Education / Ports & Terminals
Tin Can Island Port
Complete Guide
Nigeria's second busiest port, deep draft channel, $1 billion modernisation, 395,000 TEU capacity, and strategic importance for container and RoRo cargo in Lagos.
By Pius Nobei, MBA
Updated August 2026
25m
Channel Depth
395K
Annual TEU
$1B
Modernisation
83%
Berth Occupancy
Overview
Tin Can Island Port Complex
Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) is located in Apapa, Lagos, seven kilometres west of Lagos centre across Lagos Harbour. The port was begun in 1976 and commissioned on 14th October 1977 to decongest the existing Lagos Port Complex during the oil boom era.
In 2006, the port merged with the former RoRo Port when private terminal operators took over under the concession model. Today, TCIP is an amalgam of multiple terminals handling containers, general cargo, RoRo, and bulk cargo, making it Nigeria's second busiest port.
In October 2025, the Federal Government approved $1 billion for the total reconstruction of Tin Can Island and Apapa ports, including quay strengthening, channel dredging, yard modernisation, and digital operations, the most significant infrastructure investment in the port's 47-year history.
Port Specifications
Location
Apapa, Lagos
UN/LOCODE
NGTIN
Channel Depth
25m
Anchorage Depth
30m
Max Draft (alongside)
10-13m (varies by terminal)
Max LOA
300m
Max Beam
50m
Total Berths
12+ (expanded)
Quay Length
3,000m+ (across terminals)
Annual TEU
~395,000 TEU
Modernisation
$1B approved Oct 2025
Revenue H1 2025
₦747 billion (+29.85%)
Terminal Operators
Concessioned Terminals
| Operator | Berths | Quay Length | Depth | Cargo Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josepdam Port Services | Berths 1, 1A & 2 | 484m | 10m | General, Container |
| Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) | Berths 3-8 | 1,536m | 10m | Container |
| Port and Terminal Multiservices (PTML) | RoRo Terminal | 770m | 13m | RoRo, Vehicle |
Modernisation
$1 Billion Reconstruction
Following 47 years of operation, the Tin Can Island Port Complex's quay wall structure has been showing signs of fatigue due to corrosion of steel sheet piles and erosion of retained soil. The $1 billion modernisation project will address these structural issues while expanding capacity.
The project scope includes quay strengthening, channel dredging, yard modernisation, STS gantry crane rail foundations, and integration with digital operations systems. The National Single Window, expected to go live in 2026, will further streamline customs clearance and inter-agency approvals.
Key Facilities
Grain Silos
28,000 MT capacity for wheat, maize, and malt. Handles 4,000 MT daily with on-site bagging facility.
Reefer Connections
250 reefer connections for refrigerated cargo. Container stowage and de-stowage services available.
Rail Connectivity
Connected to Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway (2021). Plans for dedicated rail line to Badagry Deep Sea Port.
Own Power Station
Self-contained electricity power station ensuring efficient and guaranteed operations independent of national grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tin Can Island Port FAQ
What is the channel depth at Tin Can Island Port?
Tin Can Island Port has a channel depth of 25 metres and anchorage depth of 30 metres. The maximum draft at berths varies by terminal, typically 10-13 metres. The port can accommodate vessels up to 300m LOA and 50m beam.
How does Tin Can Island compare to Apapa Port?
Tin Can Island is Nigeria's second busiest port after Apapa. It often has faster container clearance times and is the preferred port for RoRo vehicle imports. When Apapa is congested, carriers may reroute to Tin Can. The port handles approximately 395,000 TEU annually.
What modernisation is planned for Tin Can Island Port?
In October 2025, the Federal Government approved $1 billion for the total reconstruction of Tin Can Island and Apapa ports, including quay strengthening, channel dredging, yard modernisation, and digital operations. This follows the port's 47 years of operation showing signs of fatigue.
What terminal operators serve Tin Can Island?
Tin Can Island has five terminal operators post-2006 concession: Josepdam Port Services (Berths 1-2), Tin Can Island Container Terminal/TICT (Berths 3-8), and Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited/PTML (RoRo specialist). Total berth length exceeds 3,000 metres.
Container & RoRo Chartering
Charter Vessels for Tin Can Island
Calmwaters Shipping provides vessel chartering and port agency services at Tin Can Island and Lagos ports. Container, RoRo, and general cargo vessel support. NPA Licensed Agent.