Container transport costs soar due to lack of holding bays
Container transport costs have surged by 450%, with agents blaming the increase on inadequate holding bays. The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, led by Frank Ogunojemite, has specifically called out Mediterranean Shipping Company for contributing to the problem. Importers and freight forwarders are facing significant financial hardship due to delays in returning empty containers. Calls have been made for urgent regulatory intervention to address these operational challenges.
TLDR
- Agents say container transport costs have risen from N200,000 to about N1.1m due to inadequate holding bays.
- Frank Ogunojemite and APFFLON accuse Mediterranean Shipping Company of failing to provide sufficient facilities for empty containers.
- Importers are being charged excessive demurrage because they cannot return empty containers on time.
- APFFLON urges the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to investigate and sanction MSC, demanding immediate improvements.
- The Chairman of the Shipping Lines Association of Nigeria, Boma Alabi, argues that providing holding bays is not the responsibility of shipping companies.
