Klaus Laursen, Country Manager, APMT receiving NSC brochure from Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary /CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council
New Country Manager Of APM Terminals Visit Shippers’ Council
The newly appointed Country Manager of APM terminals ( the biggest terminal in Nigeria.), Mr. Klaus Laursen has recently paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Shippers’ Council in Lagos.
Receiving him in his office, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council Barr. Hassan Bello commended APMT for its acquisition of new cargo handling equipment.
Hassan Bello who expressed concern about the congestion at the terminals hinted that current economic realities dictate that exports are priority and must be treated as such.
He however suggested that export cargo should not attract storage charges and should be accelerated through the terminals.
He also informed Laursen of the Council’s resolve to ensure that all terminals’ processes are fully automated and integrated with other port service providers’ and user’s before the year runs out.
The Council boss commended APMT’s collaboration with Nigerian Railway Corporation and barge operators in cargo delivery and evacuation.
While responding, Mr. Laursen disclosed that congestion at the terminal is due to freight forwarders not coming to clear their containers. This he said has contributed in no small way to the back up of ships on Nigeria’s territorial waters.
On a somewhat bright note, he said APMT has been able to reduce yard occupancy from 98% to 77%.
On automation, Laursen said APMT plans to optimize haulage at its terminal by implementing an electronic platform for truck management. “Discussions on this are ongoing with Nigerian Ports Authority” he said
From left: Ifeoma Ezedinma, Director, Regulatory Services, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary /CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Klaus Laursen, Country Manager, APMT and Emeka Ogbaje of APMT.
He added that the terminal issues, Terminal Delivery Orders online, payments, invoicing and a range of other services are also online so Freight forwarders don’t need to be physically present at their terminal.
As regard export cargo, he hinted that they need to have all their documentation including customs clearance before accessing the terminal.
He suggested that the Nigeria Railway Corporation advertise its services in order to increase patronage.
