APM Terminals, a leading global terminal operator, implemented operational enhancements and strategic partnerships at each of its key locations across December 2025 to enhance efficiency, capacity expansion, customer service, and meet ever-increasing trade demand.
Port Elizabeth Launches New TERMPoint Appointment Window Enhancements
On Monday, December 1, 2025, APM Terminals Elizabeth made significant modifications to its TERMPoint appointment system. These adjustments involved switching from 5-hour windows with 30-minute front and back tolerances to 10-hour windows with 1-hour post-tolerances; eliminating early entry to avoid congestion spikes and foster true first-in, first-out (FIFO).
This adjustment makes daily pickup appointments more likely by tightening control over truck flow. Truckers no longer enter 30 minutes early but up to 1 hour after their window start time. Post implementation, the terminal hopes to add even more slots; details will follow once initial traffic data analysis is completed. Future features could include in-app adjustments for tolerances as well as reservation-like systems for preferred windows.
A FAQ addressed stakeholder concerns by outlining benefits such as reduced turn times, greater scheduling flexibility for dispatchers, and reduced overlaps. While trucking firms identified possible dispatch challenges at the terminal, steadier traffic was prioritized during peaks for earlier slotting slots to prioritize earlier. External resources like Port Authority alerts or traffic apps were recommended to keep track of approach road updates.
Apapa Terminal Announces Holiday Operating Adjustments
APM Terminals Apapa in Nigeria notified customers on December 24 and 31st that its Customer Service office will close early from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, online TDO requests would cease being submitted at 3.00 pm with turnstiles closing thereafter to manage customers entering terminal. Terminal operations including vessel, gate and yard activities continued unaffected 24/7.
Separately, a public holiday notice covered Christmas (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), and New Year (January 1, 2026). Exit and TDO counters opened from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM during these holidays to encourage early collections and deliveries for reduced traffic congestion. Customers were strongly urged to plan ahead by using terminal alerts for real-time SMS or email updates.
Nigeria Trade Growth Buoyed By Strategic Lease
On December 19, 2025, APM Terminals and Barging Marine Solutions entered an exclusive lease until September 2031 to expand services around Apapa. This partnership further improves landside and barge connections, adding capacity through two waterfront and inland container terminals as well as barge operations that serve as road transport alternatives.
This agreement addresses Nigeria's projected 2025 growth by relieving road congestion, cutting logistics costs and improving supply chain reliability. Keith Svendsen of APM Terminals reiterated their long-term commitment; Karim Said of Barging Marine Solutions highlighted their leveraged operations; while Frederik Klinke of APM Terminals Nigeria noted improvements in speed and coordination gains. Together the companies will develop customer-focused solutions.
These developments allow APM Terminals to effectively accommodate increasing trade volumes while making strategic operational adjustments and infrastructure investments.