Lekki Port takes delivery of tugboats from NPA

The management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprises Ltd., promoters of Lekki Deep Sea Port, has confirmed the delivery of two 80-ton Bollard Pull tugboats from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Mr Laurence Smith, the Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Port, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Smith said the tugboats christened M.T MAIKOKO and M.T DA-OPUKORO would enhance efficient port services and reduce cargo turnaround time at the port.

According to him, the neoteric tugboats are the first of the 2813 Azimuth Stern Drive model to be available in Africa.

He said the tugboats with maneuverability of 360 degrees, would enhance the manoeuvring of large capacity vessels of 300 metres LOA and above.

This, he said, was essential to Lekki Port for the smooth berthing of large vessels by assisting their movement from the approach channel to the quay wall and also departure from the port.

Smith said the tugboats by the NPA was another crucial milestone for Lekki Port as a critical element of marine services.

He added that it would further position the port as the standard bearer for port operations in West Africa.

Smith, however, commended the NPA for demonstrating a steadfast commitment toward the success of the port as a shareholder and a regulator.

“The NPA has consistently shown commitment to the success of Lekki Port, and this commitment is further demonstrated by the investment in the state-of-the-art equipment.

“They also ensure efficient provision of marine services with regards to arrival/departure of vessels and technological systems that support the marine traffic process,” he said.

Lekki Port is a multipurpose deep-sea port in the Lagos Free Zone.

It is the most modern and deepest seaport in West Africa, offering critical support to burgeoning commercial operations in Lagos State, across Nigeria, and the entire West African region.

The port, which commenced commercial operations in April, operates in line with global standards and has world-class facilities.