WACT donates Hilux vehicle to truckers’ association in Onne
The management of West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne Port Complex, Rivers State, has donated a Hilux vehicle to the Flat and Cargo Trailer Drivers Association.
Aamir Mirza, managing director of WACT, who handed over the vehicle to the association on Thursday, said the gesture was aimed at facilitating the operations of truckers at the Onne Port.
“Earlier in January and February this year, we experienced increase in volumes and stakeholders like you supported us. You understood that some of the challenges we faced were genuine and this was in recognition of the support so that you can better manage traffic inside Onne Port,” he said.
So far, Mirza said, the company has acquired several modern cargo-handling equipment, including two new Mobile Harbour Cranes worth $10 million, three new reach stackers, two empty handlers and 14 new specialised terminal trucks to enhance discharge of ships and delivery of containers to their owners.
He said the huge investment has made WACT the most efficient container terminal outside Lagos and brought it at par with its peers in Apapa, and Tin Can Island Ports, in terms of operational efficiency.
“Our aim is to be the best container terminal not just in Nigeria, but in the whole of West Africa. We have grown our annual capacity to more than 300,000 TEUS and we solicit more support from you to continue to expand this capacity,” he said.
Speaking after receiving the keys and documents of the Hilux vehicle, Adolphus Ugwu, chairman of the association, commended WACT for the donation and for its investments aimed at enhancing operations at the Onne Port.
He pledged that Flat and Cargo would continue to support WACT to realise its aims and objectives by using the equipment to further port business.
WACT is one of the first Greenfield container terminals built in Nigeria under a public-private partnership. The terminal is capable of receiving large vessels with capacity of up to 4,500 TEUS.