APM Terminals Apapa Restricts Empty Container Intake Amid Congestion, Calls for Stakeholder Support
The management of APM Terminals Apapa has announced a temporary restriction on the reception of empty containers at its terminal, citing a significant backlog that must first be cleared to ease current congestion. This move, according to Terminal Manager Steen Knudsen, is necessary due to a spike in container volumes caused by recent increases in imports.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Knudsen responded to growing concerns and speculations that APM Terminals had ceased accepting empty containers, a situation some stakeholders feared was exacerbating yard congestion. He clarified that the accumulation of empty containers was not a result of any operational failure on the part of the terminal, but rather due to decisions made by shipping lines and the broader systemic dynamics of the logistics chain.
“Managing the movement of empty containers into and out of the terminal is the sole responsibility of the shipping lines,” Knudsen explained. “These containers are their property, and it is their duty to coordinate evacuation efforts by placing them on outbound vessels.”
According to Knudsen, the root of the congestion lies in a strategic shift by shipping lines who, faced with a sharp and continuous surge in imports, have opted to prioritize the unloading of laden containers over the collection and shipment of empties. This imbalance has resulted in a growing stockpile of empty containers within the APMT Apapa facility, leaving limited space for continued operations.
“Due to the high volume of imports recently, we are experiencing a strain on available yard space,” Knudsen said. “Consequently, we have had to temporarily restrict the reception of more empty containers until the current backlog is effectively cleared.”
He acknowledged the challenges the restriction poses to truck operators, consignees, and logistics providers who rely on efficient container turnaround. However, he assured that APM Terminals is actively engaging with shipping lines and government authorities to resolve the issue urgently. The aim is to expedite the movement of empty containers onto vessels to restore normal operations at the terminal.
“This is not a failure in our processes,” Knudsen stressed. “It is a wider issue arising from the imbalance in inbound and outbound container traffic. We continue to operate efficiently within our capacity and are doing everything possible to facilitate the clearance of the excess empty containers.”
He called for patience and understanding from stakeholders during this temporary operational adjustment. “We sincerely appeal to our customers, truck operators, and partners to bear with us during this time. We know the delays may be frustrating, but we assure you that this restriction is only temporary and aimed at restoring operational balance.”
Knudsen concluded by reaffirming APM Terminals Apapa’s commitment to service excellence and collaboration with all stakeholders in the Nigerian logistics and maritime sector.
“Despite the current challenges, APM Terminals Apapa remains fully committed to ensuring Nigeria’s supply chain continues to function. Our team is working around the clock to resolve this issue and resume normal operations as soon as possible,” he said.
