The maritime sector in West Africa is set to witness a historic event as the MV Great Lagos, the largest ship ever to visit the sub-region, arrives at the Port Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) in Nigeria on November 30, 2023.
The MV Great Lagos is a mega-ship owned by the Grimaldi Group, a leading Italian shipping company that has been serving the region for decades. The ship is part of the new G5-class of vessels, which are the evolution of the previous G4-class of multipurpose ro-ro ships. The G5-class ships are designed to transport a diverse range of cargo types, including bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargoes.
The MV Great Lagos has a length of 250 metres, a beam of 38 metres, and a deadweight of over 45,000 tonnes. It can carry 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 car equivalent units (CEUs), and 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology and features that enhance its energy efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. For instance, it has electronically controlled engines, exhaust gas purification systems, hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems, solar panels, and a propulsion system that optimises propulsive efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
The MV Great Lagos is the second of the 12 G5-class ships launched by the Grimaldi Group and named after Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos. The first ship, the MV Great Antwerp, was delivered in April 2023 and is currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea. The Grimaldi Group plans to deploy nine of the G5-class ships in the Mediterranean Sea and the remaining three in Northern Europe by its subsidiary Finnlines.
The arrival of the MV Great Lagos at PTML is a testament to the terminal’s advanced capabilities and its role as a leading multipurpose logistics hub in the region. PTML is Nigeria’s largest multipurpose roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal and has invested over $20 million to extend its berth, expand its storage areas, and acquire state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment. PTML’s strategic location at the Tin-Can Island Port Complex in Lagos, coupled with its advanced technology and infrastructure, makes it a pivotal gateway for trade in West Africa.
The maritime sector in West Africa has the potential to drive economic growth and transformation, but it faces several challenges, such as piracy, illegal fishing, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks. The visit of the MV Great Lagos is expected to boost the sector’s performance and competitiveness, as well as attract more investment and innovation. It will also showcase Nigeria’s capability to handle vessels of such magnitude, further positioning the country as a key player in the global shipping industry.
The MV Great Lagos is not just a routine port call; it is a milestone for the maritime sector in West Africa and a symbol of the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to the region. The ship will enhance the quality of maritime transport services offered by the Grimaldi Group between Northern Europe and West Africa, as well as create more opportunities for trade and development. The ship will also lead the way in eco-friendly maritime transport, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems.
Source: Business DayÂ
