APM Terminals and NPA Sign Agreement on Electrification Roadmap in Nigeria

APM Terminals’ West African Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to develop a roadmap for decarbonisation across the country’s port and transport ecosystem. The agreement was signed on September 22 at the Dutch Consulate in New York during the Global African Business Initiative.

The collaboration is designed to support the policies of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with a focus on electrifying containerised freight operations.

“We believe that Nigeria is ideally situated to lead West Africa’s transition to low-carbon logistics by electrifying its container transport sector,” said Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria. “Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and trade hub, and our research shows us that the country can leapfrog fossil-fuel infrastructure and adopt proven electric technologies. We are therefore very optimistic about our joint plans to develop a phased roadmap towards an electrified future for container logistics.”

According to NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the agreement positions Onne Port as the first green port in Nigeria. “By this development, the Onne Port will be the first green port in Nigeria and will thereby be promoting the decarbonisation efforts within the transportation ecosystem. This will also make Nigerian ports the leaders on the continent in terms of sustainable port operations,” he said.

The initiative will be fully funded by APM Terminals with an investment of 60 million USD. Dr. Dantsoho noted that the framework could serve as a model for other African countries seeking similar pathways.

The agreement follows a study presented by APM Terminals to Nigeria’s Vice President at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit in Abuja in July. The study indicated that transitioning from fossil fuels to electrified container freight could attract private investment, generate skilled jobs, and enhance energy reliability. It also highlighted the need for cross-sector coordination and collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

“For APM Terminals, partnerships are key to generating long-term growth and value in the countries where we operate,” said Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT. “Our investments are for our shared future and for the people of the region. We look forward to driving this project alongside our stakeholders in the port industry.”