Shippers’ Council commends APM Terminals, Railways collaboration for efficient cargo delivery
The Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council Mr. Hassan Bello has commended APMT’s collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and barge operators in cargo delivery and evacuation.
Bello gave the commendation while receiving Mr. Klaus Laursen, the newly-appointed Country Manager of APM terminals in his office in Lagos.
The Shippers’ Council boss also commended APMT for acquiring new cargo handling equipment, but expressed concern about the congestion at the terminals.
He told Laursen that current economic realities dictate that exports are priority and must be treated as such.
Bello suggested that export cargo should not attract storage charges and should be accelerated through the terminals.
He also informed the APMT Country Manager of Council’s resolve to ensure that all terminals’ processes are fully automated and integrated with other port service providers’ and users before the year runs out.
Responding, Laursen said congestion at the terminal was due largely to freightforwarders not coming to clear their containers.
He said that had contributed in no small way to the back up of ships on Nigeria’s territorial waters.
On a bright note, he said APMT had been able to reduce yard occupancy from 98% to 77%.
On automation, Mr. Laursen said APMT plans to optimize haulage at its terminal by implementing an electronic platform for truck management. Discussions on this are ongoing with Nigerian Ports Authority.
He added that the terminal issues, Terminal Delivery Orders online, payments, invoicing and a range of other services are online so Freight forwarders do not need to be physically present at their terminal.
Regarding export cargo, Laursen said Freight forwarders need to have all their documentation including customs clearance before accessing the terminal.
He suggested that the Nigeria Railway Corporation advertise its services in order to increase patronage.
