China-Nigeria Trade Milestone: First Direct Cargo Ship Docks in Nigeria

The MV Great Cotonou, operated by the Grimaldi Group, has become the first direct vessel to sail from Shanghai to Lagos, cutting transit time to just 27 days by eliminating transshipment stops. With a capacity of 4,700 linear meters for rolling freight and 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), it consolidates multiple cargo types—containerized goods, vehicles, and project cargo—on a single voyage. This efficiency reduces handling costs and benefits Nigerian importers by streamlining supply chains. Terminal operator PTML lauds the service as a significant leap in maritime logistics, predicting new growth opportunities for both local businesses and the community. The arrival follows other successes, such as APM Terminals’ historic handling of the EA Centaurus – the largest container vessel ever docked at the Lagos Port Complex. Overall, the MV Great Cotonou’s direct route signals a transformative shift in Nigeria’s trade relations, fostering quicker, more cost-effective operations.

Source: Business Insider Africa