Operators of Port Harcourt Ports and Ocean Liners heaved a
sigh of relief following the removal of five critical ship wrecks along the
Port Harcourt and Bonny water channels.

This is because with the removal of the wrecks vessels can
now make safer sail into the port and berth with ease.

The Port Manager, Mr. Oladele disclosed this in a press
statement issued from the office of the Chief Port Public Affairs Officer, Mrs
Barbra Ejeneh Nichery-Achukwu recently.

Mr. Alabi said the wrecks had been constituting greater
danger and challenges to the port users as it obstructs easy access of vessels
to the port.

According to him, “These wrecks on the water channels from
Port Harcourt to Bonny, were the ones that affected us in Berth eight of Port
Harcourt Ports,” adding that the move would assist in improving navigation in
and out of the berths.

He noted that although berth eight had not been strong
enough due to ageing that led to its collapsed last year, but noted that having
put the berth eight back to order, and the removal of the five major wrecks
that had been a major concern to the port users, he is optimistic that business
will bounced back.

The port manager commended the Federal Government and the
management of Nigeria Ports Authority
(NPA) for their commitments and support towards the project, saying, “it
has brought big relieve to operators and ocean liners as the berths are safer
for vessels to sail to these berths.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Alabi had disclosed that the operations of
its terminal operators since the concession policy is being accessed
technically by a crew of experts to ensure that they comply with the tenets of
the agreement reached before their operation.

The Port Harcourt port manager, however, rated the port
operators, Port and Terminal Operators Limited (PTOL) and BUA high and noted
that efforts were being made for the Port to bounced back to its former status.

Collins Barasimeye