The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State set a national record last week when it successfully received the Kota Carum, the largest container ship ever to berth in Nigeria. The event marks a significant boost for the country’s maritime sector and confirms Onne’s growing capacity to handle large-scale cargo operations.
Owned by Singapore-based Pacific International Lines (PIL), Kota Carum stretches 301.43 meters in length and has a carrying capacity of 6,606 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The vessel arrived at the terminal at 10:30 a.m. and was docked by 10:50 a.m. using berths 9 and 10. For its 55-hour stay, the ship is scheduled to unload 1,250 containers and load another 1,619, which includes export cargo and empty containers.
Jim Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at OMT, welcomed the vessel’s arrival as a defining moment for Nigeria’s port infrastructure. He credited the achievement to continuous investment in terminal upgrades, including the addition of advanced cargo-handling cranes. Stewart noted these improvements have already shortened vessel turnaround times and boosted overall efficiency.
He also highlighted the broader economic impact of accommodating vessels of this size. According to him, direct calls by larger ships eliminate the need for smaller feeder vessels, reducing both logistics costs and freight charges for Nigerian traders. This translates into faster, more affordable international trade for importers and exporters.
Stewart thanked the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its ongoing support, singling out the leadership of Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and Port Manager Mr. Abdulrahmon Hussain. He said their collaboration has helped position OMT as a reliable gateway for large cargo operations.
To build on this momentum, Stewart urged the Federal Government to invest more in dredging the Onne channel. He explained that deeper and wider access routes would enable the port to accommodate even bigger ships, further increasing trade capacity and revenue potential. According to him, OMT is ready to welcome vessels from any global shipping line, provided the infrastructure is in place.
The docking of Kota Carum signals not only a technical achievement for Onne Port but a turning point in Nigeria’s logistics landscape—one that could reduce shipping costs and unlock more opportunities for international trade.
