NPA resolves empty container dispute between APM Terminals,

By Steve Agbota

To tackle the challenges around evacuation of empty containers and minimise port congestion, the Nigerian Ports Authority has stepped in to resolve the crisis between APM Terminals and shipping lines.

The Authority also stated that the strategic use of holding bays and bonded terminals is critical to alleviating pressure on terminal capacity.

The NPA also emphasised the need to be involved in the examination of holding bays to keep abreast of the potential operational challenges.

The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications at NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, disclosed these in Lagos during a crucial meeting with major shipping lines and the APM Terminals Apapa, to discuss the challenges of the delay in the evacuation of empty containers.

According to him, the shipping lines and the management of APMT have agreed to enhance the process of communicating available free pools to each shipping line to guide their container movement.

He added that the shipping lines also blamed the congestion on a simultaneous gate closure to all the shipping lines by the management of APMT.

Onyemekara emphasised that the APMT management insisted that the terminal reached its full capacity due to increased import and export volume, arguing that there was a notable delay in the evacuation of both imports and exports by the shipping lines.

On the resolutions reached at the meeting, the NPA spokesman said it was resolved that the APMT should regularly communicate yard stock levels to the shipping lines to improve planning and coordination.

“It was also resolved that the notification period before terminal gate closure should be revised as follows: five days’ initial notice in advance, three days’ reminder before closure, and one day’s final notice before closure,” he said.

According to him, it was further resolved that APMT was to engage off-dock terminals by moving import containers to off-dock terminals to create more space within the terminal.

“The port management should actively participate in the inspection and assessment of holding bays to better understand and manage capacity and operational challenges. While all parties acknowledged their respective responsibilities, it was agreed that better communication, timely notification, and strategic use of holding bays and bonded terminals were critical to alleviating pressure on terminal capacity”, he submitted.

In his comments, the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, emphasised the urgent need for enhanced coordination among terminal operators, shipping lines, and port management to address the growing challenges related to terminal congestion, especially due to the accumulation of empty containers.