APM Terminals Apapa, the largest box terminal in Nigeria, is focusing on investing in its facilities, renovating its buildings, upgrading in-gate and out-gate facilities and terminal fencing and lighting, according to the terminal manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen.
APM Terminals Apapa also recently launched massive digitisation of its operations and services through the deployment of a 4G LTE wireless network, and a new Operation Command Centre to enhance quality service delivery.
Wireless connectivity supports APM Terminals’ global initiatives such as the standardisation of Terminal Operating Systems, reporting and support; Asset Digitalisation; and GPS based Position Detection Systems used for auto-locating containers in a yard.
APM Terminals has invested approximately US$438 million in the enhancement of Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, since the global terminal operator won the concession of the facility back in 2006.
The investment aims at the upgrade of the facility, acquisition of modern cargo handling equipment and support of seamless service.
The terminal manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen said the terminal is in a process of a major transformation to deliver”greater, sustainable benefits to the Nigerian economy and society.”
Knudsen commented, “We have invested around US$438 million purely in the handling equipment we have in the terminal. We have acquired mobile harbour cranes, rubber tyred gantry cranes, reach stackers, forklifts, terminal trucks, empty handlers and invested in yard improvements.”
He went on to add, “Of equal importance is the ongoing investment in the development of our workforce, ensuring that we continuously develop our staff. This covers trainings, career progression and, of course, expanding the business and creating new jobs.”
Other investments at the terminal are aimed at simplifying and enhancing trade, as the terminal is adopting global best practices for digitalised products, such as advanced online container tracking and monitoring, container email notifications and online billing and payments, in order to ensure that importers and exporters enjoy a seamless service from the terminal.
“We remain committed to deepening our investment in Apapa to enable us handle increasing volumes at the port. Our investments will create capacity to handle growth in the economy to support the Federal Government’s efforts on trade growth and improve service delivery across the logistics chain,” concluded Knudsen.
