Nigeria has officially welcomed its first direct container-RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) vessel from China, marking a milestone in international maritime trade.
The MV Great Cotonou, owned by global shipping giant Grimaldi Group, made its debut at PTML Terminal, offering a faster and more efficient shipping solution for Nigerian importers.
The service, launched on Monday, drastically reduces transit times to just 27 days. Unlike other services requiring transshipment at intermediary ports, this direct route promises reliable and timely delivery, eliminating delays and added costs.
“This service will significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs while offering unmatched convenience by accommodating various types of cargo in a single shipment,” said the managing director of Grimaldi PTML, Ascanio Russo in a statement.
Not only will Nigerian businesses benefit from faster containerised cargo shipments, but they will also be able to import vehicles—including cars, vans, trucks, and project cargo—on the same vessel. This multimodal transport solution strengthens supply chains, reducing costs for importers.
PTML Terminal, home to state-of-the-art facilities, is well-prepared to handle this new service. Recent infrastructure upgrades include a USD 10 million mobile-harbour crane and investments exceeding USD 5 million to accommodate larger vessels.
“We are excited about the new opportunities this service will create for our terminal, workers, host community, and Nigeria,” Russo added.
