One of the subsidiaries of Sifax Group, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited has recorded a historic milestone with the arrival of the largest general cargo vessel, IPSARION in the country.
Maritime Buts checks revealed that IPSARION is the first ever vessel to be handled by the company at its terminal situated at Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos.
A statement issued by the conglomerate and signed by its Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Olumuyiwa Akande said the vessel is a Malta-flagged bulk carrier with a length overall of 199.99 meters.
Other attributes of the vessel include the fact that it has a gross tonnage of 36,560 and it arrived laden with bulk cargo and industrial equipment from Europe.
It was built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Cebu, Philippines and it is presently managed by Helikon Shipping Enterprises Limited and operated by Yake Bulk Limited.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, onboard the vessel were multiple units of construction equipment, steel rods, vehicles, chemicals, power generation machinery, and several other goods.
The statement quoted the Managing Director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, Mr. John Jenkins describing the vessel’s arrival as a strategic step aimed at maximising opportunities and resources at the terminal while also facilitating trade and growing the country’s economy.
“For a long period of time, our terminal has been servicing primarily container vessels, but a strategic business decision recently that bothers on opening up the space for more diverse business partnerships has tilted us towards welcoming general cargo vessels at our terminal.
“The general cargo business is not entirely new to us, as we have handled this at some point in time. So that means we have the expertise, equipment and other resources to adequately meet and exceed the expectations of general cargo vessels calling at our terminal. We are excited that IPSARION has called at our terminal and unloading operations are currently going on.
“Handling a vessel of this large scale showcases our preparedness for large-volume cargo operations. It validates the massive investment SIFAX Group has made in port infrastructure and human capacity over the years,” Jenkins said.
The conglomerate said the feat further reinforces its role in driving excellence in Nigeria’s maritime industry and contributing to national economic growth through seamless port operations.
