The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has disclosed that Rivers Port would receive its first ever Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) vessel from the United States in April owing to the ongoing reforms by the present management.
According to a statement on Sunday, the historic vessel is scheduled to depart the United States in the middle of March and arrive Port Harcourt at the end of March or early April 2020.
Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) vessels are usually loaded with automobiles.
The statement noted that the achievement is traceable to the intentional commitment and landmark reforms the current management has instituted toward ensuring that all ports in Nigeria are optimally functional.
In addition to the good news from Port Harcourt, the Onne Port also recently received its first direct call from the far east when MV Kyparissia berth with 2,000 TEUs.
It added that :”Some of the deliberate steps taken by the present Management include the introduction of ten percent (10%) discount on harbour dues on some categories of cargoes berthing at the Eastern Ports, the dredging of the Escravos Channel in Warri.
“Others are deployment of equipment & machinery to improve operational efficiency, constant engagement with stakeholders towards achieving industrial harmony and peaceful co-existence, conversations with shippng companies which saw the deployment of flat bottom vessels to Calabar. The Authority said it has also enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Navy , NIMASA and the Port Police Command to combat crimes on the nation’s waterways as well as engaging with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure the rehabilitation of access roads to and from ports in the region.