…First shipment from Apapa Port to Antwerp Hub scheduled on August 6, 2024
…Offer global market access to small and medium-sized businesses
ECU Worldwide, Allcargo Logistics’ wholly-owned global subsidiary and a leader in LCL consolidation, has partnered with SIFAX Shipping Company Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, to introduce LCL consolidation services to the exporters especially the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs in Nigeria.
ECU Worldwide is the only company in Nigeria to offer outbound LCL consolidation services. Launch of the LCL consolidation service will help ECU Worldwide serve unmet demand for cost-effective transportation and exports of low-value products and commodities in the region such as agri-commodities, solid minerals, oil producing machineries for repairing among others across the world.
Since Nigeria is rich in agricultural crops such as cashew nuts, groundnut, among others, small and medium scale businesses dealing in such agri commodities will now have a large scale and cost-effective global market access.
As a part of the collaboration, FMA-Line Nigeria Limited, a 100% subsidiary of ECU Worldwide in Nigeria, has started accepting the consignments from the exporters at the Ijora Bonded Terminal of SIFAX Group. The first sailing is scheduled on August 6, 2024 from Apapa Port to ECU Worldwide’s Antwerp hub and it will use Hapag-Lloyd shipping line service.
ECU Worldwide currently offers track and trace facility for the exporters in Nigeria on ECU 360, its integrated digital tool for shipping. Going forward, the company has plans to launch services on the digital platform to help customers obtain freight quotes and book shipments online.
Commenting on the association, Rahul Rai, CEO, Middle East & Africa Region ECU Worldwide said, “We are excited to enter into a consolidator partnership with SIFAX to provide dedicated LCL export services from Nigeria to various global destinations. There is a steady growth in demand for an efficient LCL consolidation service with global delivery competency in Nigeria.
“With our LCL export consolidation services and global network with over 300 offices across 180 countries with over 2400 direct trade lanes, we offer a cost-efficient solution to the exporters, primarily the small and medium-size businesses in Nigeria with reduced shipping time and wider access to global markets. We aim to get a first-mover advantage in this region.”
Paul Liden, Managing Director, SIFAX Logistics Company Limited said, “The collaboration with ECU Worldwide known for its global LCL delivery capabilities will have a transformative impact on the foreign trade landscape in Nigeria.
“Together, we are now well-positioned to offer broader global market access to growth-focused SMEs in the country. The LCL consolidation division at our Ijora Bonded Terminal is operating at full capacity and the association with ECU Worldwide offers hassle-free and seamless freight transportation to the businesses in this region.”
The Antwerp hub of ECU Worldwide act as a point of deconsolidation in the freight transit and from the hub, the consignments move to various destinations across the globe on the ECU network.
In addition, ECU Worldwide continues with its regular ongoing Inbound LCL consignments which move with shipping services such as MSC, ONE Line, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM.
ECU Worldwide has meanwhile opened office at Port Harcourt to cater to the companies in the oil and gas sector and the company has plans to expand its business further in the northern part of Nigeria, particularly cities like Abuja, the capital of Nigeria and Kano to boost project business, diplomatic and UN cargo and trading business.
About ECU Worldwide
Founded in 1987, ECU Worldwide is Allcargo Logistics’ wholly-owned global subsidiary celebrating 30 years of excellence. It is one of the major players in multi-modal transport and a global leader in LCL consolidation. ECU Worldwide is powered by the vision of digital first approach and backed by passionate leadership with expertise in logistics, data science and technology. ECU Worldwide’s digital platform, ECU360 delivers a customer-centric digital logistics experience that enables end-to-end shipping services at the click of a button.
With technologically advanced interface and customer-centric features, ECU360 has enabled ECU Worldwide to achieve digital leadership in global LCL consolidation. The company boasts of more than 300+ offices, across 180 countries, with over 2400 direct trade lanes, converging their international standard expertise across continents. ECU Worldwide practices highest level of Environment, Social and Corporate Governance in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 Standards and have set out to achieve carbon neutrality and adopt 100% renewable energy at all owned facilities by 2040.
About SIFAX Group
SIFAX Group is a conglomerate with investments in various sectors such as Maritime, Aviation, Logistics, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, and Hospitality. The Group’s expertise in international full-service logistics has attracted patronage and partnerships from across the world.
With headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, and a presence in many countries including Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the United States, the company provides bespoke solutions to address its clients’ challenges. For ease of operation, the company owns ports and terminals in many locations across Nigeria, including Apapa, Tin-Can Island, Ijora, and Warri. SIFAX Group also owns Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, an aviation and air-freight service provider in Nigeria.
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