MV Great Cotonou Cuts China-Nigeria Shipping Time to 27 Days, Boosting Trade Efficiency
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Lagos, Feb. 15, 2025 (Naija247news) – The MV Great Cotonou, the first container-roll-on/roll-off (Con-Ro) vessel offering direct shipping service from Shanghai to Lagos, has berthed at the PTML Terminal, significantly reducing shipping time to just 27 days and eliminating the need for transshipment at intermediary ports.
Operated by the Grimaldi Group, the new route provides Nigerian traders with containerized cargo, vehicles, and project cargo on a single vessel, enhancing supply chain efficiency. The G5-class vessel is 250 meters long, with a beam of 38 meters and a deadweight of 45,864 tonnes. It has the capacity to transport 4,700 linear meters of rolling freight, 2,500 Car Equivalent Units (CEU), and 2,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU), making it the largest container-roro ship operating in Africa.
New Route Lowers Costs and Improves Supply Chains
According to Ascanio Russo, Managing Director of PTML, the vessel’s arrival marks a major milestone in West Africa’s maritime trade.
“This is the largest container-roro ship coming to Africa, and it will enhance trade efficiency, reduce transit time, and lower costs for Nigerian importers and exporters,” Russo stated.
The direct service eliminates the complexities of indirect shipping routes, reducing overall logistics costs.
“Because it’s direct shipping, lead times are shorter, and the cost of transactions is lower. Avoiding extended movements saves time and money,” said Obiora Madu, Director General of the African Centre for Supply Chain.
A 10-day reduction in shipping time is expected to significantly reduce the cost of doing business, with potential benefits for consumers through lower prices of goods and services.
Strengthening Nigeria-China Trade Relations
Nigeria and China have long-standing trade relations, with bilateral trade growing exponentially since 2000. However, Nigeria has struggled with a trade deficit, losing over $15.49 billion in net exports to China in 2023, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).
Experts believe that the direct shipping route could help bridge this gap by facilitating return shipments from Nigeria to China, thereby boosting Nigeria’s export potential.
“Nigeria’s trade with China heavily favors China, but if we can negotiate bilateral movements through this same route, the situation may improve,” Madu added.
Infrastructure Investments and Future Expansion
To accommodate the new shipping route, Grimaldi Group has invested over $15 million in upgrading port infrastructure, including acquiring a mobile harbor crane. The PTML Terminal, known for its easy port access and skilled workforce, is expected to serve as a transshipment hub for cargo destined for West Africa and Brazil.
“We have the infrastructure, the expertise, and the human capital to offer great service to our importers and exporters,” Russo said.
The success of this China-Lagos route is expected to pave the way for future expansions, with plans to add more Chinese ports to the network as demand grows.
The MV Great Cotonou’s arrival represents a turning point for Nigeria’s maritime industry, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, reducing trade costs, and enhancing economic growth.
