Nigeria Receives First Direct Container-RoRo Vessel From China

The Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Terminal, made history with the arrival of the MV Great Cotonou, the first Con-Ro (Container-Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel offering a direct service from Shanghai to Lagos.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, reducing transit times and enhancing logistics efficiency.

Owned by global shipping giant, Grimaldi Group, which also operates PTML Terminal, the MV Great Cotonou is set to transform regional trade by offering the fastest transit time on this route—just 27 days. Unlike other shipping services that require transshipment at intermediary ports, this direct service ensures faster and more reliable delivery for Nigerian importers, eliminating delays and additional handling costs.

With this innovative service, Nigerian businesses can now receive not only containerised cargo but also vehicles—including cars, vans, trucks, and project cargo—all on the same vessel. This unique multimodal transport solution presents a substantial logistical advantage, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall costs for importers.

PTML Terminal is well-equipped to handle this new service, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, easy port access, and a dedicated workforce to ensure seamless operations. The terminal’s highly efficient cargo-handling capabilities will further enhance the benefits of this direct shipping route.

The vessel’s arrival was commemorated with a high-profile welcoming event attended by key figures in the maritime industry.

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Among those present were Andrea Grimaldi, representing the Grimaldi family, alongside Giampaolo Vitale, line manager, and Salvatore Califano, Director of Grimaldi.

PTML’s managing director, Ascanio Russo, also attended the event, emphasising the significance of this milestone.

Speaking at the event, Russo stated: “The arrival of the Great Cotonou at PTML represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian importers. This service will significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs while offering unmatched convenience by accommodating various types of cargo in a single shipment.”

“We have the infrastructure, the expertise, the human capital and we will offer a great service to our importers and exporters. The arrival of this ship and this new service will definitely create many more opportunities for our terminal, workers, host community and Nigeria as a whole.

“This is the largest container-roro ship coming to Africa and we have upgraded our facilities to receive this kind of ship. We have recently acquired a massive mobile-harbor crane which cost more than USD10 million. Also, we had to upgrade our infrastructure, quay side with investment in excess of USD5 million just to accommodate these ships,” Russo said.

Also speaking, Andrea Grimaldi said,: “Our goal is to create a fast and efficient trade link between Shanghai and West Africa, particularly Lagos. The Great Cotonou offers a direct connection with a rapid 27-day transit. We are starting with Shanghai, but as demand grows, we plan to expand our coverage to other Chinese ports and beyond.”