Apapa: SEREC Advises Terminal Operators, Shipping Coys on How to Resolve Logjam at Seaport
L-R: Akutah in a handshake with Mrs Adamu during the Retreat held in Lagos..
By Francis Ugwoke
A freight forwarding group under the name, Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC), weekend advised terminal operators and shipping companies on how to resolve the perennial issue of gridlock in Apapa port.
The group in a press statement came up with what it described as a workable solution to the current logjam between terminal operators and shipping lines in the country.
Secretary General of the group, Dr. Eugene Nweke, in the statement identified the logjam at APM Terminals , Apapa, and offered how this can be resolved to achieve the much desired efficiency in shipping activities.
Nweke was of the view that in the short term, there is the need to “ensure prompt discharge of incoming laden containers while collaborating with shipping lines to evacuate empty containers”.
He added that there is also the need to “ limit receiving empty containers until existing stock is cleared to prevent further congestion”
He equally advocated for .the provision of “regular updates to landside customers, truck operators, and stakeholders on backlog clearance progress”.
Part of his statement reads:
“Long-term Solutions:*
– Collaborate with shipping lines to increase evacuation rates by:
– Ensuring regular departures to clear empty containers.
– Installing and enhancing tracking systems to monitor empty container movement.
– Increasing storage capacity or improving handling equipment to manage container volumes efficiently.
– Strengthening partnerships across board to optimize container management and reduce congestion.
– Establishing a policy to regulate empty container management, preventing dumping and abandonment in Nigeria.
*Best Practices:*
– Adopt real-time tracking and management systems.
– Foster open communication with stakeholders to ensure transparency and coordination.
– Leverage automation and data analytics to improve terminal operations and optimize container handling.
– Consider replacing container deposit payments with insurance covers or collective funds managed by NSC (for shippers) and CRFFN (for shippers’ engaged freight forwarders).
*2. DELAY IN REFUND OF CONTAINER DEPOSIT ADMINISTRATION*
To tackle the menace of shipping lines collecting container deposits and failing to refund them promptly, SEREC offers the following additional advice:
– *Regulatory Framework:* Establish clear regulations and guidelines for shipping lines to follow regarding container deposit refunds, and impose penalties on shipping lines that fail to refund deposits promptly.
– *Industry Standards:* Develop industry-wide standards for deposit refund processes to ensure consistency and fairness, and consider implementing automated systems to facilitate prompt refunds.
– *Stakeholder Engagement:* Engage with shipping lines to understand their challenges and work together to find solutions, and involve shippers and freight forwarders in the development of deposit refund processes.
– *Transparency and Accountability:* Ensure clear communication with shippers and freight forwarders regarding deposit refund processes and timelines, and implement systems to track and monitor deposit refunds.
– *Alternative Deposit Schemes:* Consider alternative deposit schemes, such as insurance covers or collective funds managed by shippers and freight forwarders, to reduce the burden on shippers and freight forwarders.
“By implementing these solutions and best practices, SEREC believes that the relevant agencies and operators can reduce congestion, increase efficiency, and improve overall container management in the Nigeria shipping space”.
A freight forwarding group under the name, Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC), weekend advised terminal operators and shipping companies on how to resolve the perennial issue of gridlock in Apapa port.
The group in a press statement came up with what it described as a workable solution to the current logjam between terminal operators and shipping lines in the country.
Secretary General of the group, Dr. Eugene Nweke, in the statement identified the logjam at APM Terminals , Apapa, and offered how this can be resolved to achieve the much desired efficiency in shipping activities.
Nweke was of the view that in the short term, there is the need to “ensure prompt discharge of incoming laden containers while collaborating with shipping lines to evacuate empty containers”.
He added that there is also the need to “ limit receiving empty containers until existing stock is cleared to prevent further congestion”
He equally advocated for .the provision of “regular updates to landside customers, truck operators, and stakeholders on backlog clearance progress”.
Part of his statement reads:
“Long-term Solutions:*
– Collaborate with shipping lines to increase evacuation rates by:
– Ensuring regular departures to clear empty containers.
– Installing and enhancing tracking systems to monitor empty container movement.
– Increasing storage capacity or improving handling equipment to manage container volumes efficiently.
– Strengthening partnerships across board to optimize container management and reduce congestion.
– Establishing a policy to regulate empty container management, preventing dumping and abandonment in Nigeria.
*Best Practices:*
– Adopt real-time tracking and management systems.
– Foster open communication with stakeholders to ensure transparency and coordination.
– Leverage automation and data analytics to improve terminal operations and optimize container handling.
– Consider replacing container deposit payments with insurance covers or collective funds managed by NSC (for shippers) and CRFFN (for shippers’ engaged freight forwarders).
*2. DELAY IN REFUND OF CONTAINER DEPOSIT ADMINISTRATION*
To tackle the menace of shipping lines collecting container deposits and failing to refund them promptly, SEREC offers the following additional advice:
– *Regulatory Framework:* Establish clear regulations and guidelines for shipping lines to follow regarding container deposit refunds, and impose penalties on shipping lines that fail to refund deposits promptly.
– *Industry Standards:* Develop industry-wide standards for deposit refund processes to ensure consistency and fairness, and consider implementing automated systems to facilitate prompt refunds.
– *Stakeholder Engagement:* Engage with shipping lines to understand their challenges and work together to find solutions, and involve shippers and freight forwarders in the development of deposit refund processes.
– *Transparency and Accountability:* Ensure clear communication with shippers and freight forwarders regarding deposit refund processes and timelines, and implement systems to track and monitor deposit refunds.
– *Alternative Deposit Schemes:* Consider alternative deposit schemes, such as insurance covers or collective funds managed by shippers and freight forwarders, to reduce the burden on shippers and freight forwarders.
“By implementing these solutions and best practices, SEREC believes that the relevant agencies and operators can reduce congestion, increase efficiency, and improve overall container management in the Nigeria shipping space”.
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