THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
has forbidden Maersk and Cosco to operate, alleging that the chaotic
congestion at Lagos is caused by carriers' refusal to comply with an NPA
directive to open off-dock yards for empties, and not by the intermittent truck
strikes, the shipping lines say are responsible.
Yet the situation is unclear, as
there are reports that NPA has rescinded its Maersk-Cosco ban, or that
officials on the ground are not enforcing it as protests rise from all quarters
as congestion mounts, reports the Nigeria Guardian.
The NPA had suspended local
operations of Maersk, Cosco Shipping, APS and Lansal at the Port
of Lagos from July 14 saying the lines had failed to comply with a
directive to provide holding bays for their empties, reports Colchester's
Seatrade Maritime News.
Maersk Nigeria said
it had fully complied. "It is misguiding for NPA to suspend Maersk Nigeria
for failing to acquire and operate holding bays for empty containers, as Maersk
operates four holding bays within the Lagos environ with a storage capacity of
8,150 TEU," reported the Nigeria Guardian.
Cosco Shipping stated that it had
complied with all local regulations. "We have always kept in close
communication with local authorities. Contact with local authorities has
confirmed that all of our vessels calling Nigerian ports are operating as
scheduled," the Chinese company said.
"Cocso Shipping Lines has
encountered low terminal operation efficiency due to truck driver strikes. We
are paying close attention to the progress of these strikes and will issue
relevant notifications for any necessary updates," said Cosco.
Source : HKSG.
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