In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable maritime operations, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and West Africa Container Terminal-APM Terminals (WACT-APMT) Nigeria have signed a $60 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to electrify containerised freight across the country’s ports.
The initiative, fully funded by APM Terminals, aligns with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s policies on decarbonisation and is expected to position Nigeria as a leader in low-carbon port operations in Africa.
The NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project, signed in New York, signals a new era of green innovation for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
With the global shipping sector under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, the project is not only a response to environmental demands but also a bold economic strategy aimed at modernising the nation’s logistics ecosystem.
Speaking at the MoU signing, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, highlighted the immense potential for Nigeria to leapfrog outdated fossil-fuel infrastructure and embrace cleaner, more efficient technologies.
According to him, the NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project will serve as a blueprint for other African economies seeking to modernise their freight operations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Nigeria is the largest economy and trade hub in Africa,” Klinke stated.
“Research shows it has the capacity to adopt proven electric technologies at scale. With this project, we are optimistic about shaping a phased roadmap for a fully electrified future in container logistics.”
Industry observers believe that electrifying container transport could drastically cut operational costs in the long run, create thousands of skilled jobs, and attract global investors keen to support green infrastructure projects.
For the NPA, this initiative is both strategic and symbolic. Managing Director of the authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project as a milestone that will make Onne Port in Rivers State Nigeria’s first officially recognised green port.
“This development puts Nigeria ahead in Africa in terms of sustainable port operations,” Dantsoho said.
“It underscores our commitment to building a maritime industry that balances trade efficiency with environmental responsibility.”
The NPA chief further noted that the project will serve as a model for other ports across the continent, particularly at a time when African nations are under pressure to meet international climate commitments.
The Managing Director of the West Africa Container Terminal, Jeethu Jose, stressed that partnerships such as the NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project are vital for creating long-term value for both businesses and communities.
“For APM Terminals, our investments go beyond infrastructure—they are about people, growth, and shared prosperity,” Jose explained.
“This project is designed to generate sustainable value for Nigeria and the broader West African region.”
Located within the Oil and Gas Free Zone at Onne Port, WACT-APMT has already established itself as one of the most efficient gateways for markets outside Lagos.
The terminal plays a vital role in trade across Eastern Nigeria and landlocked neighbouring countries, making it a prime site for piloting electrification.
The MoU builds on a study presented by APM Terminals at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit held in Abuja earlier this year.
The study emphasised the need for public-private collaboration to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable and electric-powered freight systems.
The NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project is expected to unlock significant private investment, create new green jobs, and improve the reliability of the country’s energy supply.
However, experts caution that policy coordination and strong regulatory frameworks will be essential to ensure the success of the project.
Nigeria’s adoption of the NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project comes at a time when global trade is increasingly influenced by sustainability standards.
International buyers and investors are demanding greener supply chains, and countries that lag behind may lose their competitive advantage.
By spearheading this project, Nigeria not only strengthens its maritime industry but also aligns itself with global decarbonisation goals.
The initiative complements broader government strategies aimed at positioning the country as a hub for innovation in the blue economy.
Industry stakeholders view the project as more than just an environmental milestone; they see it as a transformative investment that could redefine Nigeria’s logistics future.
With growing global demand for low-carbon trade routes, the NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project is set to place Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable trade revolution.
As implementation begins, maritime experts will be watching closely to see how the NPA and APM Terminals translate their commitment into tangible outcomes.
The $60 million investment represents a strong step forward, but its long-term impact will depend on how effectively the project integrates with Nigeria’s broader energy and infrastructure reforms.
For now, the NPA WACT-APMT containers electrification project stands as a bold example of how Nigeria can balance economic growth with environmental responsibility—turning its ports into engines of sustainability and regional leadership.
