Vincent Toritseju
Lagos — Ship repair yard, Nigerdock, on Snake Island Apapa, has concluded plans to commence port operations on its Island terminal.
Although information concerning the firm’s diversification into port terminal operations was still scanty at the time of filling this report, it was gathered that Nigerdock is already seeking information on vessel arrival and sailing schedule.
A member of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, STOAN, who spoke to SweetcrudeReports confirmed the development saying that “Nigerdock has been operating a terminal for sometime but we cannot say what arrangement it has entered into with the government.”
The source said that the firm has been operating a terminal since last year adding that they move their cargoes by barges.
It was gathered that Nigerdock is also planning to join the association noting that different terminals have different agreements with government.
Efforts to reach the management of Nigerdock was futile a at the time of filling this report but a source close to the management disclosed that the ship repair and fabrication yard had acquired a port operating license when it obtained free zone status.
Our source also disclosed that Nigerdock has largely been idle these past few years owing to the downturn in oil and gas industry activities occasioned by the drop in oil prices and the ensuing coronavirus pandemic.
“They have bills to pay, including salaries and maintenance of the facilities. I want to believe that the board and management took the decision to utilise their port licence rather than allow the place to fall into disrepair,” the source disclosed.
