NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has commenced the Marine Accelerator Programme (MAP) for extensive training and capacity development, aiming to promote a safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime sector that will effectively support the country’s oil and gas industry.
The programme developed by the NSML Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), in collaboration with the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), addresses the pressing need for a highly skilled and adaptive workforce to meet international standards with stakeholders optimistic about its long-term impact on both sectors sustainability and growth.
Other key partners include the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Maersk Training, and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).
Speaking at the launch of the MAP on Bonny Island, Rivers State, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, underscored the critical importance of training and capacity development in sustaining the growth of the oil and gas marine support sector. He said in an era of rapid technological advancements, increasing regulatory demands, and growing environmental concerns, the industry faces unprecedented challenges.
Ahmed emphasised that safety, quality, and efficiency, along with a skilled, competent, and adaptive maritime workforce, have become the benchmarks for success in terms of cost and sustainability. He stated that MAP aims to enhance safety standards, prevent accidents, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, meet evolving regulatory requirements and industry benchmarks, as well as embrace technological innovations through comprehensive training modules.
Ahmed said these efforts are designed to support the country’s oil and gas industry’s growth by ensuring that maritime professionals are well-equipped to meet evolving industry demands.
Ahmed highlighted NSML’s commitment to domesticating global maritime standards and skill sets, resonating with the company’s vision of supporting the development of the maritime and oil and gas sectors.
Providing insights into the programme’s structure, the Manager of Training at MCOE, Dr Effiong Ekanem-Attah, said the training includes courses on maintenance planning, International Safety Management (ISM) Code awareness, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leadership, inspection protocols, incident investigation, and emergency response. He explained that the pilot phase will train 120 participants drawn from various marine service suppliers and management staff, running through to the end of December 2024.
The Executive Director of OPTS, Gweke Ajaifia, highlighted the programme’s significance in the capital-intensive maritime and oil and gas industries, to bridge identified gaps, ultimately reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency.
He said the programme was conceived to address deficiencies in competence and management within the marine space, adding that safety is paramount as any accident could completely wipe out investments.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omashola Ogbe, lauded the initiative, stating that the importance of capacity development, safety, and international standards cannot be compromised.
Ogbe who was represented by the Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordinator, NCDMB, Esueme Kikile, stressed that maintaining high international standards is essential for attracting further investments to Nigeria’s maritime sector, just as he expressed the board’s support to NSML, NIMASA and Maersk in delivering this programme.
