The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State has made history once again by successfully hosting the Kota Carum, the largest vessel to ever dock at the Onne Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT).

This landmark event, which took place recently, further reinforces OMT’s growing importance as a key hub for large-scale maritime trade in West Africa.

The Kota Carum, a mega container vessel flying the Singaporean flag, is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of Asia’s foremost shipping companies. Measuring an impressive 301.43 metres in length overall, the vessel arrived at the OMT jetty at 10:30 hours and was securely berthed by 10:50 hours, using berths 9 and 10.

With a capacity of 6,606 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), the Kota Carum is a major addition to the growing fleet of large vessels now calling at Onne Port.

During its 55-hour stay at port, the vessel will discharge 1,250 containers and load 1,619 containers, including export-bound cargo and empty containers.

At a reception to mark the vessel’s arrival, the Chief Operating Officer of OMT, Jim Stewart, called the event a milestone not only for the terminal but for Nigeria’s maritime industry as a whole.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the largest vessel to ever berth at Onne. Following the arrival of the Kota Cempaka last year, this achievement reflects our continued growth, our strategic investments in terminal infrastructure, and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” Stewart said.

Stewart pointed out that OMT’s ongoing modernisation efforts, which include the acquisition of state-of-the-art cranes, have significantly improved cargo-handling capacity and reduced vessel turnaround time.

He further noted the economic benefits of hosting such large vessels at Nigerian ports, explaining that direct calls from these massive ships eliminate the need for transshipment via smaller feeder vessels, reducing logistics costs and lowering freight tariffs for Nigerian importers and exporters.

“This is not just a win for OMT, it’s a win for the Nigerian economy. The ability to berth larger vessels means more direct cargo movement, reduced logistics costs, and increased revenue for the country.”  

“Freight forwarders also benefit significantly, as they avoid the extra costs associated with transshipment,” Stewart added.

Stewart also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its critical support in creating an environment conducive to OMT’s growth.

“We have an excellent working relationship with the Port Manager, Abdulrahmon Hussain, and the entire team at the Nigerian Ports Authority.”

“The leadership of the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been instrumental in our success. Allowing a vessel of this magnitude to berth at our terminal is a vote of confidence in our capabilities,” he said.

He appealed to the Federal Government for more funding for channel dredging at Onne Port to accommodate even larger vessels and further boost trade volumes.

“We are fully prepared to receive vessels from any shipping line. But for us to unlock the full potential of Onne Port, additional dredging is essential. We urge the Federal Government to support NPA with the necessary resources to deepen and widen the channels,” Stewart said.

The Chief Pilot of Onne Port, Yakubu Ezra, also spoke at the event, confirming NPA’s technical readiness to handle large vessels.

“At the Nigerian Ports Authority, we are fully equipped—both in training and technology—to safely pilot large vessels into our ports. The successful berthing of Kota Carum is evidence of our capacity and professionalism,” Ezra said.

The successful hosting of the Kota Carum marks a significant step forward for OMT, positioning Onne Port as a viable gateway for global trade routes.

As more shipping lines look to West Africa, OMT’s infrastructure, efficiency, and strategic location continue to draw increasing volumes of international maritime traffic.

Credit: NewsDirect