NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has announced that its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) on Bonny Island, Rivers State, has secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, managing director and chief executive officer of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, described the certification as a significant milestone for both the organisation and Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence development has successfully secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute,” he said.
Ahmed explained that the centre was established as a one stop shop for maritime training, research and competence development, serving Nigeria, West Africa and the wider global maritime community.
According to him, the facility is equipped with simulators and training infrastructure designed to support the professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals through mandatory and specialised courses.
“This latest certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre. It confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence,” he said.
He noted that the certification builds on existing accreditations already held by the centre, including ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems certification and DNV standards for maritime simulator and training centres.
Ahmed added that the MCOE is now licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver Dynamic Positioning programmes covering induction, simulator, revalidation and vessel maintenance courses.
“Today, the Centre stands as one of the institutes in West Africa with this level of Nautical Institute accreditation for DP training,” he said.
The MCOE also offers courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency in areas such as Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, Electronic Chart Display and Information System and High Voltage Training.
Ahmed said the certification would strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime industry and improve employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
“It enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training; our seafarers are better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations,” he said.
He also said the achievement supports local capacity development by reducing dependence on foreign training institutions while promoting higher standards of safety, professionalism and operational readiness.
NSML said 225 cadets have completed sea time training through its Seafarers Continuous Development Programme, while 54 others are either in college or onboard vessels working towards obtaining their Certificates of Competency in partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
The company added that the MCOE is planning an expansion project with support from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to increase training capacity and broaden its course offerings.
Ahmed said NSML remains committed to expanding access to maritime training for young Nigerians and strengthening partnerships that align with international standards.
“Our ambition is clear to build a maritime institution that Nigeria is proud of, and one that is respected across the global maritime community,” he said.
Established by NSML, a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited, the Maritime Centre of Excellence is located on Bonny Island, Rivers State. The facility was created as a one stop centre for maritime training, research and competence development, serving Nigeria, West Africa and the wider global maritime community.
It is equipped with modern simulators and training facilities to support the professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals.
The centre is accredited by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and holds international certifications from DNV, including ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and maritime simulator and training centre standards.
It is also licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver Dynamic Positioning programmes and offers additional courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Through its Seafarers Continuous Development Programme, NSML supports cadets with sea time training required for Certificates of Competency, strengthening Nigeria’s pipeline of qualified seafarers for international shipping operations.
