CONTAINER TRIANGULATION DISPUTE: NSC RESOLVES BLOCKAGE OF AGENCY OPERATIONS

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has resolved a complex dispute involving an alleged improper container triangulation, withheld container deposit refunds, and the operational blockage of Glosunresa International Ltd by Maersk Nigeria Ltd. The matter centered on the movement history and status of one (1) Maersk 40FT container out of seven (7) import containers handled in 2024.

The Mediation Session was convened at the NSC Complaints Unit Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, B-Wing, Council Headquarters, Apapa, Lagos. Dr. Bashir Ambi Mohammed, Head, Complaints Unit, represented by Mr. Hassan Aminu (ACOO), formally opened the sitting by welcoming all participants and reiterating the Council’s Code of Conduct governing all Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings.

He emphasized the importance of civility, accuracy, and transparency, stressing that mediation is a non adversarial forum designed to restore business relationships and resolve logistics bottlenecks. He later invited Ms. Oluwatoyin Ojo to chair the session.

After introductions, Case Handler Barrister Musa Mohammed provided an extensive chronological background of the dispute that:

1. Import Transaction and Container Return (2024) . In 2024, Oge Agbazue & Co. processed seven (7) Maersk import containers on behalf of Glosunresa Int’l Ltd, acting for Somotex Nigeria Ltd (Consignee). A third-party transporter was engaged to return the empty containers to the designated holding bay. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that Container Release Cards were not issued, prompting Oge Agbazue & Co. to initiate internal checks. This led to the arrest of the transporter’s driver, who confessed that one of the Containers had been repositioned for export via triangulation instead of being returned to the empty depot. He produced an Indemnity Card supporting his claim.
2. Confirmation of Demurrage Status (2024) . The Complainant presented emails from Maersk via Ms. Victoria Dike confirming that all demurrage charges on the Container had been fully settled in 2024, prior to the triangulation approval.
3. Attempt to Claim Container Deposit Refund (2025) . When the Agent applied for a Container deposit refund in 2025, Maersk reportedly blocked Glosunresa Int’l Ltd’s account and declined the refund, citing a “long-standing unresolved issue” linked to the triangulated Container.

The Agent validated the submission and maintained that all seven Containers were duly accounted for, all charges were cleared and triangulation was processed with Maersk’s approval.

She added that Maersk did not provide a platform for them to present full documentation before imposing the system blockage. The primary concern was achieving a complete and accurate Container movement record to prevent repeated disputes.

Upon request, the Complainant tendered comprehensive documentation showing payment of all outstanding charges.

Representing Maersk Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ezekiel Eyo acknowledged the Company’s recent operational review of its Container linkage and triangulation procedures. He explained that Maersk previously used a particular Indemnity Form for triangulation, but it has since been decommissioned. Due to escalating fraud attempts, the Line now relies solely on email based authorization for Container linkage.

He further noted that numerous unauthorized actors have exploited loopholes in the system to divert Shipping Line Containers. As at present, over 3,000 Maersk Containers are unaccounted for nationwide, with many linked to fraudulent or irregular triangulations. The disputed Container has not been returned to any Maersk designated terminal and remains untraceable.

He stressed that the Line’s actions were not targeted at the Complainant but were measures to safeguard equipment integrity. Despite the challenges, Maersk expressed willingness to maintain a healthy business relationship with the Agent and Consignee.

Present at the meeting were: Maersk Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Ezekiel Eyo.
Oge Agbazue & Co. (Complainant)
Glosunresa Int’l Ltd (Agent). Mrs. Ibekwe Ifeoma Margaret
Somotex Nigeria Ltd (Consignee), Mr. Olanrewaju Fatai

RESOLUTIONS

Following an exhaustive evaluation of documents, oral submissions, and clarifications, the meeting arrived at the following resolutions that:

1. The Council confirmed that a legitimate business transaction existed between Somotex (Consignee) and Glosunresa Int’l Ltd (Agent) involving seven (7) Import Containers under Maersk Line.
2. Six (6) out of the seven (7) 40FT Containers were properly returned to the appointed empty Container Yard. One (1) Container was repositioned for export via triangulation.
3. The Council affirmed, based on documentary evidence tendered by the Complainant, that the export triangulation was duly approved and linked by Maersk in 2024.
4. The Council validated that all demurrage and related charges on the disputed Container were fully settled by the Agent in 2024.
5. Maersk Nigeria Ltd shall immediately unblock Glosunresa Int’l Ltd on its operational platform; Process all outstanding Container deposit refunds due to Somotex Nigeria Ltd (Consignee) through their Agent; Communicate full compliance to the NSC on or before the end of December 2025.
6. Maersk must henceforth notify the Consignee in writing before approving any triangulation, export linkage, or off terminal equipment movement involving their Container(s).

The Council urged all parties to maintain professional decorum and continue strengthening their commercial relationships in accordance with global shipping best practices. The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, protecting shippers’ rights, and ensuring the integrity of Container Handling Procedures within Nigeria’s maritime supply chain.