Louis Berger now consultant for Port@Lekki project

The Management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise has announced the appointment of Louis Berger Group Inc., USA, as their project management consultant for the proposed Port@Lekki project, being developed within the Lagos Free Trade Zone.

Louis Berger Group is a global leader in port and marine project consultancy, with a scope of services that include preparation of terminal design, contractor selection and supervision of engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the facilities.

Port@Lekki is a unique initiative to set-up a large scale modern state-of-the-art multi-purpose port in Nigeria with dedicated terminals for containers, dry bulk and liquids.

The project will provide an efficient world class maritime gateway to Nigeria and will be developed in phases to meet the burgeoning trade to and from the country.

Commenting on the appointment, the Director of Finance, Mr. Kundan Sainani, said: “The Louis Berger Group Inc is one of the largest planning and engineering consulting organisations in the world. They have provided port planning, economic studies and facility assessment to major port authorities in the world.

“With this appointment, the progress of the project will be rapid and construction work will start as scheduled by mid 2010. We are doing everything possible to realise this strategic project within the stipulated time frame.”

Port@Lekki is situated within the Lagos Free Trade Zone. It is a privately owned venture located approximately 60km east of the city of Lagos.

In the first phase, which is expected to commence operations in 2013, the port will be equipped to handle up to two million TEUs, together with two liquid berths and one berth for dry bulk cargo.

This will entail the development of a core marine infrastructure, including a 1.5km long breakwater, 8km long approach channel with 19m draught, a turning circle of 560m diametre and a 1500m quay wall.

These facilities make Port@Lekki the first “deep water” port in West Africa which can accommodate container vessels up to 8,000 TEU and liquid bulk vessels up to 160,000 DWT.