Barge Service

The 2-in1 Barge Shuttle Service at APM Terminals Apapa get’s its name from the opportunity it offers shipping lines to service all landside customers with just 1 port call instead of 2. Replacing some of the final kilometers of transport with a barge shuttle service, brings cargo closer to customers while avoiding congested roads.

APM Terminals Apapa offers an extensive network of barge services, all approved by the Nigerian Ports Authority. A dedicated barge berth efficiently connects the terminal with a growing number of strategically located Inland Container Depots (ICDs) close to key markets and customers.

The barge service allows customers to pick-up/drop-off their containers at a nearby location and ensures fast delivery efficiency. For example, the barge service can be used to connect closer to customers in Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, thereby avoiding congested roads and reducing delivery costs. Timely receipt of cargo can also reduce storage costs at the terminal.

For shipping lines, the 2-in-1 Barge Service can potentially reduce the number of port of calls saving them time and bunker. It also improves efficiency by transferring cargo to customs bonded inland facilities. Efficient for shipping lines and easy for the customers. 

Tripartite agreements between the Shipping Lines, APM Terminals and each of the agreed inland container depots ensure seamless cargo delivery with efficient process and procedures

Benefits for landside customers

• Lower trucking costs: Shorter distances to customs bonded ICD and less traffic congestion delays.
• Reduced storage costs: Standard 5 free days at APM Terminals plus an additional 5 free days at the ICD.
• Decentralised delivery points: Faster delivery – get ahead of competition.
• Improved planning: Barge slots are planned and assigned at least 72 hours before container arrival.
• Fast customs approval: Organised by the ICD locally.

Benefits for shipping lines

• Lower costs: Removing diversions from the main shipping lanes, and just a single call at APM Terminals Apapa, located at the mouth of the Lagos Lagoon, saves precious time and bunker costs.
• Improved efficiency: Reduce the number of calls at close neighbouring ports, such as Tincan  Island.
• Reduced complexity: With just one mainline call at APM Terminals Apapa containers are transported seamlessly by barge to a Tincan-bonded ICD.
• Improved connectivity: Freed up time can be used to add another port call on the same rotation

Frequency

There are currently daily transfers of containers from APM Terminals Apapa to ICDs, with the ability to rapidly scale up to meet demand and ensure full availability.

The number of ICDs serviced by our 2-in-1 product is growing rapidly, and include GMT container terminal at Abule Oshun, Sifax bonded terminal at Ijora, and SCOA bonded terminal at Kirikiri. Please contact your shipping line if you have a preferred ICD.

How do I book this service?

• Inform your shipper to make the booking as TBL (Through Bill of Lading) to ‘’xxxx ICD, Lagos’’Via APM Terminals Apapa and include the transit clause (in transit to ‘’xx ICD, Lagos’’, )
• When cargo arrives from the main vessel, cargo is discharged and stacked at a dedicated stacking area within our yard.
• Behind the scenes, our partner ICD will organize the relevant custom’s paperwork, and once it’s ready, the units will be transferred via barges to the ICD
• Units are then discharged at ’’xx ICD, Lagos’’ for customer to clear and take delivery.
• For any questions, contact APPAPMTCTO@apmterminals.com