oceanfl0w:
Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

nice idea

This a welcome development

oluwaseunamos33:
FTC. Can I drop my account number for my reward?

yes of course

DadojoReloaded:
I keep wondering if this port is effective. Someone I know has been thinking about starting car importation business, but doesn't want to use Lagos port.
Is this One port effective enough to bring in cars from the USA? What about the clearing process, it is also effective?

It is effective, but may not necessarily be efficient in terms of cost and finding ships plying that route.

It is probably easier and cheaper to find ships going to Lagos.

Oceanfl0w:
Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

Yes and that’s because the criminal tendencies of some people needed to be curb else they will totally consume themselves

The same port some people want us to believe is not functioning, that the government is marginalizing the people.

We have at least four ports in the SS, those whose businesses are along the routes should use any of these....instead of using Apapa or tin can port in Lagos.

auditor0471:
Lagos mafia left the WhatsApp group. They must really be angry that they are losing the IGR to other places. With time more good news like this will happen other places

Just acknowledge you've been talking rubbish about not having a functional port in the east. Always changing mouth to avoid accountability.

Good development. It's a matter of time.

Oceanfl0w:
Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

Can you share the list?

Oceanfl0w:
Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

Not true....
You need to find a shipping line ready to birth their vessel there.

Most shipping lines prefer using lagos

Onne port is one of the sanest ports in Nigeria. Unlike crazy Tincan and dead Apapa.

But hard to believe a 6,606 TEUs vessel is the largest to berth in any Nigeria port. Larger ones have been definitely.

anonimi:
Those who blame Lagos seaports for the absence of development in their region, what do you have to say to this

Loss of revenue for Lagos and an increase for SS.

Let’s wait and see what happens to awa Lagos when ports in Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom become fully operational.

Well

Oceanfl0w:
Absence of development? Wow

By the way, there are alot of goods you can't import through onne.

Onne is not the only port in Rivers state. There is another fully functioning port in Port Harcourt which you can use to import containerized cargoes. Warri and Calabar ports are also fully functional. So, what’s your point again?

Cool

Will need more ports that will ease Lagos port that's always busy

Very commendable and good market.

Its going back with empty containers and few natural resources without manufactured goods