PTML Terminal Welcomes MV Great Cotonou for Direct Shanghai to Lagos Shipping Service
PTML Terminal, a leading multifunctional terminal operator, has officially welcomed the arrival of the MV Great Cotonou, the first container roll-on roll-off vessel to provide direct services from Shanghai to Lagos. This development marks a significant milestone in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, promising reduced transit times and improved logistics efficiency.
The MV Great Cotonou, operated by the renowned Grimaldi Group, is set to revolutionize regional trade by offering the shortest passage time on this route, with a swift 27-day journey. Unlike traditional shipping services that require transhipment at intermediate ports, this direct service ensures faster and more reliable delivery for Nigerian importers, eliminating delays and additional handling costs.
One of the key advantages of this new shipping service is the ability to transport not only containerized cargo but also vehicles such as automobiles, vans, trucks, and project cargo on the same vessel. This multimodal transport solution streamlines supply chains, reduces overall costs for importers, and enhances logistical efficiency.
Ascanio Russo, Managing Director of PTML, expressed his excitement about the arrival of the MV Great Cotonou, highlighting the vessel’s potential to significantly reduce travel times and logistics costs for Nigerian importers. He emphasized the terminal’s commitment to providing top-notch service to customers and leveraging this new opportunity to benefit the local community and Nigeria as a whole.
Russo also highlighted the terminal’s recent infrastructure investments to accommodate such vessels, including the acquisition of a large mobile harbor crane and updates to the quayside. These enhancements demonstrate PTML’s commitment to providing world-class services and supporting efficient maritime operations.
Andrea Grimaldi, a key figure in the Grimaldi family, emphasized the goal of establishing a seamless commerce link between Shanghai and West Africa, particularly Lagos. The MV Great Cotonou’s direct connection offers a fast 27-day voyage, with plans to expand to other Chinese ports based on demand. This development opens up new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and logistics operators, enabling faster, more efficient, and cost-effective trade with China.
With the direct Shanghai-to-Lagos route, Lagos solidifies its position as a pivotal hub in global maritime logistics, bolstering Nigeria’s role as a key player in West African trade. The arrival of the MV Great Cotonou heralds a new era of enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the region.
