Ardova Plc has announced a partnership with APM Terminals, Apapa, aimed at enhancing maintenance efficiency and lubricant management across Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the management of Ardova Plc described the collaboration as a strategic move to bolster the reliability of the nation’s ports.
The initiative comes at a critical time when operational uptime at the Apapa terminal, the largest container terminal in West Africa, is paramount for facilitating the high volume of trade essential to the Nigerian economy.
Central to this partnership is the deployment of the Modern Pulse Central Lubrication Dispensing System . Developed in collaboration with Shell, this automated technology replaces traditional manual handling with a closed-loop network. The system allows for real-time monitoring of lubricant consumption and precision distribution across the terminal’s heavy-duty equipment, such as reach stackers and cranes.
“Together, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to deploying world-class lubrication solutions that strengthen operational reliability across Nigeria’s critical infrastructure,” the companies stated in a joint release.
The statement noted that the integration of the CLDS technology is already yielding measurable results, including a reduction in product losses and a marked improvement in workshop safety. By preserving the integrity of the lubricants and automating the dispensing process, the terminal has successfully accelerated servicing turnaround times.
The successful deployment, according to the statement, was marked by an engagement featuring key leadership from all three entities. Representing Shell include, Macro Distributor Account Manager for Europe & Africa Markets, Ayyan Bari; General Manager of Indirect Sales for Europe & Africa, Elizabeth Galon, and Farid Gaamouche, Business Manager for Indirect Sales Europe & Africa.
Representing the terminal’s interests were, Head of Procurement, Nigeria, Chinyere Adenaike; Head of Asset Management, Gordon Condie and Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager for APM Terminals. Ardova Plc was represented by its leadership team, including immediate Managing Director Moshood Olajide; AGM, Shell Lubricant, Korede Odufuwa and Uche Eke.
“This initiative demonstrates how Ardova Plc and APM Terminals Apapa are working together to deploy Shell Lubricants solutions, delivering measurable operational value beyond product supply.
“By focusing on disciplined maintenance practices and technological upgrades, the partnership aims to set a new benchmark for efficiency within the Nigerian maritime sector, ensuring that the Apapa terminal remains a reliable and competitive hub for global trade,” the statement added.
The transition to a digital dispensing system ensures stronger inventory control, which is crucial for maintaining the large-scale machinery required for 24-hour port operations.
APM Terminals Apapa is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime sector, handling a significant portion of the country’s containerised exports and imports.
This collaboration with Ardova Plc follows a broader industry trend toward “smart” port operations. By integrating Shell’s global lubricant expertise with Ardova’s local distribution network, the partnership seeks to mitigate the high costs associated with equipment downtime and manual errors in inventory management.
