Ports & Cargo Doing Well On Barge Transfer – Olugbade

By Our Correspondent

Executive Director, Administration, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited (PCHS), operator of the Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, Captain Ibraheem Olugbade has debunked some news reports that the terminal isn’t efficient in its barge operations.

Many terminal operators have adopted barge as an alternative option for cargo

transfer in view of the deplorable access roads that have made transfer through

the road a nightmarish experience.

According to Olugbade, while reacting to the reports, Ports & Cargo terminal is

the number one in the handling of barges at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, going

by the volume of cargoes and the investment made in cargo handling equipment.

He said: “It is not right for the terminal to be accused of not doing well in barge

operations. The terminal does an average of 800 TEUs through the barge on a monthly basis while its dwelling time is just some days. We have invested in barges and some new equipment that guarantee improvement in our operations.

“Due to the reliable and efficient barge operations at our terminal, the empty and export containers of MSC from other terminals always find their way to Ports & Cargo terminal.

“The major challenge is that not much is happening in terms of cargo transfer

through the road. The roads are not accessible. The congestion is unbearable. All the adjoining roads and streets around the ports are blocked. Trucks stay for weeks just to access the terminals. Even those who load in the terminal find it difficult to exit. Ports and Cargo can’t be blamed for this.”

Further he said being a solution-driven business, the parent company of PCHS, SIFAX Group, invested billions of naira in a new bonded facility at Ijora, Lagos in order to decongest the ever-busy Lagos port complex.