L-R: Director at Grimaldi Group, Salvatore Califano; Andrea Grimaldi of the Grimaldi Family; Master of the MV Great Cotonou, Capt. Graziano Facondini and the Managing Director, Ports and Terminal Multiservices Ltd (PTML), Ascanio Russo, aboard the MV Great Cotonou, the first container-roro vessel offering direct service from Shanghai to Lagos, during the ship’s maiden call at the PTML Terminal, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2025
Barely two weeks after an official of the multipurpose terminal operator, PTML Terminal, hinted that their company is awaiting the arrival of the first direct ship from Shanghai China to Lagos, on Tuesday, February 15, it came to pass as the first Container roll-on roll-off (RORO) vessel, MV Great Cotonou, berthed.
Business Hilights recalls that the marketing official of the shipping giant had disclosed during the International Customs Day (ICD) celebration on January 27, by PTML Customs Command that the terminal is ambitiously awaiting the landing of a ROR vessel direct from China.
In a statement, the terminal operator stated that the arrival of the vessel marks a significant advancement in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, reducing transit times and enhancing logistics efficiency.
It added that the vessel, MV Great Cotonou, which is owned by Grimaldi Group, will transform regional trade by offering the fastest transit time on this route, just 27 days.
According to the terminal, unlike other shipping services that require transhipment at intermediary ports, “This direct service ensures faster and more reliable delivery for Nigerian importers, eliminating delays and additional handling costs.”
The terminal added that with this innovative service, Nigerian businesses can now receive not only containerised cargo but also vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and project cargo, all on the same vessel.
“This unique multimodal transport solution presents a substantial logistical advantage, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall costs for importers,” the terminal added in a statement.
The Managing Director of PTML, Ascanio Russo, explained that the arrival of the vessel represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian importers.
He highlighted that the vessel will significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs while offering unmatched convenience by accommodating various types of cargo in a single shipment.
“We have the infrastructure, the expertise, the human capital and we will offer a great service to our importers and exporters. The arrival of this ship will definitely create many more opportunities for our terminal, workers, host community, and Nigeria as a whole,” Russo said.
Russo mentioned that the vessel is the largest container RORO ship coming to Africa.
He stressed that the terminal had upgraded its facilities to receive this type of vessel.
We have recently acquired a massive mobile harbour crane which cost more than $10m. Also, we had to upgrade our infrastructure, quayside with investment over $5m just to accommodate these ships,” Russo said.
Also speaking, a member of the Grimaldi family, Andrea Grimaldi said, “Our goal is to create a fast and efficient trade link between Shanghai and West Africa, particularly Lagos. The Great Cotonou offers a direct connection with a rapid 27-day transit. We are starting with Shanghai, but as demand grows, we plan to expand our coverage to other Chinese ports and beyond.”
He pointed out that with the groundbreaking development, Nigerian businesses and logistics operators now have access to a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective trade link with China.
“The direct Shanghai-to-Lagos route reinforces Lagos as a key hub in global maritime logistics, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading player in West African trade,” Grimaldi said.
Grimaldi said that as the terminal continues to expand its service services, the launch of this direct shipping route stands as a testament to its commitment to enhancing trade, “boosting economic growth, and providing world-class logistics solutions in Nigeria.”
He added that the terminal is well-equipped to handle this new service, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, easy port access, and a dedicated workforce to ensure seamless operations.
