The first direct vessel from China and the Far East, carrying 5,089 TEUs, has berthed at Onne Multipurpose Terminal in Rivers State. This service promises shorter transit times and reduced freight costs for eastern Nigerian importers. Terminal operators highlight its role in boosting the region's maritime corridor.
On November 9, 2025, the Liberian-flagged Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Dorine V berthed at the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) in Onne Port, Rivers State. This vessel, with a capacity of 5,089 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), sailed directly from China and the Far East, marking a significant development for Nigeria's eastern maritime sector.
OMT's Managing Director, Nicolo Scannavini, described the ship as one of the largest to call at an eastern Nigerian port, with a deadweight tonnage of 68,383 tonnes, gross tonnage of 54,193 tonnes, and an overall length of 294 metres. He noted that the direct call eliminates traditional delays from transshipment, leading to shorter transit times, more predictable arrivals, and lower freight costs for goods from China and the Far East.
"When bigger vessels call directly, the entire ecosystem benefits because economies of scale kick in, and that stimulates jobs, competitiveness and growth," Scannavini said. He added that this translates into faster supply chains, increased cargo availability, and expanded commercial opportunities for agents, manufacturers, and traders.
The service also enhances reliability for businesses by allowing direct discharge of cargo, reducing shipping times, and lowering charges. Scannavini expects it to strengthen Nigeria's non-oil trade and attract more global carriers to eastern ports. He urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to expedite dredging works, create a second turning basin, and deepen the channel to accommodate even larger vessels.
MSC's Regional Manager for South-South and South-East Nigeria, Oscar Aguocha, emphasized the company's commitment to the market, which has grown 27 percent year-on-year. With this route, shipments from China and Eastern Asia can arrive in 40 to 42 days. Aguocha encouraged businesses to leverage the corridor for its speed, certainty, and cost-efficiency.