– Docks 6,606-TEU vessel at ICTSI-OMT terminal
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a landmark development for Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal, OMT, in Rivers State has received the largest container vessel ever to berth at any terminal in the Onne Federal Ocean Terminal, the Singapore-flagged Kota Carum.
The 301.43-metre-long mega container ship, owned by Pacific International Lines, PIL, arrived at the ICTSI-OMT jetty on Wednesday morning and was berthed within 20 minutes using berths 9 and 10—setting a new benchmark for vessel capacity and handling at Nigerian ports.
With a massive capacity of 6,606 TEUs – Twenty-foot Equivalent Units – the Kota Carum will spend 55 hours at port, discharging 1,250 containers and loading 1,619 containers, including export-bound cargo and empties.
At a reception to celebrate the achievement, Chief Operating Officer of ICTSI-OMT, Jim Stewart, said the milestone reinforces OMT’s growing status as a premier deep seaport terminal in West Africa, following the arrival of another large vessel, Kota Cempaka, last year.
“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 attributed the feat to the terminal’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including modern cranes and equipment that have significantly improved cargo-handling efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
He stressed the broader economic impact of receiving larger vessels at Nigerian ports, saying “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.”
Stewart also thanked the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA for its collaboration and support.
“We have an excellent working relationship with the Port Manager, Abdulrahmon Hussain, and the entire team at the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“The leadership of the Managing Director of NPA, 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.”
Looking ahead, Stewart urged the Federal Government to invest in further dredging of the Onne Port channel to unlock even greater capacity.
“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.”
The Chief Pilot of Onne Port, Yakubu Ezra, affirmed NPA’s readiness for such high-level maritime operations.
“At the Nigerian Ports Authority, we are fully equipped—both in training and technology—to safely pilot large vessels into our ports. The successful berthing of Kota Carum is evidence of our capacity and professionalism.”
As global shipping routes increasingly target West Africa, OMT’s historic hosting of Kota Carum signals a bold step forward for Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
