Bon Peters/
The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has recorded another milestone with the arrival of MSC Dorine V, the maiden vessel on the MSC Iroko Service to sail directly from China and the Far East.
The historic call marks a major shift in Nigeria’s shipping dynamics and further strengthens the eastern maritime corridor’s strategic relevance.
The Liberian-flagged MSC Dorine V, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), berthed at OMT in the early hours of Sunday, November 9. With a carrying capacity of 5,089 TEU, a deadweight tonnage of 68,383 tons, gross tonnage of 54,193 tons, and an overall length of 294 metres, the vessel ranks among the largest containerships to ever berth at an eastern Nigerian port.
OMT Managing Director, Nicolo Scannavini, described the direct Far East call as a “game-changing moment” for the terminal and for the regional economy. He said the development would reshape trade patterns, unlock new economic value, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
“This direct call cuts out several layers of delay that importers have traditionally faced,” Scannavini said. “It means shorter transit times, more predictable arrival windows, and significantly reduced freight costs for goods coming from China and the Far East.
“For agents, manufacturers and traders, this translates into a faster supply chain, more available cargo, and an expansion of commercial opportunities. When bigger vessels call directly, the entire ecosystem benefits because economies of scale kick in, and that stimulates jobs, competitiveness and growth.”
Scannavini highlighted multiple benefits for Nigerian businesses, including faster cargo delivery, reduced freight charges, elimination of transshipment delays, and improved supply-chain reliability.
He added that the development would boost Nigeria’s non-oil trade profile and make eastern ports more attractive to global carriers.
He urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to hasten the completion of dredging works within the Onne Port and its channel, noting that a second turning basin and deeper draft access were crucial to accommodating even larger vessels.
MSC’s Regional Manager and Business Head for South-South and South-East Nigeria, Oscar Aguocha, described the maiden call of MSC Dorine V as a clear demonstration of MSC’s long-term commitment to the Eastern Nigerian market, which he said had grown by 27 per cent year-on-year.
“With this direct service, consignees and agents can now receive their shipments from China and Eastern Asia in as little as 40 to 42 days,” Aguocha said. “We encourage businesses to take full advantage of this new corridor because it delivers speed, certainty and cost-efficiency in ways that were not possible before.”
Onne Multipurpose Terminal, operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), is one of Nigeria’s most strategically positioned logistics gateways, serving the offshore energy sector as well as import–export operations across the South-South and South-East.
In recent years, OMT has handled some of the largest gearless vessels in the region, upgraded its equipment, expanded its yard facilities, and deployed advanced cargo-handling technology to boost efficiency.
The terminal continues to play a pivotal role in repositioning Nigeria’s eastern ports through faster cargo evacuation, reduced pressure on Lagos ports, and the attraction of new international shipping services. With extensive investments in cranes, terminal operating systems, and workforce development, OMT has emerged as one of the country’s most modern and reliable multipurpose terminals.
0Related posts:
Customs CG Urges Agents to Embrace B’Odogwu as AREFFN Sensitizes Maritime Stakeholders in Rivers
Nigerian Importers Kick against Surcharge on Cargoes by International Shipping Firms
Pictures: Buhari Inaugurates New Airport Terminal
Apapa Gridlock: Importers Want Eastern Ports Open for Cargoes
China’s Death Toll from Corona Virus Rises to 259
Why Real-Time Data Matters to the Maritime Industry