Tin Can emerges major Chinese vehicle transshipment hub

•5,489 units transshiped from Tin Can to Europe, others since July

PTML Nigeria, West Africa’s largest roll-on roll-off (RoRo) multipurpose port terminal, emerged as a key transshipment hub for Europe and Africa-bound, handling 5,489 brand new vehicles arriving from China.

PTML Nigeria received the Grimaldi vessel named Grande Houston at Tin Can Port in July 2024, and transshipped all the vehicles to ports across Europe and Africa.

The 5,489 vehicles were discharged in three days at PTML terminal and reloaded within a week onto various European and other African countries-bound vessels.

This is the first time a port in West Africa has handled such a large volume of new vehicles discharged by a single vessel for transshipment to other countries from PTML terminal.

The next Grimaldi vessel from China, MV Viking Queen, is expected to arrive at PTML terminal on September 25, followed by the MV Great Abidjan on October 20.

The Managing Director of PTML Nigeria, Ascanio Russo, highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting that the terminal’s selection as a transshipment hub for the Chinese car manufacturers and Grimaldi, reflects its top-tier infrastructure, operational excellence, security and the expertise of its staff.

Russo emphasised the decision to pick Lagos for the complex logistics operations is also a testament to the efforts of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in developing Lagos as a premier port hub, not only for containers but also for vehicles, trucks, plants and other rollable cargo.

He emphasised that the success positions PTML and Lagos port as premier logistics platforms for the global automotive industry is at par with established international port hubs in Asia and Europe.

Russo announced that the successful arrival of the Grande Houston has paved the way for Grimaldi to introduce a new direct RoRo service between China and Nigeria.

He said this dedicated RoRo service connecting China and Nigeria for the first time will provide a fast and efficient route for importing rollable cargo such as cars, vans, trucks and plants, with a transit time of less than 25 days between Shanghai and Lagos.

Russo said the introduction of this dedicated RoRo service between both countries represents a new era in maritime logistics for Nigeria’s automotive market, offering easier, safer, and more cost-effective access to Chinese vehicles, plants and equipment.

He said by facilitating more efficient trade routes and reducing shipping costs, the direct RoRo service from China is expected to contribute to reducing the cost of importation and stimulating economic growth in Nigeria.

He said the feat positions PTML and Lagos Port as pivotal players in the global automotive supply chain and enhances Nigeria’s role in international trade.