Lekki Port has received the first vessel under the Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Ocean Network Express (ONE) alliance’s Mediterranean West Africa Service (MA2), adding another direct container service linking Nigeria with ports in Europe and West Africa.
The new service is expected to give Nigerian importers and exporters another direct shipping option to international markets while increasing vessel traffic at the port.
‘The inclusion of Lekki Port in the new Mediterranean West Africa Service reflects the increasing confidence that leading global shipping lines have in our capabilities and the value we offer as a modern deep-sea port,’ Wang Qiang, managing director of Lekki Port, said in a statement.
Qiang said the service would expand trade opportunities for customers and strengthen Nigeria’s connectivity to key overseas markets.
The addition of HMM and ONE comes as Lekki Port continues to attract more international carriers since commencing commercial operations, with operators seeking to increase direct calls to Nigeria and reduce reliance on transshipment through neighbouring ports.
The port said its deep draught allows it to accommodate larger container vessels, making it an attractive destination for shipping lines looking to expand services into West Africa.