No doubt, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Rivers State has recorded another strategic history, this time not by making massive seizures of illicit products or arms, but successfully hosting the Kota Carum—the largest vessel ever to berth at the Onne Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT).
The milestone event occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, further underscoring OMT’s growing prominence as a hub for large-scale maritime trade in West Africa.
Flying the Singaporean flag, the Kota Carum is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of Asia’s leading shipping companies.
The mega container vessel, measuring an impressive 301.43 metres in length overall, arrived at the OMT jetty at 10:30 hours and was safely berthed by 10:50 hours, utilizing berths 9 and 10.
Boasting a capacity of 6,606 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), Kota Carum is a major addition to the line of large vessels now calling Onne Port. During its 55-hour port stay, the vessel will discharge 1,250 containers and load 1,619 containers—including export-bound cargo and empty containers.
Officials of Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in front of MV Kota Carum — the largest vessel ever to call at Onne Port – berthing at the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), Onne, Rivers State, recently.
Speaking at a reception to welcome the vessel, Chief Operating Officer of OMT, Jim Stewart, described the call as a landmark event not only for the terminal but for Nigeria’s maritime industry at large.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the largest vessel to ever berth at Onne. Following the arrival of the Kota Cempaka last year, this achievement reflects our continued growth, our strategic investments in terminal infrastructure, and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” Stewart stated.
Stewart emphasized that OMT’s ongoing modernization efforts, including the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art cranes, have significantly enhanced cargo-handling capabilities and reduced vessel turnaround time.
He further noted the economic advantages of hosting such large vessels at Nigerian ports, explaining that direct calls by larger ships eliminate the need for transshipment via smaller feeder vessels—cutting down logistics costs and reducing freight tariffs for Nigerian importers and exporters.
