Empty containers management is not our responsibility – APM Terminals

APM Terminals Apapa says the evacuation of empty containers into its terminal and subsequent shipment onboard ships is not its responsibility but that of shipping lines, which own and control all containers.

APM Terminals Apapa clarified this while responding to recent concerns surrounding the congestion of empty containers, setting the record straight on the root causes of the situation.

The terminal operator assured stakeholders of its continued professionalism, service efficiency, and close collaboration with relevant parties to resolve the issue promptly.

There have been insinuations suggesting that APM Terminals Apapa is not receiving empty containers, allegedly contributing to yard congestion.

In a statement in Lagos today, APM Terminals Apapa Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, said due to a sharp and sustained surge in import cargo volumes over recent weeks, shipping lines have had to prioritize discharging incoming laden containers over evacuating empties. This operational shift has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.

“As a result of this accumulation, APM Terminals Apapa has had to temporarily restrict the reception of additional empty containers until the existing stock is cleared by the shipping lines,” Knudsen said. “We recognize the impact this may have on truck operators, consignees, and landside logistics, and we are actively engaging the shipping lines and relevant government authorities to expedite vessel evacuation of empty containers.”

The Terminal Manager emphasized that the development is not due to a failure in terminal operations, but rather a systemic issue stemming from the imbalance in container traffic.

“Shipping lines play a key role in ensuring containers are loaded out as empties once they are returned. Unfortunately, the high volume of imports is tipping that balance. We are committed to doing everything within our operational capacity to support the clearing of this backlog,” the statement added.

APM Terminals Apapa is appealing to landside customers, truck operators, and other stakeholders to kindly bear with the temporary restrictions and delays in receiving empties, while assuring them that every effort is being made to normalize the situation.