Headlines
Maersk expands operations with acquisition of terminals in Croatia and Saudi Arabia
Shipping major A.P. Moller-Maersk is continuing to move forward with its business strategy designed to build the company’s logistics operations as part of the plan to expand as a full-service supplier to shippers.
Last week, through its APM Terminals operation, the company announced two further terminal projects focusing on expanding operations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
APM Terminals and Croatian company, ENNA, formalize a project for the design, construction, and operation of the new container terminal in the Croatian port of Rijeka that the companies said will serve as a new gateway to Central Europe able to handle the world’s largest containerships.
Earlier in the week, Maersk signed an agreement with the Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani for the development of a new integrated logistics park at the Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia.
“For APM Terminals, development of this new facility is in line with our newly launched strategy of “Safer, Better, Bigger”.
“We want to grow our business where it makes sense and where our customers need us, and this is clearly the case with Rijeka”, said APM Terminals CEO Morten Engelstoft.
Development of the container terminal operation in Rijeka began more than a decade ago with the support of the World Bank.
The first part of the deep-sea container port was dedicated in 2019. Under the agreement, the two companies will form a joint venture owned 51 percent by Maersk that will have a 50-year concession for the operation of the Rijeka Gateway.
The agreement calls for the development of the facility in two phases with the first portion expected to be operational in three and a half years.
The cranes, the largest currently available in the market, will give the Rijeka Gateway the capability of serving vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs.
Another important feature of the new terminal will be an expanded rail connection with the hinterland, linking Rijeka not only with the rest of Croatia but also with neighboring markets.
“Rijeka Gateway and the modernization of the railway infrastructure is Croatia’s largest national project that will connect the Port of Rijeka with continental Croatia and Central European countries, facilitating business opportunities and fast economic growth not only in logistics but in all services and all industries,” said Pavao Vujnovac, President of the Board, ENNA Group.
The agreement in Saudi Arabia is for a greenfield project that is the first of its kind in the Kingdom designed to create an infrastructure for warehousing and distribution, cold storage, e-commerce and serve as a hub for transshipments, petrochemical consolidation, air freight, and cargo.
The agreement anticipates an investment of over $136 million with a 25-year operating life.
They cited the strategic location on the Jeddah port along the Red Sea coast. It is the largest port in terms of volume and cargo handling in Saudi Arabia, handling over five million TEU including over two-and-a-half million TEUs transshipped through the Jeddah Islamic Port every year.
Maersk has expanded its operations to encompass 130 countries, including 75 terminals.
The company’s strategy is to continue to expand the portion of its operations in the coming years.
Headlines
NIMASA set to open Lokoja office to harness waterways resources
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has disclosed that the Agency is set to reopen the Lokoja office, as part of efforts towards harnessing the Blue Economy, enhancing collaboration, while also promoting Research and Development.
The DG, who made this known when he played host to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Mal. Usman Hayatu Mazadu at the head office of the Agency in Lagos, noted that investment in research would play a major role in ensuring the harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potentials.
“The key cardinal principle of opening the NIMASA Lokoja office is to improve on Research and Development.
He said, “Now, the Blue Economy has come to stay and very soon you will see the impact of what we have; in terms of the gains and benefits to grow our Gross Domestic Product while improving the well-being of our own Economy”.
Earlier in his remarks, Mallam Usman of KADSEMA lauded the Agency for the feat achieved so far, which cuts across the entire Nigeria.
Freight Monitor
Prince Nwokeabia rallies support for Comptroller Ukpanah, CAC Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi\command, as she assumes office
She took over from Comptroller AM Adegbite who was re-deployed to Edo/Delta Area Command.
Customs
Customs, UN agency collaborate to fight smuggling
“On behalf of the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service, I wish to inform you that we will partner with you in this campaign, and we will grant you all forms of support you may need to carry out this campaign — and I want to assign one of our amiable DCGs, Abba Kura, to work with you closely.”
He appreciated how they traveled from afar to inform the Nigeria Customs Service of their campaign against smuggling, which, according to him, the Nigeria Customs Service has already started yielding positive results in suppressing the menace of smuggling.
The CGC also welcomed Dr Raymond’s offer to engage officers and men of the Service in capacity—building to enhance their understanding of digital literacy skills, adding that the Service has already started embracing technology to advance its work by introducing related courses to officers.
The CGC appreciated the collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service and UN—Habitat and believes that the collaboration signifies a commitment to tackling smuggling and enhancing trade facilitation in the nation, setting the stage for a more prosperous future.
He also appreciated their pledge to train officers and men of the Service in digital literacy skills, assuring that the Service will continue to prioritize proficiency in the fight against smuggling through a technological approach.
He underscored the importance of digital skills, promising that the relevant Service department will enhance trade facilitation.
On his part, the Director of UN—Habitat, Dr. Raymond Edoh, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reposing the responsibility of heading the Nigeria Customs Service on the Acting Comptroller-General, describing him as “a competent Customs officer who knows the terrain and masters the job.”
According to him, they decided to visit the Ag. CGC at the Customs Headquarters to express their interest in partnering with the Service.
He appreciated the Service for being a “gatekeeper of the country” that protects citizens against border threats, stressing that his organization will collaborate with NCS to mitigate the smuggling of illicit goods and train officers and men of Customs on digital literacy skills and certification.
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and promote viable urban development and adequate shelter for all.
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