Nigeria Launches Its First Homegrown Container Shipping Line

image Credits: Nigerian Ports/X

A recent publication by Nigerian Ports highlights an exciting development in regional trade: Clarion Shipping West Africa has introduced Nigeria’s first fully indigenous container liner. This initiative aims to enhance local commerce and lessen the country’s dependence on foreign transshipment services.

The company kicked off its operations on July 3 with the arrival of its inaugural vessel, MV Ocean dragon, at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. This notable 322-foot (98-meter) ship boasts a deadweight of 6,100 tonnes and can carry up to 349 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Although it was built in China and sails under the Panamanian flag, Clarion proudly states that around 70% of its crew members are Nigerian, with plans to increase this percentage as part of their commitment to fostering local maritime expertise.

Clarion faced numerous hurdles during the acquisition process for Ocean Dragon.These included language barriers and technical difficulties, such as an engine failure that forced a return trip while en route from Malaysia.The entire journey from China took about two months! Additionally, flying Nigerian crew members to China proved challenging; having a fully local team onboard was crucial for smooth operations right from the start.

The primary mission for this vessel is transporting cargo between various ports within Nigeria while eventually expanding into broader West African routes. By connecting key locations like lekki, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onitsha via sea transport—an alternative that is often safer and more cost-effective than road transport—Clarion aims to revolutionize logistics in the region.Bernadine Eloka, Vice President of Clarion Shipping West Africa, emphasized that Ocean Dragon offers a quicker and more dependable option compared to conventional trucking methods. With capacity for up to 349 containers at onc, it can facilitate deliveries between ports within just two days!

Eloka also pointed out that enforcing Nigeria’s cabotage laws could stimulate further investment locally while creating job opportunities in maritime sectors—ultimately reducing reliance on international shipping companies.

In terms of demand already generated by this new service model? Clarion has secured bookings for approximately 1,300 export containers! This will significantly assist farmers and manufacturers who have been grappling with delays due to container shortages or traffic congestion on roads.Mustafa Mohammed—the Managing Director at Clarion Suncity Terminal Logistics Limited—noted their ambition not only involves competing against global giants like Maersk but also focuses heavily on supporting domestic importers/exporters notably those based in underserved northern regions thru strategic investments in shipping assets.

On July 2nd at dawn (05:05 AM), Ocean Dragon officially docked at Tin Can Port thanks largely due to support from the Nigerian ports Authority (NPA), which deployed advanced marine crafts during berthing procedures. Abubakar Dantsoho—the NPA’s Managing Director—celebrated this milestone as indicative of Nigeria’s dedication towards enhancing its marine economy sector; he mentioned recent approvals regarding national policies aimed at bolstering local content alongside sustainable port development initiatives—including a notable $60 million investment geared towards eco-friendly port facilities under these guidelines!

Looking ahead? The company intends not only servicing routes across Nigeria but also extending operations into neighboring countries such as Benin Republic,Togo,Ghana,Cameroon,Sierra Leone,and Ivory Coast—with future aspirations reaching Egypt & South Africa too!

during their launch event,Citation revealed intentions toward fleet expansion by acquiring another vessel capable of carrying up-to-1-789 TEUs focused primarily upon export services directed toward Liberia,Ivory Coast,Ghana,Togo,and back home again—to Nigeria itself!

Reference: Nigerian Ports