14 Ships Loaded With Petrol, Diesel, Fresh Fish Arrive Lagos Ports – NPA
Maritime authorities have confirmed that 14 vessels remain anchored off Lagos ports, awaiting berthing slots to discharge a mix of imported consignments, according to information obtained by PulseNets.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Shipping Position bulletin released on Friday shows the lineup of ships across the nation’s busiest maritime hubs, including Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port and Lekki Deep Sea Port.
PulseNets learnt that the bulk of these vessels — 11 ships — are allocated to discharge non-petroleum cargo. These consignments include general cargo, containerised goods, bulk salt, empty containers, bulk wheat, bulk urea and fresh fish, reflecting diverse demand across Nigeria’s supply chain.
The remaining three ships are oil tankers, slated to berth with petroleum products, including petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), and crude oil, underscoring the continued reliance on maritime imports to sustain energy requirements.
Officials who spoke to PulseNets said the current vessel positions are consistent with recent patterns of heightened maritime activity, with inbound ships transporting essential commodities and energy products. This surge follows previous reports that dozens of vessels laden with fuel and food items were expected at Lagos ports in early January, indicating sustained import throughput.
Analysts told PulseNets that port congestion remains a key challenge for stakeholders, with extended waiting times for berths persisting despite ongoing efforts by terminal operators and the NPA to streamline operations. Industry reports suggest that ships awaiting berth figures remain elevated this quarter, amid broader discussions on cargo handling efficiency.
The NPA reported that all available berthing slots are being coordinated with shipping lines and terminal operators to minimise delays, even as the Lekki Deep Sea Port continues to expand its operational footprint to absorb increased container and bulk cargo traffic.
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Port users, importers and logistics stakeholders told PulseNets that the arrival of vessels carrying essential commodities such as wheat and fresh fish is critical for stabilising prices and supporting food supply chains nationwide. They also highlighted the strategic importance of ensuring timely berthing to reduce demurrage costs and supply chain disruption.
As of the latest shipping position update, the NPA is expected to publish revised berthing plans in its next bulletin to reflect changes in vessel movements and cargo discharge progress.
