NSML showcases Maritime Centre of Excellence, Expands Nigeria’s Maritime Training Footprints
NSML Showcases Maritime Centre of Excellence, Expands Nigeria’s Maritime Training Footprint
By Babatunde Aremu
Nigerian Shipping and Maritime Logistics (NSML) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing world-class maritime capacity in Nigeria through its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), highlighting the facility’s growing international recognition, training capabilities, and strategic role in supporting the nation’s maritime industry.
Speaking during a media parleyn held in Lagos on Monday , MD / CEO of NSML, Kameel Abdulkadir described the MCOE as the organisation’s flagship hub for maritime research, training, consultancy, and competence development, established to provide globally competitive maritime expertise for Nigeria, West Africa, and the international maritime community.
Located on Bonny Island in Rivers State, “the Maritime Centre of Excellence is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals. The centre offers a growing portfolio of both mandatory and specialised maritime training programmes”- The MD said
The NSML CEO disclosed that the MCOE has attained full international accreditation from DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, DNV-ST-0029 Maritime Simulator Centre, and DNV-ST-0029 Maritime Training Centre certifications.
The company also announced that the centre has secured licensing from the Nautical Institute to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) training programmes, including the Dynamic Positioning Induction Course, Dynamic Positioning Simulator Course, Dynamic Positioning Revalidation Course, and Dynamic Vessel Maintenance Revalidation Course.
According to NSML, the accreditation places the MCOE in a unique position as the only institute in West Africa currently authorised to deliver these specialised Dynamic Positioning programmes under the Nautical Institute framework.
Beyond DP training, the centre offers several internationally accredited courses approved by the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), regarded globally as one of the highest standards in maritime training. These programmes include Basic Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS), High Voltage Training – Management, and High Voltage Training – Operational.
A major highlight of the media briefing was the success of the Seafarers Continuous Development Programme (SCDP), NSML’s flagship initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical sea-going experience.
The company revealed that 225 cadets have successfully completed sea-time training through the programme, while an additional 54 cadets are either currently enrolled in maritime colleges or serving onboard vessels as they work towards obtaining their Certificates of Competency (CoC).
The programme is implemented in partnership with key maritime institutions, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
NSML noted that the initiative not only supports individual cadets seeking international maritime careers but also provides institutional support aimed at addressing the global shortage of qualified seafarers while promoting indigenous participation in the sector.
The company stated that the programme contributes significantly to its objective of maintaining an 85 per cent Nigerian workforce onboard vessels under its management.
In addition to training services, the MCOE has established itself as a provider of maritime research and consultancy services, supporting clients in shipbuilding supervision, dry-docking projects, commercial evaluations, vessel delivery processes, vessel management, and crew management services.
NSML officials said the centre has built a reputation as a dependable technical partner, offering support throughout the entire vessel lifecycle, from keel laying to vessel delivery and operational management.
Looking ahead, the company disclosed plans for a major expansion of the facility to accommodate growing demand for maritime training and consultancy services.
The expansion project, supported by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is expected to increase training capacity, enhance infrastructure, and broaden the range of courses available to maritime professionals and industry stakeholders.
According to NSML, the planned upgrade reflects its long-term vision of creating a larger and more technologically advanced maritime training institution capable of delivering greater value to customers and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
