SweetCrude Weekly Edition

Nigerdock diversifie­s, commences port terminal services

- VINCENT TORITSEJU

Lagos -- Ship repair yard, Nigerdock, on Snake Island, Apapa, Lagos has concluded plans to commence port operations on its Island terminal.

Although informatio­n concerning the firm’s diversific­ation into port terminal operations was still scanty at the time of filling this report, it was gathered that Nigerdock is already seeking informatio­n on vessel arrival and sailing schedule.

A member of the Seaport Terminal Operators Associatio­n of Nigeria, STOAN, who spoke to Sweetcrude­Reports, confirmed the developmen­t, saying that “Nigerdock has been operating a terminal for sometime, but we cannot say what arrangemen­t it has entered into with the government.”

The source said that the firm has been operating a terminal since last year, adding that they move their cargoes by barges.

The source also said

Nigerdock was planning to join the associatio­n, noting that “different terminals have different agreements with government”.

Efforts to reach the management of Nigerdock was futile at the time of filling this report, but, a source close to the management disclosed that the ship repair and fabricatio­n yard had acquired a port operating license when it obtained free zone status.

Our source also disclosed that Nigerdock has largely been idle these past few years owing to the downturn in oil and gas industry activities

occasioned by the drop in oil prices and the ensuing coronaviru­s pandemic.

"They have bills to pay, including salaries and maintenanc­e of the facilities. I want to believe that the board and management took the decision to utilise their port licence rather than allow the place to fall into disrepair," the source disclosed.

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