The Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said the terminal has temporarily restricted the reception of additional empty containers until the existing stock is cleared by the shipping lines.
In a statement on Thursday, Knudsen stated this while responding to recent concerns surrounding the congestion of empty containers at its terminal, setting the record straight on the root causes of the situation and APMT’s efforts to resolve the issue promptly.
There have been insinuations suggesting that APMT Apapa is not receiving empty containers, allegedly contributing to yard congestion.
However, the terminal operator stated that managing empty container evacuation into the terminal and subsequent shipment onto vessels is the exclusive responsibility of shipping lines, which own and control all containers.
Speaking further, Knudsen explained that due to a sharp and sustained surge in imports recently, shipping lines have had to prioritise discharging incoming laden containers over evacuating empties.
He emphasised that this operational shift has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.
“As a result of this accumulation, APMT Apapa has had to temporarily restrict the reception of additional empty containers until the existing stock is cleared by the shipping lines,” Knudsen said.
According to him, the operational shift by shipping companies has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.
“We recognise the impact this may have on truck operators, consignees, and landside logistics, and we are actively engaging the shipping lines and relevant government authorities to expedite vessel evacuation of empty containers,” he said.
Knudsen emphasized that the development is not due to a failure in terminal operations but rather a systemic issue stemming from the imbalance in container traffic.
“Shipping lines play a key role in ensuring containers are loaded out as empties once they are returned. Unfortunately, the high volume of imports is tipping that balance. We are committed to doing everything within our operational capacity to support the clearing of this backlog,” he added.
He appealed to customers, truck operators, and other stakeholders to kindly bear with the temporary restrictions and delays in receiving empties while assuring them that every effort is being made to normalise the situation.
“APM Terminals Apapa remains steadfast in its commitment to professionalism, efficient service delivery, and partnership with stakeholders to ensure the Nigerian supply chain keeps moving,” he said.
