Onne Port’s ‘Largest’ Vessel Kota Cempaka
The recent berthing of the ‘Kota Cempaka’ at Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has been hailed as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s eastern ports. While this development certainly warrants attention, we must approach the narrative with a critical eye and consider the broader implications for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Firstly, the repeated use of superlatives like “largest container ship ever” to describe the Kota Cempaka raises questions. While impressive for Onne, how does this 6,600 TEU vessel compare to global standards? Many major ports routinely handle ships two or three times this size. Are we celebrating mediocrity, or is this truly a game-changer for Nigerian ports?
The return of the Kota Cempaka within three months is indeed encouraging, suggesting improved efficiency and reliability at Onne. However, we must ask: Is this a sustainable trend or a one-off success story? The true test will be consistent handling of such vessels over time, not just isolated incidents.
OMT’s Chief Operating Officer, Jim Stewart, speaks of global trends towards larger vessels for economies of scale. While true, this raises concerns about Nigeria’s readiness. Are our ports, beyond Onne, equipped to handle this shift? Or are we risking further concentration of traffic at a few “super ports,” potentially marginalizing smaller facilities?
The narrative around boosting non-oil exports and increasing government revenue is compelling. Yet, we must scrutinize whether the infrastructure and policies are in place to truly capitalize on this opportunity. Improved port capacity alone doesn’t address issues like agricultural productivity, manufacturing competitiveness, or export bureaucracy that have long hampered Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
Stewart’s praise for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is noteworthy, but it also prompts questions about the broader state of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. If Onne can handle such vessels, why not other major ports? What investments are needed elsewhere to bring all of Nigeria’s ports up to international standards?
The mention of OMT’s plans for expansion and new equipment is positive. However, we must ask about the environmental impact of these developments, the source of funding, and whether these investments align with a coherent national port strategy.
Lastly, while the successful handling of the Kota Cempaka is commendable, we must not lose sight of persistent challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector – from port congestion and high costs to issues of transparency and corruption. Can the lessons from Onne’s success be applied more broadly to address these systemic issues?
In conclusion, while the berthing of the Kota Cempaka at Onne Port is undoubtedly a positive development, it should be seen as a starting point rather than an end goal. It highlights both the potential of Nigeria’s ports and the significant work still needed to fully realize that potential. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s also demand a comprehensive, sustainable strategy for Nigeria’s maritime sector that goes beyond headline-grabbing achievements to deliver real, lasting improvements in efficiency, capacity, and competitiveness.
Reference
Onne port berths ‘largest’ cargo vessel — second time in 3 months published in The Cable