Lekki port welcomes CMA CGM SCANDOLA in major step forward for sustainable shipping in Nigeria

Business a.m

The CMA CGM Group has announced the arrival of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA at the Lekki Freeport Terminal in Nigeria, marking the group’s first call to a Nigerian port by an LNG-powered container ship. The 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) container ship is one of the largest vessels to call at a West African port.

With the deployment of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA, CMA CGM has shown its commitment to supporting the supply chains of Nigeria and West Africa by providing state-of-the-art vessels and infrastructure. The CMA CGM SCANDOLA sails on the company’s West Africa Express (WAX) service, which connects West African ports such as Tema, Lekki, Abidjan, and Pointe-Noire with major markets such as China, South-East Asia, and India. 

In addition to the deployment of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA, the WAX service is also being strengthened by the addition of high-capacity vessels and calls at new ports. The service now calls at Tema, Ghana, and Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo, as well as the new Lekki Freeport Terminal.

Through its subsidiary, CMA Terminals, the CMA CGM Group manages and operates the Lekki Freeport Terminal. The terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, including gantry cranes, making it one of the largest and most advanced in the region. With its world-class facilities, the Lekki Freeport Terminal is becoming a gateway for trade and investment in Nigeria and beyond. It is positioned to play a key role in driving the growth of the Nigerian economy 

The Lekki Freeport Terminal’s 1.2-kilometer-long quay has a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), with the first phase of the terminal offering 1.2 million TEUs. The terminal is equipped with 5 Ship-to-Shore Cranes and has a depth of 16 metres, allowing it to handle vessels with up to 15,000 TEU capacity. The terminal’s location makes it a strategic transshipment hub, especially for neighbouring countries such as Togo and Benin in the Gulf of Guinea.

CMA CGM Group has a longstanding presence in Nigeria, with offices in Lagos, Lekki, Onne, and Kano, as well as a workforce of over 90 employees. The group currently offers six mainline services calling at the Lekki Freeport Terminal, as well as the ports of Onne, Apapa, and Tincan, connecting the country to major global destinations. 

Nigeria is a key market for the CMA CGM Group, given its position as the largest economy and population in Africa and the most important consumer market in West Africa. The Group is committed to supporting Nigerian exporters by offering reliable and cost-effective maritime and logistics solutions. This includes providing ship consignment and transport services for commodities such as cocoa, cashew nuts, cotton, rubber, and fruits like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.

Stéphane Courquin, head of CMA CGM Africa said the deployment of the new generation vessel on its WAX service from Asia to West Africa and from West Africa to Asia marks a new stage in the partnership with its customers, local authorities and partners. 

“We are determined to continue to support the immense potential of African logistics, paving the way for a dynamic and growing economy and proud to initiate the energy transition,” he added.