Port Efficiency: APM Terminals Completes Apapa Port Quay Apron Repair

APM Terminals Apapa in collaboration with NPA has successfully completed its quay apron area repair project — a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at improving operational safety, sustainability, and efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest container terminal.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP on Sunday, the Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, said the project was said to have been delivered within the stipulated timeline through the deployment of appropriate equipment and a dedicated workforce.

Knudsen said, “The quay apron, one of the most operationally sensitive and high-risk zones within the terminal, posed substantial challenges. Executing extensive repairs in this area without disrupting daily terminal operations required precision planning and exceptional coordination.

Despite these constraints, the project was completed seamlessly, with zero safety or security incidents—a testament to the professionalism and commitment of all parties involved.

“In total, the project achieved the successful rehabilitation of 970 meters of quay surface, completed through 12,640 man-hours executed safely and efficiently. This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration between APM Terminals Apapa, the Nigerian Ports Authority Engineering team, and all stakeholders who contributed to this vital infrastructure milestone.”

Acknowledging the vigilant supervision of the NPA Engineering Department in achieving significant progress ahead of schedule, Steen extended special recognition to the team.

He said, “In particular, we commend the unwavering leadership and oversight provided by the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Engr. Abba Umar; and General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Mukhtar U. Isa, for his tireless on-site inspections and persistent coordination throughout the project.”

Knudsen also recognised Assistant General Manager, Port Engineering, Engr. Sadiq Lamuwa; Project Manager, Engr. E.S. Itodo, and the entire Project Management Team, whose dedication ensured that the highest engineering and safety standards were upheld from start to finish.

Since 2006, APM Terminals Apapa has invested $438 million in upgrading its facility, purchasing new equipment and developing manpower. Early 2025, the terminal had reiterated its commitment to invest in expanding its areas of operations in the country and said it was working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to invest an additional $10 million in the acquisition and deployment of modern cargo scanners at Apapa Port, a move which would significantly boost trade facilitation and reduce cargo dwell time at the port.