At the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference held in Lagos, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) didn’t just collect another award—though they did that too, snagging the Maritime Excellence Service Award. They also served up a stark reminder that the maritime industry isn’t just about ships and routes; it’s about people, training, and adapting to a world that’s changing faster than a tide coming in.
NSML’s Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed, represented by Mutiu Olayiwole, didn’t mince words. He laid out the cold, hard truth: the maritime industry is in the midst of a regulatory earthquake. Environmental concerns, technological leaps, and the ever-growing need for skilled human capital are reshaping the sector at a breakneck pace. And if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind.
Ahmed pointed to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) decarbonisation targets and the looming spectre of cyber risks as key drivers of this change. He stressed that the industry needs a workforce that’s not just skilled, but adaptable—ready to tackle whatever comes next. That means closing the knowledge and skills gap, updating training curricula to cover everything from environmental compliance to digital operations and cybersecurity.
But NSML isn’t just talking the talk. They’re walking the walk. Through their Structured Cadetship Development Programme (SCDP), they’ve trained over 200 cadets, many of whom are now working aboard NSML-managed vessels. That’s contributed to an impressive 85% Nigerianisation rate of crew on those vessels and a full 100% Nigerian staffing in onshore roles. And if that wasn’t enough, they operate one of the most sophisticated maritime simulation suites in Africa. This isn’t just about training; it’s about preparing seafarers for real-world challenges, from bridge and engine room operations to emergency response scenarios.
Ahmed highlighted NSML’s strategic investments in human capital development, particularly through the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) in Bonny, Rivers State. The MCOE is no small feat—it’s the first training facility in Africa to receive accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA), certified by DNV, and approved by NIMASA. It delivers STCW 2010-compliant courses, ensuring that trainees are ready to meet global standards.
So, what does all this mean for the future of the maritime sector? For starters, it’s a wake-up call. The days of relying on outdated training methods and unskilled labour are over. The industry needs to invest in its people, just as NSML has done. It’s not just about compliance and safety; it’s about operational efficiency and staying ahead of the curve.
NSML’s commitment to building a resilient, safe, and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and the African continent is a model that others should follow. Their focus on training, innovation, and strategic investments is a blueprint for success in an ever-evolving industry.
And let’s not forget the elephant in the room—the award. AMJON’s Maritime Excellence Service Award isn’t just a pat on the back. It’s a recognition of NSML’s outstanding contributions to sustainable shipping and the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector. It’s a testament to their world-class training, operational innovation, and strategic investments.
But NSML isn’t resting on their laurels. They’re overseeing the construction of a 23,000m³ LPG vessel in South Korea and advancing their fleet renewal strategy by replacing ageing steam vessels with modern, dual-fuel LNG carriers like AXIOS II and AKTORAS. They’re not just keeping up with the times; they’re setting the pace.
In the end, the message is clear: the maritime industry is changing, and those who don’t adapt will be left behind. NSML’s commitment to training, innovation, and strategic investments is a beacon for the rest of the sector. It’s a reminder that the future of maritime lies not just in the ships we build, but in the people we train.