The Calabar Port experienced its highest volume of operations in the last decade on Sunday, April 2nd, as it received five vessels carrying diverse cargoes and petroleum products. This was revealed by Festus Olumati, the Ports Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Calabar Port.
According to Mr. Olumati, “MV Desert Unity” arrived at the Port carrying 16,000 metric tons of wheat, and “MV Medi Bangkok” arrived with 18,251 metric tons of general cargo, which included cars, trucks, and project pipes. In addition, Mr. Olumati mentioned that the remaining two vessels at the Port were carrying premium motor spirit, and some others were waiting at the Calabar Fairway Bouy, prepared to berth for unloading.
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Olumati noted, “For the past 10 years, we have never had it like this where over five vessels will be berthing and discharging back-to-back at the Calabar Port.
“Today is Sunday, but there is tremendous activities going on in the port. As you can see, Calabar Port is very viable and working at optimal capacity.”
He noted the input of the MD of the NPA and appreciated him for providing all the requirements to work.
“In line with the mandate given to us by our able Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, that the Eastern Port must work, I had to swing into action to make it a reality. Also, in line with the mandate of the MD, I went out of the box to hunt for cargoes to come into Calabar. The high traffic we see here today at the port is as a result of the mandate given to us by our MD.
“Special thanks to the MD of NPA for giving us all the requirements to work and achieve results. All our submissions to him for the Eastern Port to work have been approved. For these vessels to come here, we had to ask for concessional rate from the MD of NPA for those who bring in cargos and he gave the approval,” Olumati added.
During his address to both the general public and maritime operators, he expressed that the Calabar Port is a feasible, easily noticeable, and highly dependable option to consider, in addition to having modern equipment for cargo offloading.
“As you can see, our workers are effective and efficient and everything is done perfectly. The commitment of staff of NPA and the Eco Marine Terminal workers is quite commendable,” he added.
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Regarding security measures, he stated that a group of marine police officers had been dispatched to the Port to guarantee optimal security measures in collaboration with the NPA police command and Port security personnel.
