Onne Terminal receives first direct vessel from China

The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of MSC Dorine V, the first vessel under MSC’s Iroko Service to sail directly from China and the Far East to Nigeria.

The Liberian-flagged ship, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), berthed at OMT on Sunday, November 9, with a capacity of 5,089 TEUs — one of the largest ever to call at an eastern Nigerian port.

OMT Managing Director, Nicolo Scannavini, described the call as a “game changer,” noting it will cut transit times, lower freight costs, and boost trade efficiency.

He said direct calls from Asia would reduce transhipment delays and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil trade sector.

MSC Regional Manager, Oscar Aguocha, said the new service reflects MSC’s long-term commitment to eastern Nigeria, where the market has grown 27% year-on-year.

“Shipments from China can now arrive in 40–42 days, offering speed, certainty, and cost efficiency,” he added.

Operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), OMT continues to modernize operations and attract global shipping lines, reinforcing the eastern ports’ role in Nigeria’s maritime growth.