A programme of dredging and refurbishment along at ports lining Nigeria’s Niger River is gathering pace with the delivery of two Liebherr LHM 180 mobile harbour cranes to Onitsha River Port.

Onitsha River Port’s purchase of Liebherr’s 64-tonners is in response to the port’s redevelopment, which is expected to lead to a growth in break bulk and container traffic at the port.

Featuring a maximum working reach of 35m, the cranes will be used to handle a wide range of goods from wine sand spirits to construction materials, cars and tyres.

As principal contractor for the government-backed upgrade programme, Nigerian firm Inter Bau Construction built extra accommodation, warehouses and storage space at the Onitsha River Port.

The firm says having offices local to the port greatly expedited the job, and National inland Waterways Authority resident engineer Emmanuel Aguda the cranes will do the same for port operations.

“The cranes give us great flexibility, allowing project cargo up to 64t, a variety of break bulk cargoes and even use of a motor grab for bulks later. They can also transit to all areas of the port.”

Commenting on the project, Inter Bau Construction’s owner and chairman, Sir Nath Okechuwu, said: “Building something like a river port for the benefit of the local community gave me great pleasure. Working with international companies such as Liebherr, assisted us in the equipment selection part of the task, and we hope to work with them again on future projects.”

Liebherr aid Nigerian government’s port upgrade project