SIFAX Group, a multinational corporation with diverse interests in maritime, aviation, haulage & logistics, oil & gas and hospitality, on Friday launched its one-stop-shop vehicle importation service.

The service kicked off with the formal reception of the first vessel, ‘MV Glovis Supreme’, at the Ports & Cargo Handling Services Ltd. Terminal, Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos.

The Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Mr John Jenkins, said at the ceremony, that the service was aimed at transforming the Roll on/Roll Off industry in Lagos into a model in Africa

Jenkins said that the vehicle importation service was a joint-venture partnership involving SIFAX Group, a foremost international shipping agent, Auto Export Shipping and Hyundai Glovis, the logistics arm of Hyundai KIA Automotive Group.

He said that the RORO service was part of the business expansion strategy of the company, adding that its experience in handling such service in times past coupled with its customer-focused philosophy had positioned SIFAX Group well to make a success of the service.

He said, “SIFAX Group has a policy of exploring various opportunities to deepen our impact in the country’s economy.

“This partnership is designed to bring innovation, excellent service and unparalleled customer satisfaction to the RORO business in the country.

“Expansion of our service base is one of the key elements of SIFAX Group business strategy for 2016.

“The service will be a one-stop shop one which will include port terminal services, stevedoring, ship agency and off-dock services.”

Alhaji Mohammed Bulangu, the Acting Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Ltd., said that the terminal, a multi-purpose one, under the terms of the concession agreement could handle general cargoes, containers and RORO vessels.

He said, “Over the years, we have come to do more of containerised cargoes, even though this is a multi-purpose terminal.

“However, the reality of the current economic situation; the need to increase revenue base and business volume; employ more staff; and deliver array of top-notch services; among others, have compelled us to resume our RORO services.”

He said that the terminal has all the required facilities, equipment and manpower to meet and satisfy all expectations.

He said that the new RORO service would connect five ports in the U.S. to Nigeria with a direct link of approximately 19 days transit time.

Bulangu further said that the route would connect Galveston, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Newmark, Boston, all in the U.S. to Lagos’ Tin Can Island”.

“Each vessel that will berth at Ports and Cargo Terminal will import over 1,000 second hand cars and trucks,’’ he said.

The maiden vessel, MV Glovis Supreme, came with 1,448 cars/vans and 88 trucks, making a total of 1,536 vehicles on her maiden voyage to Ports and Cargo Terminal.

 

Source: NAN

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