The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) located in Onne Port has acquired two Mobile Harbor Cranes from Swiss equipment maker Liebherr to support its growing business in the Eastern Nigerian market.
Upon delivery, the two Liebherr LHM 550 Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHCs) will be deployed in July. The acquisition of cranes is part of WACT’s plan to improve and expand its infrastructure.
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Besides boosting the efficiency and cargo handling operation of the terminal, the cranes will improve service delivery and reduce vessel wait time.
The latest acquisition is in addition to an investment of around $2.5m already made this year for ten purpose-built terminal trucks, three reach stackers and an empty container handler.
WACT commercial manager Noah Sheriff said: “We have handled over 100% more cargo compared to what was advised by our shipping line customers. In 2018, for example, we saw volumes grow by 21% compared to the previous year.”
“This increase was considerably more than what we had planned for. To maintain high service delivery levels, we are taking concrete steps to ensure our strong market position is maintained.”
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By GlobalDataUnder a public, private partnership with the Nigerian Government, WACT was one of the first greenfield terminals to be built in Nigeria in 2003. It is planning to undergo an overall terminal infrastructure upgrade in 2020.
WACT caters to the need of the Greater Port Harcourt area and Eastern Nigeria, including the Nigeria Oil Industry.
WACT managing director Aamir Mirza said: “We have been working tirelessly to provide superior service to our shipping line and landside customers. This latest investment in mobile harbour cranes will help us achieve our objectives and reach our goals.
“Growth in volume over the last two years has highlighted various infrastructure challenges and we are working with key stakeholders to address them. This is expected to bring a lot more opportunities to us and our customers and grow our businesses.”
