By Shippers Association of Lagos State

We believe the only competent authority to talk about Nigerian Ports is the Federal Minister of Transportation, who is overseeing the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA). He is still the Minister of Transportation.

He has current information on the status of any Nigerian Ports anywhere in the country.  He has made a categorical statement on the status of some River Ports that cannot handle effective cargo movements in Nigeria, including Onitsha Ports, because of the droughts of the River Niger which is not deep enough for such operations.

The River Niger has a natural phenomenon of self reclamation of sharp sand even after dredging it. Those in the Niger Delta from Patani to Onitsha can testify to the fact that it is only when there is high tide during the raining season that barges can be utilised to some proportions of moving containers to Onitsha and other cities having river ports. During the dry season, it becomes very impossible. So the comments made at the time of commissioning the river ports were political.

At a larger proportion, investigative journalism is required to see if the minister is right or wrong.  The minister did not hold back the truth by saying that the River Niger has to be dredged.

Both the NPA and NIWA are under the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

The call for the Minister of Transportation to resign because of unworkable investment of Government, which is verifiable, is misplaced. And we do not agree with it. The Minister is a cabinet member of the Nigerian Government that reports directly to the Federal Executive Council. He has revealed that the River Ports are not viable for now. They maybe, tomorrow, after dredging the River Niger.

Maersk Line made it clear.

This is a clip from Maersk Line.

“Maersk Refutes Claims that Onitsha Inland Port is fully operational”

October 7, 2020 | by Samuel Nwite | 10

“Maersk shipping company has responded to the news making rounds in the social media, insinuating it has commenced a full shipping operation at Onitsha Inland Port.

“The news broke out early Wednesday morning as a pic of the dockyard being commissioned, and shipment schedule from Maersk showing China – Onitsha destination surfaced online.

“We took a walk at the Onitsha pilot port after it was commissioned today. The port is at its full function. Such a pleasant sight! Congrats to the importers,” a Twitter user wrote.

“Series of tweets praising the development followed, as many others joined the preaching.

“So Onitsha Port was commissioned yesterday & you can now send a container from China to Onitsha without going through Lagos? And some of have been using it for months but kept quiet? Why do people refuse to talk when good things happen in Nigeria,” Dr. Joe Abah wrote.

“However, in response to inquiry about their operations in Onitsha Inland Port, Maersk said in an email response to Tekedia that the news has been inaccurate.

“There are some inaccurate news reports going around as we are not calling at Onitsha port with our vessels as this is not operationally feasible due to the drought of our vessels.

“We do, however, offer a through bill product for our customers in which cargo discharged at Onne is trucked to the Clarion Depot in Onitsha, which is roughly opposite the Niger River,” Kerry Rosser, Maersk Africa Communication Manager told Tekedia.

The Onitsha Inland Port was rehabilitated and commissioned in 2012, in view to accommodate vessels and ease Lagos Ports of congestion. But the port is yet to commence full operation since then.

The Port

Last month, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said the commencement of shipping operations is targeted at the first quarter of 2021.

NIWA Area Manager at Onitsha Area Office, Mrs. Queen Uba, said operations at the port have been on hold due to the ongoing concession process, but NIWA is ready for its operations as soon as the process is complete.

“NIWA has put in place all necessary things for effective operation of the port and we are just waiting for the completion of the concession process. While we are waiting for the completion of the concession process, the management has entered into agreement with Connect rail Services Limited to kick start the lifting of goods from the port to other places in the country,” she said.

Onitsha Inland Port was built under the administration of President Shehu Shagari in 1983 and since then, it has been lying fallow and completely under-utilized until 2012 when it was rehabilitated and commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

It is hoped that NIWA will live up to the challenge and facilitate shipping operations in the port that will spur its activities beyond a clarion depot for trucking cargoes.

Maersk Line made it clear that they are not issuing Bills of Lading to Onitsha Port or any other River Ports under NIWA because of the drought.  That is the Truth. Let us work together to support one another.

The investment of over $1billion by Heirs Holding’s in the acquisition of the strategic OML 17 from Shell, ENI and Total, is expected to deepen commitment between host communities and the firm as well as engender economic development.

Speaking on the deal, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, said: “As a Nigerian, and more particularly an indigene of the Niger Delta region, I understand well our responsibilities that come with stewardship of the asset, our engagement with communities and the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

“We have a very clear vision of creating Africa’s first integrated energy multinational, a global quality business, uniquely focused on Africa and Africa’s energy needs.

“The acquisition of such a high-quality asset, with significant potential for further growth, is a strong statement of our confidence in Nigeria, the Nigerian oil and gas sector and a tribute to the extremely high-quality management team that we have assembled.

“We see significant benefits from integrating our production, with our ability to power Nigeria, through Transcorp, and deliver value across the energy value chain.”

Speaking further, he said “I would like to thank Shell, Total and ENI, for the professionalism of the process, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the NNPC for the confidence they have placed in us.”

The President/GCEO of Transcorp, Owen Omogiafo, said: “This deal further demonstrates Transcorp’s integrated energy strategy and our determination to power Africa.”

Already, industry observers have highlighted the credentials of Heirs Holdings as a committed indigenous business and the presence of Transcorp, Nigeria’s largest listed conglomerate, with over 300,000 shareholders in the transaction.

The deal, which was announced last weekend, saw Heirs Holdings, in partnership with affiliated company Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (“Transcorp”), acquire a 45% participating interest in Nigerian oil licence OML 17 and related assets, through TNOG Oil and Gas Limited (a related company of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp), from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited and ENI. The remaining 55% stays with NNPC.

In addition, the Heirs Holdings Group will take over operatorship of OML 17, demonstrating the strength and quality of the industry team assembled by Elumelu’s group.

According to the firm, the acquisition reiterates Heirs Holdings’ strategic intent in relation to the Nigerian energy sector – to ensure that Nigerian natural resource assets are deployed to Nigeria’s power network, driving broad-based economic growth.

Transcorp is one of the largest power producers in Nigeria, with 2,000 MW of installed capacity, through ownership of Transcorp Power Plant and the recent acquisition of Afam Power Plc and Afam Three Fast Power Limited. Transcorp closed the US$300 million Afam acquisitions in November 2020.

Credit: The Guardian

Nigeria’s foremost shipping Mogul, Engr. Greg Utomwen Ogbeifun has postponed indefinitely, all activities lined up to mark his 70th Birthday in Benin City.

While the planned one-day maritime symposium on the Establishment of a Nigerian Global Trading Fleet would now hold virtually on Friday 5th February 2021, Ogbeifun would however be in Benin City, Edo State on 11th February, being his birth date to receive goodwill messages and greetings.

His decision was communicated in statement he personally issued, after wide consultations, in view of the second wave of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, and knowing that the scheduled smbolic events will naturally pull large crowds.

The statement reads, “Given the second wave of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, the various incidents resulting from large crowd events, and having consulted widely, I regret to inform you that I am obliged to postpone indefinitely, all activities lined up to mark my 70th Birthday in Benin City.

“These include;

a) Book Launch (Greg Ogbeifun’s Autobiography- NOT ALWAYS EASY, MY VOYAGE FROM OBSCURITY)

b) The endowment of the Institute of Maritime Technology in Edo State polytechnic USEN

c) Thanksgiving Service and Entertainment scheduled to hold on Saturday 13th February 2021

“However, on Thursday 11th February 2021 being my birth date, I will be available to receive goodwill messages and greetings at Benin City, Edo State.

“For my colleagues in the Maritime Industry, the one-day maritime symposium, will still hold on Friday 5th February 2021 VIRTUALLY. To participate at the event, kindly find attached the flyer containing relevant information for registration or you can send an email to gregat70@starzs-group.com to enable you register and contribute to the discussions with regards to the Establishment of a Nigerian Global Trading Fleet.

“We are monitoring very closely the trend of the COVID-19 pandemic and once it is ascertained to be safe to have the celebration, adequate notices will be sent out for the new dates.

“I know these are trying times, and I thank you for your understanding regarding the postponement. I pray that God keeps us all and our families safe throughout this difficult time,” the statement added.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Hadiza Bala Usman as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for an additional five-year tenure.

In a statement signed by Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina on Thursday, the President has also approved the reconstitution of the Non-Executive Board of the NPA, with Mr. Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye (from South-west zone) as Chairman.

Other members of the Board include Prince Ekenyem Nwafor-Orizu (South-east zone), Akinwunmi Ricketts (South-south zone), Ghazali Mohammed Mijinyawa (North-East zone), Mustapha Amin Dutse (North-West zone), and Abdulwahab Adesina (North-Central zone).

The statement added that the President has equally approved Board members for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), who will oversee the selection of a new Managing Director for the organization.

The members are: Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON, (Chairman), Chief Henry Okolo, Imamudden Talba, Ambassador Usman Sarki, Ali Haruna, Engr. Simeone Atakulu, Zubaida Mahey Rasheed, Dr. Mustapha Abiodun Akinkunmi, Engr. Oladele Amoda, and Dr. Nkiru Balonwu.

Other members of the TCN Board are: Representatives of Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Power, Bureau for Public Enterprise, FGN Power Company Limited, and Executive Management of TCN.

The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has disclosed the launch of N900 million e-ticketing platform of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC.

Amaechi said the e-ticketing platform was another milestone for the NRC, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the federal government.

The Minister spoke at the launch of the e-ticketing in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Amaechi: “This project which is a Public-Private Partnership is a product of over three years of rigorous procurement process and due diligence involving the NRC, NITDA and finally obtaining approval from the Federal Executive Council.

“Today marks the beginning of the automation of ticket sales in all our major stations on the Abuja Kaduna train service. This is a total package that also includes access control which will be deployed subsequently.

“It is my believe that deploying the secured ticketing solution is in line with world best practice, and will enhance efficiency, save time and promote accountability while also reducing leakages and promoting economic growth.”

News Agency of Nigeria

Better digital collaboration between private and public entities across the maritime supply chain will result in significant efficiency gains, safer and more resilient supply chains, as well as lower emissions, a new report shows.

Entitled Accelerating Digitalization: Critical Actions to Strengthen the Resilience of the Maritime Supply Chain, the report was released by the World Bank and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) on 21 January.

Maritime transport carries over 90 per cent of global merchandise trade, totaling some 11 billion tons of cargo per year. Digitalizing the sector would bring wide-ranging economic benefits and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable recovery, according to the report.

Specifically, the report describes how collaborative use of digital technology can help streamline all aspects of maritime transport, from cross-border processes and documentation to communications between ship and shore, with a special focus on ports.

As explained, a COVID-19 crisis has evidenced a key benefit of digitizing waterborne and landside operations — meeting the urgent needs to minimize human interaction and enhance the resilience of supply chains against future crises.

“In many of our client countries, inefficiencies in the maritime sector result in delays and higher logistics costs, with an adverse impact on the entire economy. Digitization gives us a unique chance to address this issue,” Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Infrastructure, pointed out.

“Beyond immediate benefits to the maritime sector, digitalization will help countries participate more fully in the global economy, and will lead to better development outcomes.”

“The report’s short and medium term measures to accelerate digitalization have the proven potential to improve supply chain resilience and efficiency whilst addressing potential risks related to cybersecurity. However, necessary policy reform is also vital,” Patrick Verhoeven, IAPH Managing Director of Policy and Strategy, said.

“Digitalization is not just a matter of technology but, more importantly, of change management, data collaboration, and political commitment,” he added.

Although the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made it mandatory for all its member countries to exchange key data electronically (the FAL convention), a recent IAPH survey reveals that only a third of over 100 responding ports comply with that requirement.

The main barriers to digitalize cited by the ports were the legal framework in their countries or regions and persuading the multiple private-public stakeholders to collaborate, not the technology.

The report analyzes numerous technologies applied already by some from the world’s leading port and maritime communities, including Big Data, the internet of things (IoT), fifth-generation technology (5G), blockchain solutions, wearable devices, unmanned aircraft systems, and other smart technology-based methods to improve performance and economic competitiveness.

Credit: World Maritime News

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the commencement of Eto, an electronic call-up system for trucks operating in the ports, in order to serve a permanent solution to the perennial gridlock within the port city of Apapa.

In a statement signed by Mr. Nasiru Ibrahim, Assist. General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, the NPA said: “… the electronic truck call-up system is designed for the management of truck movement and access to and from the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Island Ports in Apapa, Lagos.”

Ahead of the Feb. 27, 2021 deadline when the system takes effect fully, all transporters, truck owners and truck drivers are required to download the Eto App from Google Play Store or sign up at http://eto.ttp.com.ng, to enable them register accordingly.

When fully operational, all trucks doing business at the ports will be required to park at the approved parks until they are called into the port through the Eto app.

They can see an explanation here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPfxoEDg-RM&feature=youtu.be

Concerned operators should also note that the Eto application will be responsible for the scheduling, entry and exit of all trucks into the ports with effect from the Feb. 27, 2021 date.

They can see this explanation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-mW_soli_Y&feature=youtu.be

In this new system, according to the NPA, cargo owners can only return empty containers to the ports through the approved holding bays of the shipping companies using the Eto Platform.

The NPA emphasizes that “It is the responsibility of the shipping company to move empty containers from their holding bay to the port. All cargo owners have to drop their empty containers at the holding bay of the shipping company. The shipping company will then make the necessary bookings on the Eto platform to return empty containers to the port.”

The management of the NPA, therefore, solicits the cooperation of transporters, truck drivers, cargo owners, clearing agents, shipping companies and all port users in the implementation of the project, which will bring order and sanity to the ports access roads.

The NPA, however, warns that: “Non-compliance to the use of Eto and its guidelines will result in denial of access into the Ports, impounding of trucks and withdrawal of registration/operating license.”

More information can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wMx8ZhoNvk&feature=youtu.be

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron in Akwa Ibom, has acquired 10 pieces of Ocular Vision simulator, this is in addition to three other simulators recently bought.

The Ocular Vision is the latest in the world of engine room simulators. It takes you into a virtual engine room in which you can carry out all functions.

Disclosing this in a chat on the latest development in the Academy, the Rector,   Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd.), said that driven by purpose to be outstanding in maritime education, the academy decided to add this simulator, which at the present is only owned by the Academy in Africa.

The Rector also made known that the: “The Academy has also acquired a Helicopter Underwater Escape training equipment, which will arrive in five weeks from Scotland.

He said that the Multifunctional Classroom  simulator has been completely fixed for operations, while the Full Mission Bridge will be up and running within the week.

“Also acquired for the training are nine software of various simulators, including the High Voltage and Dynamic Positioning Simulators,” the Rector said.

Captured here in the Academy and fully set for operation as well, is the Full Mission Engine Room simulator.

The academy has been making remarkable transformation with the building of new infrastructure, acquisition of requisite training facilities and engagement of global –standard qualified lecturers, who include Nigerians and foreigners.

With the latest development in the Academy, the rector shared his thoughts and gave some insights on what it requires for candidates to prepare for and pass the Certificate of Competency examination.

Effedua’s thoughts on requirements for passing the CoC exams

The Certificate of Competency (CoC) examination is quite demanding as a test of a seafarer’s competence for the job at sea. Therefore, candidates for the CoC exams are expected to take their lectures as required, study adequately before sitting for the exams.

It simply means that candidates must be well prepared for the exams, to pass. So, insinuations from anywhere that candidates fail due to poor teaching, is most unfair to say.

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, as a federal institution for training manpower for the maritime industry, has in the last three years worked with purpose and commitment ensuring true transformation – as we now have the most-modern training facilities as well as highly qualified and competent lectures made up of Nigerians and foreigners.

For the benefit of giving first-hand and factual information, over 60 per cent of the candidates for the CoC are not cadets of the Academy. And their challenge is the fact that most of them end up making only between 10-15 per cent of required lecture attendance. Just a handful of them cover 50 per cent attendance, while some make 80 per cent lecture attendance. And the records will definitely show that those who attend classes pass the exams.

Sadly, for those who do not stay, they usually just show up for a short period of time and then disappear, going back to their work demands on board ships. But, they only show up when it is examination period.

Expectedly, ship-owners are businessmen who must sustain their business by being in business. Nobody expects that they would allow their staff at whatever level, to be away for like six months to prepare for an examination.

Ironically, everyone expect to have competent staff to do the job, and the staff too would not want to leave their job for long

It therefore means that there is a need for a middle ground. We will discuss with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a possibility of online lectures for those who cannot be present in the academy for lectures for six months at a stretch. Then, they can come into the Academy for their practical lectures, which would not be for too long time. I think it will work, because we have used it effectively with the cadets as a result of the lockdown caused by Covid-19 pandemic, and it was great. But, for the academy’s cadets who go through the mills, they are doing remarkable well in their exams.

It is also import to note that candidates for the CoC exams get eligibility approval from the Maritime Administration, while the Academy only hosts them and gives lectures in accordance with the syllabus, which is also given by the maritime administration. The Academy has not been given a mandate to stop such candidates from writing the exams, for not making attendance up to a high percentage.

Again, it is the Maritime Administration that handles the marking and grading of the examination papers, and subsequently inform the candidates of their performances.  It is verifiable that those who pass must have stayed for lectures and covered at least 80 per cent attendance.

I recall that during my early days as Rector, in 2017, I was worried about those who failed, because I thought they were the academy’s cadets. But I got to know their status as those who only came in shortly and sat for the exams.

Now, we are talking about the issues, to help people understand how come about the situation.

For now, we are pleased that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and much respected industry stakeholders see and know the truth of the Academy’s training capacity.

It is pertinent to note that the academy is not in competition with other maritime training schools. We are just doing it right and with high capability, training to provide manpower needs for the industry both locally and internationally.

The Academy will continue to support other private maritime training schools that do not have facilities as much as do, because it is all aimed at manpower development for the greater benefit of the industry and the nation.

We can grant them training access to out facilities, train them and give them certificates to cover such training. After all, that is our reason for being here.

Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua(Rtd.) is the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has declared its intention to work in partnership with the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in the fight against piracy and other crimes in the country’s maritime domain.

Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, disclosed this in Abuja during a working visit to the interim Sole Administrator of PAP, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd.).

Jamoh underscored the importance of collaboration among relevant agencies and communities in the quest for maritime security, saying, “We should be working together in partnership to help us appreciate and evaluate the challenges from our various perspectives and collectively come up with solutions that would work for all of us, and the country at large.

“Security problems more often than not have a local content. So, as the country’s maritime regulatory agency, we want to partner the amnesty programme, which interfaces with the littoral communities, to nip the security challenges in the bud, and stand our nation in good stead for the optimisation of our huge maritime resources.”

Jamoh has prioritised advocacy for inter-agency cooperation in the fight against maritime insecurity since his appointment last year.

He stated, “We cannot proffer solution to the issues and crisis in the Niger Delta without the collaboration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”

The Director-General said a Maritime Intelligence Unit was recently established by NIMASA to help in the identification of early warning signs in order to prevent security breaches in the littoral areas.

He revealed that many of the assets being installed and deployed under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure (the Deep Blue Project) had intelligence gathering capabilities through air, land and sea surveillance.

Jamoh stated that NIMASA was planning to introduce educational, entrepreneurship training, and skills acquisition programmes in the areas of fishing, clearing and forwarding, and legal bunkering, for people in the coastal communities as a way of empowering them and discouraging criminal tendencies.

Dikio commended Jamoh for his vision and commitment to maritime security. He also praised the NIMASA Director-General for his passion for inter-agency coordination and collaboration in the security of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

He said detecting the early warning signs and engaging early responses to prevent security challenges at their early stages would be vigorously pursued.

The PAP boss expressed the willingness of his agency to partner with NIMASA, especially in the empowerment of the locals. He suggested that the people’s knowledge of the local communities should be leveraged in the area of information gathering.

Dikio advised that the training programme being planned by NIMASA should target subjects relevant to the Niger Delta in order to impact them directly and get to the root of the problem.

He also suggested the appointment of nodal officers from PAP and NIMASA to interface and harmonise action points to fast-track the actualisation of the partnership for the overall good of the maritime sector.

The Certificate of Competency (CoC) examination is quite demanding as a test of a seafarer’s competence for the job at sea. Therefore, candidates for the CoC exams are expected to take their lectures as required, study adequately before sitting for the exams.

It simply means that candidates must be well prepared for the exams, to pass. So, insinuations from anywhere that candidates fail due to poor teaching, is most unfair to say.

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, as a federal institution for training manpower for the maritime industry, has in the last three years worked with purpose and commitment ensuring true transformation – as we now have the most-modern training facilities as well as highly qualified and competent lectures made up of Nigerians and foreigners.

For the benefit of giving first-hand and factual information, over 60 per cent of the candidates for the CoC are not cadets of the Academy. And their challenge is the fact that most of them end up making only between 10-15 per cent of required lecture attendance. Just a handful of them cover 50 per cent attendance, while some make 80 per cent lecture attendance. And the records will definitely show that those who attend classes pass the exams.

Sadly, for those who do not stay, they usually just show up for a short period of time and then disappear, going back to their work demands on board ships. But, they only show up when it is examination period.

Expectedly, ship-owners are businessmen who must sustain their business by being in business. Nobody expects that they would allow their staff at whatever level, to be away for like six months to prepare for an examination.

Ironically, everyone expects to have competent staff to do the job, and the staff too would not want to leave their job for long.

It therefore means that there is a need for a middle ground. We will discuss with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a possibility of online lectures for those who cannot be present in the academy for lectures for six months at a stretch. Then, they can come into the Academy for their practical lectures, which would not be for too long time. I think it will work, because we have used it effectively with the cadets as a result of the lockdown caused by Covid-19 pandemic, and it was great. But, for the academy’s cadets who go through the mills, they are doing remarkable well in their exams.

It is also important to note that candidates for the CoC exams get eligibility approval from the Maritime Administration, while the Academy only hosts them and gives lectures in accordance with the syllabus, which is also given by the maritime administration. The Academy has not been given a mandate to stop such candidates from writing the exams, for not making attendance up to a high percentage.

Again, it is the Maritime Administration that handles the marking and grading of the examination papers, and subsequently inform the candidates of their performances.  It is verifiable that those who pass must have stayed for lectures and covered at least 80 per cent attendance.

I recall that during my early days as Rector, in 2017, I was worried about those who failed, because I thought they were the academy’s cadets. But I got to know their status as those who only came in shortly and sat for the exams.

Now, we are talking about the issues, to help people understand how come about the situation.

For now, we are pleased that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and much respected industry stakeholders see and know the truth of the Academy’s training capacity.

It is pertinent to note that the academy is not in competition with other maritime training schools. We are just doing it right and with high capability, training to provide manpower needs for the industry both locally and internationally.

The Academy will continue to support other private maritime training schools that do not have facilities as much as do, because it is all aimed at manpower development for the greater benefit of the industry and the nation.

We can grant them training access to out facilities, train them and give them certificates to cover such training. After all, that is our reason for being here.

Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua(Rtd.) is the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

Pirates attacked a Turkish cargo ship off Nigeria’s coast, killing a sailor and kidnapping 15 others, officials said Sunday.

The M/V Mozart, which sails under a Liberian flag, was traveling from Lagos to Cape Town, South Africa, when the attack took place.

The abducted crew members are reportedly from Turkey.

Turkey’s Maritime Directorate said the man who was killed was an engineer from Azerbaijan.

What happened?

The ship was attacked 185 kilometers (100 nautical miles) northwest of the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday morning.

Turkey’s Maritime Directorate said the crew initially locked themselves in a safe area but the pirates forced entry after six hours. The engineer died during the struggle.

After taking most of the crew hostage on Saturday, the pirates left the ship in the Gulf of Guinea with three sailors aboard, Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency said.

Before they left, the pirates disabled most of the ship’s systems, leaving only the navigation system for the remaining crew members to find their way to port, according to reports.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has twice spoken to the senior officer remaining on the ship, the Turkish presidency said in a tweet.

What happens now?

The vessel is currently heading to Port-Gentil in the Central African state of Gabon.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said “coordinated negotiations” were underway to secure the release of the abducted sailors.

“The pirates have yet to make any response,” he said.

How common are pirate attacks?

According to data from the International Maritime Bureau, there were 195 pirate attacks on vessels last year — 33 more than in 2019.

The Gulf of Guinea, off the coasts of Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, Benin and Cameroon, is the most dangerous sea in the world for piracy, according to the bureau.

In July 2019, 10 Turkish seamen were kidnapped off the coast of Nigeria. They were released less than a month later.

Credit: DW

SIFAX Group, a group of companies with investment in Maritime, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Haulage & Logistics, Financial Services and Hospitality, has announced two new executive appointments.

Oyebode Ojeniyi and Olujimi Osho joined as Group Executive Director, Corporate Services and Group Head, Legal Services/Company Secretary respectively.

Ojeniyi, an astute financial expert with over twenty-five years’ experience in the financial services industry, was until his appointment Group Executive Director, Wapic Insurance. In his new role at SIFAX Group, he will take charge of providing strategic leadership and managing the entire business operations of the Group.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the Ogun State University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria and the Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria; a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), United Kingdom and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). He has had previous working experience with Ecobank Nigeria and Access Bank.

Olujimi Osho is a seasoned legal expert with vast experience in advocacy, commercial and property law, trademark and copyrights law as well as arbitration and legal drafting. He holds a Masters of Law (LL.M) and Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos. He obtained his LL.B (Hons) Degree from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) Ago-Iwoye

Before the appointment, Osho had served as the General Manager, Legal Services/ Company Secretary,  Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited and General Manager, Legal Services, Mac-Folly Hospitality Limited (owner of Marriott Hotel, Ikeja), both subsidiaries of SIFAX Group.

He is also a co-author of the acclaimed Lawyers’ Companion: “Compendium of Laws under the Nigerian Legal System”.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, said the decision to strengthen its executive management team was a pointer to the company’s vision of driving business growth and delivering excellent services to the satisfaction of its clientele.

The COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for a long-term crew change crisis that has been the main cause of thousands of seafarers, around the world, being unable to join vessels or return home, and stranded without support.

Despite significant lobbying, and a range of organisations attempting to facilitate safe crew changes, this has continued to be a major issue for the shipping industry and for the welfare of seafarers around the world.

In response to this crisis, The Neptune Declaration has been instigated, a global call to action to address the seafarer crisis, formed by Maritime Industry Crew Change Taskforce following initial discussions at the Global Maritime Forum’s Virtual High-Level Meeting in 2020.

The Mission to Seafarers has signed The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change, alongside many others, to support this cause.

The alliance, which spans many leading organisations from across the shipping industry, including the ICS, ITF and Global Maritime Forum, is calling for progress in the following main areas:

1. Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to COVID-19 vaccines
2. Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice
3. Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
4. Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.

Andrew Wright, Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers, commented:

“The Mission to Seafarers is delighted to be a signatory to The Neptune Declaration. This comes at a very important moment. The full global recognition of seafarers as key workers, together with the necessary concomitant actions, is long overdue. It is vital that the crew change issue is finally, fully and swiftly resolved. This, together with the linked demands of the declaration, represent basic practical and humanitarian necessities. We are grateful that so many have come together in support of this document.

“We trust it will make the necessary difference to all who have the power and influence to make these things happen. We also hope that it will further encourage the practical support of the heroic men and women who have sustained global trade throughout this crisis.”

Credit: Mission to Seafarers

The Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has appointed three Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies (PIAs) for non-oil export, in a bid to curb the corruption that has characterized the inspection of export trade in Nigeria, and further enhance the nation’s export trade.

In a memo issued on Wednesday by Trade and Exchange department of CBN, and signed by Acting Director, Mrs O .L Ahuchogu, the three inspection agents were engaged on temporary basis pending when news PIAs will be appointed.

The PIAs are Messrs Cobalt International Services Limited, Carmine Assayer Limited and Neroli Technologies Limited.

In the circular (TED/FEM/FPC/GEN.01/002), the PIAs were assigned to cover different regions of the country. Cobalt was assigned to cover the South Western part to handle the land borders in Idiroko, Imeko, IIlara Ijoun, Ohumba, IIlashe, Ijoffin and Seme. It will also handle Tin-Can Apapa Port and Kiri-Kiri Lighter Terminal, KLT.

For the North West, Carmine Assayer Limited will handle the land borders in Iilela Kangiwa, Kamba, DoleKainua, SabonBirni and Maigatari. It will also oversee trading activities in TuloTulo’a, Machina, Mallam Fatori, Doro Baga Wulgo, Gamboru, Sigael, Jilbe, Banki, Kirawa as well as the International Airport Kaduna, Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Messrs Neroli Technologies is to maintain its former areas of operations which include the entire South South and South East.

Part of the circular reads: “This is to inform all authorized dealers, the Nigeria Customs Service, Terminal Operators and the General Public that the Honourable Minister of Finance has approved the appointment of PIAs on a temporary basis.”

Reacting to the development, a seasoned Customs broker, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, faulted the issuance of the circular by CBN saying that the apex bank does not have the right to issue such circular. “CBN has no such right, CBN is for monetary policies and not for fiscal policies. The PIAs will take over the job of Customs if they are allowed to carry out inspection of export trade,” he said.

Vanguard.

With the increasing pressure for shipowners to sharpen their environmental performance, driven by IMO 2050, regional regulations and market pull from charterers, banks and investors, the decarbonization challenge is here to stay.

“This represents a whole new ball game for the industry. Optimisation of ship operations has traditionally been dictated by the efficiency of delivery around the globe that has typically meant being able to sail at full speed, thereby burning more fuel, to minimise costs for the charterer. It has been driven by money, not emissions,” says DNV GL’s Performance Advisory head Bjorn Berger.

DNV GL sees the adoption of new digital technologies as vital to achieve decarbonisation goals for the shipping industry as the global green agenda shifts the business playing field for shipowners.

“But the new green regime dictates that shipowners must minimise emissions from their operations and efficiency will be defined by their ability to reduce their environmental footprint, which will be a key differentiating factor in future competition for charter contracts.”

Furthermore, he says failure to comply with new environmental rules will pose “a huge business risk” as vessels that do not meet emissions requirements will be unable to trade, though “not all shipowners have fully realised this”.

As such, digitalisation of ship operations, in tandem with the use of alternative fuels, will be a key enabler to optimise the energy efficiency of fleets to meet low-carbon standards.

However, much of the maritime sector is lagging behind other industries such as aviation and automotive – in which digitalisation has been widely applied for decades – as well as offshore where concepts such as data sensors on equipment, digital twins, artificial intelligence and remote operations are now rapidly gaining ground, according to Berger.

He believes there is massive untapped potential for the shipping industry to improve its efficiency through harnessing data flows from operations that can have a positive impact on commercial, environmental and safety performance.

Digitalisation facilitates the automation of processes and functions, and combining data streams from multiple sources allows the maritime industry to make better-informed decisions more quickly, creating more efficient and responsive organisations, according to DNV GL.

Ships are increasingly being fitted with advanced sensors to monitor fuel consumption and energy efficiency, providing real-time data that can be integrated into an overall fleet management system for continuous learning and optimisation of operations.

Berger said that there are several examples of shipowners installing a fuel monitoring device on the bridge and testing out different operational measures to check how this affected fuel consumption. In many cases, minor differences in operational behaviour reduced fuel consumption by 10%.

“When such data monitoring is aligned with centralisation of fleet operations from an onshore control room, this gives the shipowner insight and transparency for better decision-making to assimilate best practices and thereby operate the fleet in the most cost and fuel-efficient way,” Berger explains.

Norway-based navigation software provider NAVTOR believes smart shipping is possible if the industry taps into the potential of software suites available for route planning, performance analysis as well as assistance in compliance with regulations for different ports and jurisdictions.

NAVTOR’s head of business development Arild Risholm Saether says: “Shipowners can use the digital tools available to take actions to reduce emissions. The add-on, of course, is you will have more profit and will be more attractive in the market for charterers and other types of customers.”

One major advantage of digitalisation is the ability to optimise maintenance through continuous condition monitoring of engines, the hull and other equipment and structures using data sensors.

But only a handful of ship operators, notably in the containership and cruise sectors, have moved proactively on the digital front to realise the commercial benefits of centralised operations based on digitalisation.

Application of digital technologies throughout a vessel’s life-cycle – from newbuild design and construction to operations – as well as within the shipowner’s administrative and logistical organisation will be key to optimising ship operations as the industry navigates a course into a low-carbon future.

Such digital tools are necessary in the newbuild phase to ensure a ship is designed and built to be as future-proof as possible with maximum fuel efficiency and a low environmental footprint so that it can remain competitive over its lifetime.

In the operations phases, DNV GL has found that digitally enabled operational and managerial measures can achieve 10% to 20% greater energy efficiency, and thus improved emissions performance.

Moreover, monitoring and reporting of key performance data such as carbon-intensity measurements will be required in relation to greenhouse gas ratings for regulators, charterers, ports, banks and finance institutions, making this a rite of passage for shipowners in future.

Berger believes digitalisation can result in a shift whereby charterers increasingly may take over the role as shipowner to include vessel operations within the entire logistical chain in order to meet environmental requirements, citing online retail giant Amazon as a possible candidate.

This trend is already evident in Norway where grocery supplier Asko is developing an autonomous and electrically powered vessel to cross the Oslo fjord to cut the need for more pollutive truck delivery over long distances.

The advent of more digitalised ship operations does though present an increased cyber-security risk for fleet assets as a vessel’s legacy computer systems are more vulnerable to hacking when hooked up to a wider network.

While the breach of a company’s administrative IT system can have a reputational and financial impact, a data attack on onboard operation and control (OT) systems can endanger the safety of a vessel and its crew, for example by exposing it to piracy.

A disturbing increase in such OT incidents in recent years – including notable attacks on Cosco and Maersk – has given rise to new IMO regulations on cyber-security effective from this year.

World Maritime News.

The Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, will lead heads of government agencies and other industry stakeholders to speak at a one-day virtual maritime symposium on the establishment of a Nigerian global trading fleet.

The symposium, which is being organised in honour of the Founder/Chairman, Starzs Investments Company and Starzs Marine and Engineering Company, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun on the occasion of his 70th birthday, is scheduled to hold on Friday, February 5, 2021.

Also expected to speak at the symposium are the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello; immediate past Secretary General, Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African region, Mfon Usoro; and Chairman, Integrated Oil & Gas Limited, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.

Others are Chairman, Shipowners Forum, Margret Orakwusi; Chairman, Sealink Promotional Company, Dabney Shall-Holma; General Manager, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited, Capt Marvin Abe, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Muhammad Mmman Nami and President, Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Eunice Ezeoke.

Participation at the virtual dialogue is open to shipowners, master mariners, marine engineers and other maritime industry stakeholders.

Industry operators can join the virtual symposium by sending an email to gregat70@starzs-group.com to register, or on the link: Click this link:  https://cutt.ly/gregat70

Thirty staff members of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Akwa Ibom have started a month-long training programme on how to use the Full Mission Bridge and Multifunctional Classroom simulators for training cadets.

Rector of the Academy, Commodore Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd.), said in an interview on Thursday that the training programme was being handled by 15 members of staff who had earlier been trained in India on how to put in use the same equipment.

He also said that “other foreign trainers are taking part in the staff training programme too.

“We decided on this stream of training to take place here in the Academy because those already trained have expressed very satisfactory knowledge, while this also gives opportunity to more people to be trained. Importantly, we now have the equipment they are training on, so why go elsewhere?”

The Rector added that some master mariners would, in the course of the programme, be doing navigational exercises.

For the records, the Academy recently acquired modern training equipment including the Full Mission Bridge, the Multifunctional Classroom, the Full Mission Engine room simulators as well as the head-mounted Ocular Vision simulator and a helicopter underwater escape training equipment.

Rear Admiral Awwal Zubaru Gambo has taken over leadership as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff.

Born on April 22, 1966, the new CNS is an indigene of Kano State.

He joined the Nigerian Navy on September 24, 1984, as a member of the Regular Course 36 and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on September 24, 1988.

Until his new appointment as CNS, he was the Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.

Gambo holds a PhD in Transport Management and a Masters Degree in Transport Management (Logistic Option), both from Ladoke Akintola University.

He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM; Fellow of the Certified Institute of Shipping; Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, as well as a fellow of the National Defence College South Africa.

The CNS is married and has children.

APM Terminals Elizabeth in New Jersey USA has started to use green power, from a supplier that offers renewables such as wind and solar which will help the terminal reduce CO2 emissions by around 45% in 2021.

The terminal expects the move will result in slashing 7 kg CO2/TEU from the current 16 kg CO2/TEU intensity.

This translates into an estimated emissions reduction of 8000 metric tons of CO2 in 2021.

APM Terminals Elizabeth embarked on a decarbonizing plan in 2016 as part of a multi-year effort to reduce energy consumption through improved efficiency, equipment upgrades, and electrification.

The project has generated a reduction in CO2 emissions from an average of 18 kg CO2/TEU in 2016, to 16 kg CO2/TEU in 2020, the terminal operator said.

“Our decision to pursue green-sourced energy reflects our overall long-term company plans to decarbonize our terminal operations. We’re progressing on that goal through a multi-year program that aligns with our customers who are also decarbonizing their logistics chains and looking to work with like-minded companies,” Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Elizabeth said.

APM Terminals Elizabeth has also introduced a new gate complex designed to improve the trucker experience, reduce truck idling and improve turn times. Average turnaround time reductions of 11 minutes have already been seen, representing a reduction of 3 kilograms CO2/TEU.

Other actions underway to reduce emissions include improving operational efficiencies and traffic management on the terminal.

“We’re on a path to achieving net zero carbon emissions and making significant steps this year. We will continue to focus on emission reduction and working with our customers to reduce their supply chain emissions, while collaborating with federal, state and local authorities to achieve this goal together,” added Poelma.

APM Terminals Elizabeth operates one of the largest container terminals in the Port of New York/New Jersey. The terminal operator has invested $200 million in upgrading the facility to improve the customer experience, enhance productivity and expand capacity for future growth as part of a five year modernization program.

A near dock rail facility, Millennium Marine Rail (MMR) is operated jointly with Maher Terminals and handles 60% of intermodal cargo to the hinterland – as part of APM Terminals Elizabeth’ gateway port, first call vessel status.

Emissions are calculated from monthly fuel and electricity consumption following the Green House Gas Protocol, and divided by the number of containers moved across the berth.

World Maritime News.