Port Profile
Lagos Apapa Port
Maritime Services
Nigeria's Largest Commercial Port
Nigeria's Principal Gateway: Operating Here Since 2009
Lagos Apapa handles over 70% of Nigeria's maritime trade, including crude exports, petroleum product imports, dry bulk, and containerised cargo. As an NPA Licensed Agent based in Apapa, we provide vessel chartering, port agency, tanker clearance, and cargo handling services from our office within the port district.
Our Apapa desk operates 24/7, covering all berths across Apapa main port, Tin Can Island, and the Apapa Bulk Terminal.
Contact Apapa Deskof Nigeria's Trade
Berths Available
Port Desk Operations
Licensed Agent
Port Information
Port Facilities
Apapa Main Port, Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Bulk Terminal. Facilities include liquid bulk berths (petroleum products), dry bulk handling, container terminal, and general cargo sheds.
Draft Restrictions
Maximum draft approximately 10.5m at Apapa main port berths. Larger vessels lightered at anchorage. Tin Can Island handles drafts up to 9.5m. Charts should always be confirmed for specific berths.
Anchorage
Lagos outer anchorage at Lagos Bar. Waiting times vary by berth and cargo type: petroleum products typically 5–15 days depending on terminal congestion.
Cargo Types
Petroleum products (AGO, PMS, kerosene, jet fuel), crude oil, containers, dry bulk (grain, fertiliser, clinker), steel, and general cargo.
Port Authorities
Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service, NIMASA, Port Health Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for petroleum cargo.
Our Services at Apapa
Full port agency, vessel chartering, tanker clearance, cargo handling coordination, KYC/compliance checks, freight forwarding, and 24/7 port operations support.
Vessel Clearance Checklist
Step-by-Step: Clearing a Vessel at Lagos Apapa
- •Notice of Arrival (NOA) to NPA
- •Pre-arrival notification to NIMASA
- •Crew list & passports to Nigeria Immigration Service
- •Ship's stores & bonded items declaration to Customs
- •P&I / H&M club notice to port agent
- •Advance Manifest to Nigerian Customs (ACMS system)
- •NPA port entry clearance
- •NIMASA boarding & inspection
- •Port Health Authority clearance (free pratique)
- •Immigration crew list verification & shore passes
- •Customs inward entry declaration
- •NMDPRA documentation for petroleum cargo
- •Cargo surveyor appointment & draft survey
- •Statement of Facts (SOF) from terminal
- •Bill of Lading preparation & vetting
- •Ullage reports & cargo reconciliation
- •Demurrage / despatch calculation if applicable
- •Bunker delivery note if bunkering at berth
- •NPA outward clearance application
- •Customs outward entry & seal documentation
- •NIMASA departure clearance
- •Port dues, pilotage & disbursement account settlement
- •Crew departure slips (Immigration)
- •Ship's departure report filed with all port authorities
Our port agency team handles all of the above on your behalf. Contact us 72 hours before ETA to begin pre-clearance.
For Vessel Owners
Lagos Apapa: Charter Opportunities
Lagos Apapa generates regular charter requirements for MR tankers, product tankers, and crude carriers. Our chartering desk connects vessel owners with verified Nigerian cargo principals at this port.
- • Vessel chartering for petroleum products and crude oil
- • Tanker clearance for AGO, PMS, jet fuel, and crude
- • Premium freight rates for Lagos-Rotterdam and Lagos-US Gulf routes
- • Regular cargo requirements from Nigerian oil marketers
Current Cargo Requirements
MR Tanker: Lagos to Rotterdam
15,000 MT Gasoline • Spot Charter • LC at Sight
Product Tanker: Lagos to Tema
8,000 MT AGO • Spot Charter • USD Payment
Crude Carrier: Bonny to Mediterranean
90,000 MT Crude • Voyage Charter • LC at Sight
Frequently Asked Questions
Lagos Apapa Port FAQ
What is the maximum draft at Lagos Apapa port?
Maximum draft at Lagos Apapa main port berths is approximately 10.5m. Larger vessels must lighteree at anchorage. Tin Can Island handles drafts up to 9.5m. Always confirm specific berth restrictions before arrival.
How long does vessel clearance take at Lagos Apapa?
Typical vessel clearance at Lagos Apapa takes 24-48 hours for standard cargo vessels. Tanker clearance may take 48-72 hours depending on cargo type and documentation. Pre-arrival submission 72 hours before ETA is mandatory.
What documents are required for vessel entry at Lagos Apapa?
Required documents include: Notice of Arrival (NOA) to NPA, pre-arrival notification to NIMASA, crew list & passports, ship's stores declaration, P&I/H&M club notice, and advance manifest via ACMS system.
Other Ports We Cover
Lagos Operations
Need Support at Apapa Port?
Send us your vessel ETA and we will pre-clear everything before arrival.
Contact Port Desk