By Godwin Oritse

ThereE are indications that investors are beginning to move to Calabar port following the deepen channel leading to the port.

In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Managing Director of the Calabar Channel Management Company Mr Bart Van Eenoo said that some companies are already calling to find out the true position of the Calabar port channel.

Van Eenoo said that two dredgers are currently working on the channel adding that before the end of this year, 8-10 metresr will be achieved.

“There are investors wanting to come to Calabar because of the peaceful nature and its location,, Some of the investors include a steel pipe company, a ship building firm, General Electric and other companies that have shown interest in bringing their investment to Calabar.”

Bart Van Eenoo, who worked as General Manager at the Bonny Channel Company explained that the desired result of the dredging rate is gradually being achieved as the channel can boast of taking a vessel of 7.5 metres

He added that the target this year is to get to 8meters at low tide and 10 meters at high tide and ultimately get to 10-12.5meters by end of this or early next year..

“There are a few locations that are low and we are working hard to deepen these locations and make the entire length of the channel even.”

He told Vanguard that the concept of both the Nigerian Ports Authority. NPA, and the lead consultant for Calabar Dredging project Niger Global Engineering Services, are not just to dredge and go, but to maintain the dredged channels as well.

“We have a fifteen year plan to maintain the Calabar port channel, the most important thing is to attract businesses Calabar, de-congest the Lagos ports and diversify cargoes from other ports.”

“We are looking at the whole stretch of the channel and fradually we will deepen it for ease of passage for vessels.”He said

Recalled that the Calabar port channel dredging was at different times enmeshed in controversies that led to the dredging contract being awarded severally to different firms.