The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has achieved a major milestone by receiving MSC Dorine V, the first vessel under MSC’s Iroko Service to sail directly from China and the Far East to Nigeria.
The Liberian-flagged ship, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), berthed at OMT on Sunday, November 9, with a capacity of 5,089 TEUs, making it one of the largest vessels ever to call at an eastern Nigerian port.
The OMT managing director Nicolo Scannavini described the arrival as a game changer, emphasizing that it will reduce transit times, lower freight costs, and enhance trade efficiency.
He added that direct calls from Asia would minimize transshipment delays and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil trade sector.
The MSC regional manager Oscar Aguocha noted that the service reflects MSC’s long-term commitment to eastern Nigeria, a market that has grown 27% year-on-year.
He added, “Shipments from China can now arrive in 40–42 days, providing speed, certainty, and cost efficiency.”
Operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), OMT continues to modernize its operations and attract global shipping lines, reinforcing the role of eastern ports in Nigeria’s maritime growth.
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