Shipping Cars to Tin Can Island Port, Lagos
Nigeria · UN/LOCODE NGTIN
Tin Can Island Port lies immediately south of Apapa on Lagos Harbour and is run by two concession operators, ENL Consortium and Five Star Logistics, alongside the PTML Terminal which specialises in vehicle handling. It is the port most UK shippers use when moving new and used cars into Nigeria via dedicated RORO tonnage, as PTML has purpose-built vehicle ramps and a large paved holding yard separate from general container traffic.. See our shipping to Nigeria guide or request a quote.
Services
RORO, Container (FCL & shared)
Transit Time
18–23 days from Southampton or Tilbury via West Africa RORO rotations
UK Ports
Southampton, Tilbury
Region
Africa
Overview
Tin Can Island Port lies immediately south of Apapa on Lagos Harbour and is run by two concession operators, ENL Consortium and Five Star Logistics, alongside the PTML Terminal which specialises in vehicle handling. It is the port most UK shippers use when moving new and used cars into Nigeria via dedicated RORO tonnage, as PTML has purpose-built vehicle ramps and a large paved holding yard separate from general container traffic.
Terminal & Vessel Facilities
PTML Terminal at Tin Can Island is West Africa's largest dedicated RORO car terminal, with drive-off ramps, CCTV-monitored yards and pre-delivery inspection sheds. Container cargo for Tin Can is handled separately by ENL and Five Star Logistics berths, giving shippers a choice between the specialist car terminal and standard container handling depending on shipment type.
Typical Transit Time from the UK
18–23 days from Southampton or Tilbury via West Africa RORO rotations.
UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.
Customs & Clearance Notes
As with Apapa, importers need a valid Form M, SONCAP certificate and PAAR. PTML operates its own bonded terminal system which can speed up documentation checks for vehicles landed on its dedicated RORO berth, but duty assessment and the 12-year age restriction on used vehicles still apply.
Collection & Storage
PTML's dedicated vehicle yard generally offers more secure short-term storage than general cargo berths, though free time is still limited to around 3–7 days. We coordinate directly with PTML-approved clearing agents to keep vehicles moving quickly off the terminal.