THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has forbidden Maersk and Cosco to operate, alleging that the chaotic congestion at Lagos is caused by carriers' refusal to comply with an NPA directive to open off-dock yards for empties, and not by the intermittent truck strikes, the shipping lines say are responsible
THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has forbidden Maersk and Cosco to operate, alleging that the chaotic congestion at Lagos is caused by carriers' refusal to comply with an NPA directive to open off-dock yards for empties, and not by the intermittent truck strikes, the shipping lines say are responsible. Yet the situation is unclear, as there are reports that NPA has rescinded its Maersk-Cosco ban, or that officials on the ground are not enforcing it as protests rise from all quarters as congestion mounts, reports the Nigeria Guardian.
The NPA had suspended local operations of Maersk, Cosco Shipping, APS and Lansal at the Port of Lagos from July 14 saying the lines had failed to comply with a directive to provide holding bays for their empties, reports Colchester's Seatrade Maritime News.
Maersk Nigeria said it had fully complied. 'It is misguiding for NPA to suspend Maersk Nigeria for failing to acquire and operate holding bays for empty containers, as Maersk operates four holding bays within the Lagos environ with a storage capacity of 8,150 TEU,' reported the Nigeria Guardian.
Cosco Shipping stated that it had complied with all local regulations. 'We have always kept in close communication with local authorities. Contact with local authorities has confirmed that all of our vessels calling Nigerian ports are operating as scheduled,' the Chinese company said.
'Cocso Shipping Lines has encountered low terminal operation efficiency due to truck driver strikes. We are paying close attention to the progress of these strikes and will issue relevant notifications for any necessary updates,' said Cosco.
