IPSARION, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier with a length overall of 199.99 meters and a gross tonnage of 36,560, arrived laden with bulk cargo and industrial equipment from Europe.

Built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Cebu, Philippines, the vessel is managed by Helikon Shipping Enterprises Ltd and operated by YAKE BULK LIMITED.

Onboard the vessel were multiple units of construction equipment, steel rods, vehicles, chemicals, power generation machinery, and several other goods.

Mr. John Jenkins, the managing director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services (PCHS) Limited, described the vessel’s arrival as a strategic step aimed at maximising opportunities and resources at the terminal, while also facilitating trade and growing the country’s economy.

He said: “For a long period of time, our terminal has been servicing primarily container vessels, but a strategic business decision recently that bothers on opening up the space for more diverse business partnerships has tilted us towards welcoming general cargo vessels at our terminal.

“The general cargo business is not entirely new to us, as we have handled this at some point in time. So that means we have the expertise, equipment and other resources to adequately meet and exceed the expectations of general cargo vessels calling at our terminal. We are excited that IPSARION has called at our terminal and unloading operations are currently going on.

“Handling a vessel of this large scale showcases our preparedness for large-volume cargo operations. It validates the massive investment SIFAX Group has made in port infrastructure and human capacity over the years.”

This feat further reinforces the SIFAX Group’s role in driving excellence in Nigeria’s maritime industry and contributing to national economic growth through seamless port operations.

SIFAX Group in a statement available to Techeconomy, acknowledged that the individual featured in the video, who identified himself as Oloja Oluwasegun, was seen wearing a SIFAX-branded reflective jacket.

However, “after a thorough internal investigation, we can confirm that this individual has never been employed by SIFAX Group or any of its subsidiaries.

“The misuse of our branded attire is both misleading and concerning.

Unauthorized Sale of Containers:

“SIFAX Group operates in full compliance with industry regulations and standards, and at no time have we authorized the sale of containers, whether empty or overtime, as alleged in the video.

“The claims made in the footage are baseless and do not reflect our organization’s policies or practices.

“We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could mislead the public.

“SIFAX Group is currently working closely with law enforcement and other relevant agencies to uncover the source of this misinformation and bring those involved to justice.

“We appreciate the trust our clients, partners, and the general public have reposed in SIFAX Group, and we stay true to our unwavering commitment to professionalism and service delivery”, the statement reads.