Collaboration with NPA has reduced cargo dwell time — APMT
The Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen has attributed the present reduction in cargo dwell time and ship turnaround at the port to the robust relationship that exists between the terminal operators and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Steen Knudsen however blamed the delay in the prompt release of containers on factors outside the seaports.
This is even as he calls for collaboration from all stakeholders in the logistics value chain to improve port operations.
Speaking when the Executive Secretary/ CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, and a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by the National President, Nwokeji Emenike, visited the terminal separately, Steen Knudsen, said many factors account for the delay in the release of consignments.
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“The terminal has improved on its processes through automation, as importers and their agents can now book their containers for examination and carry out other transactions online from the comfort RI WKHLU KRPHV RU RIÀFHV ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ WR visit the terminal.
´*OREDO WUDGH QHHGV HIÀFLHQW SRUW operations and integrated solutions. We started a new and exciting journey in Apapa three years ago where we deployed D VLJQLÀFDQW DPRXQW RI QHZ HTXLSPHQW We have also improved our facilities and trained all employees. This journey is our transformation to international standards.
´,W LV LPSRUWDQW WKDW ZH HPEUDFH WKH transformation and accept that it is a multiyear journey, which is closely linked to our values as a company and our primary objective to create value for the Nigerian economy. This transformation offers all of us exciting new challenges, which we can all learn and grow from,” he said.
He assured freight forwarders and OLFHQVHG &XVWRPV DJHQWV RI HIÀFLHQW VHUYLFH and timely delivery of their containers.
He said the terminal had made substantial investment in digital technology and cargo handling equipment to ensure prompt service delivery to its customers.
Expressing optimism that cargo delivery to consignees would be faster with the deployment of more scanners to the port, Knudsen added that APM Terminals was in talks with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to invest in more scanners.
He also charged truck drivers to comply with the rules of engagement of the eto electronic call-up system created by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
“Truck drivers who by-pass the electronic truck appointment system create problems on the road and in the port, thereby KDPSHULQJ HIÀFLHQW FDUJR GHOLYHU\ µ KH VDLG
Encouraging investment in port operations, the NSC Executive Secretary, %DUU $NXWDK 3LXV 8NH\LPD UHDIÀUPHG &RXQFLO·V FRPPLWPHQW WR SRUW HIÀFLHQF\ He also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving port infrastructure.
The ANLCA National President, Nwokeji Emenike, said his association will continue to engage with terminal operators to