The Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, recorded a historic milestone on Monday as Gold Star Line’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership, the MV Sapphire, berthed at APM Terminals.
Built in 2024 and registered under the Singaporean flag, the MV Sapphire has a carrying capacity of 7,800 TEUs. With its advanced LNG propulsion technology and size, the vessel marks a major leap in sustainable shipping for Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Speaking at the berthing ceremony, Todd Rives, Managing Director of Lagos and Niger Shipping Agency Limited (LANSAL)—Gold Star Line’s representative in Nigeria—described the event as a landmark achievement. He noted that since its incorporation in 1958, Gold Star Line has remained a trusted shipping partner in Nigeria, committed to efficiency and customer service. Rives emphasized that the arrival of MV Sapphire goes beyond routine port operations, symbolizing progress, partnership, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He also expressed confidence that sister vessels of MV Sapphire would soon call at Nigerian ports.
Also speaking, Kayode Daniel, Commercial Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, hailed the berthing as a major success for the port. He highlighted global efforts by shipping lines to reduce carbon emissions in line with international climate targets and commended LANSAL for championing LNG-powered vessels, which align with both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and APM Terminals’ ESG commitments.
Representing the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Lawal, Chief Port Security Officer Bukar Kaumi praised Gold Star Line and LANSAL for their foresight. He stressed that LNG-powered ships play a vital role in addressing climate change challenges while lowering costs and improving economies of scale. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Ports Authority’s resolve to create a competitive and enabling environment for maritime trade.
In a similar vein, Comptroller Emmanuel Osoba of Apapa Customs Command—represented by Deputy Comptroller Musa Sama—congratulated both the shipping line and the terminal operator, describing the vessel’s arrival as the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s maritime sector. He lauded the adoption of LNG technology as a bold step toward cleaner, more efficient logistics, assuring that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue supporting stakeholders in promoting seamless trade facilitation and sustainable business growth in Apapa.
