Eastern Ports Rehabilitation: FG awards Escravos Channel dredging, breakwater reconstruction
The Federal Government of Nigeria has awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the Escravos Channel at Warri Port in Delta State, as part of its initiative to rehabilitate Eastern ports. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced this significant development on Tuesday.
Ikechukwu Oyenmakara, General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communication at the NPA, confirmed that the dredging and reconstruction of the channel are key components of a broader Eastern Ports modernization effort, which includes multiple projects centered around Warri Port.
“The project is part of the Eastern Ports modernization efforts recently awarded to China Harbour Engineering. There are approximately six different projects under this programme,” Oyenmakara said.
Concerns have been growing among local shipping pilots regarding navigation in the channel. The shallow draught has led to several incidents of vessels running aground, making navigation increasingly difficult and prompting caution among ship operators calling at Warri Port.
The NPA’s efforts to modernize Eastern ports aim to enhance operational efficiency and improve safety for maritime activities in the region.
