When Calabar Port hosted 62,000 metric tons vessel

The Calabar Port Thursday welcomed for the first time the berthing of the biggest flat bottom vessels, “Desert Ranger’’ measuring about 200 meters which arrived the port in the country’s former colonial capital, Calabar, Cross River State.

Sailing directly from Greece to the port, the vessel weighed 62,000 metric tons, was laden with 60,000 tons of wheat.

The Port Manager, Mrs. Olufumilayo Olotu, who received the vessel, expressed appreciation to its partners, Atlantic Bulk Carriers, from Greece for taking the initiative.

Olotu described the berthing of the vessel as a “dream come true”, adding that, it was a sign of good things to come and a sigh of relief for the management of the Port.

“Very soon, another carrier vessel will be coming in and we are expecting that Calabar Port will be very active again”, she said.

She solicited the support of all stakeholders to ensure the business climate in the port was conducive for investors.

In his remarks, Mr. Asi Esin, Director General of Cross River Waterways Authority, expressed delight for the development, adding that the state government would work with the port for maximum benefit to the people.

Esin said that the issue of tax rebate for willing investors in the port would be looked into to encourage more investors in the state.

“Gov. Ben Ayade is desirous of having investors in our state, so I can assure you that the governor will do everything possible to ensure that investors will not run away due to multiple taxation,’’ he said.

He said that for a long time the state had been hoping and waiting for this kind of opportunity and also assured that the state government would give the management the desired support to succeed.