The Nigeria LNG Ship Management Limited (NSML) Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), Bonny Island, has emerged as a major force in addressing Africa’s longstanding maritime manpower deficit through internationally accredited training, advanced simulation technology and structured sea-time development programmes.
This was disclosed in a paper titled “Overview of the NSML MCOE: Positive Disruption in Africa’s Maritime Manpower Development,” presented by the Manager, Maritime Centre of Excellence, Bonny, Dr. Effiong Ekanem-Attah, on behalf of the Managing Director of NSML, Abdulkadir Kere Ahmed, at the 2026 Maritime Training Institute organised by journalists in lagos.
The paper highlighted the growing demand for highly skilled maritime professionals as the global shipping industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, decarbonisation, automation and increasingly stringent safety standards.
According to the paper, Africa, despite its strategic maritime position and extensive coastline, continues to face significant challenges in producing sufficient numbers of internationally certified seafarers and maritime professionals.
It identified limited access to quality maritime training, inadequate simulator facilities, accreditation challenges and insufficient sea-time opportunities among the major barriers confronting aspiring African seafarers.
MCOE: A New Model for Maritime Manpower Development
The NSML MCOE was established as a one-stop maritime research, consultancy and training institution designed to provide world-class expertise and develop globally competitive maritime professionals for Nigeria, West Africa and the wider international maritime community.
Unlike conventional training centres that focus largely on classroom instruction, the MCOE integrates maritime training, simulator-based learning, sea-time development, professional certification, research, consultancy and industry collaboration.
The paper described the approach as a “positive disruption” capable of transforming maritime manpower development from a fragmented process into a structured talent pipeline.
Global Accreditations Strengthen MCOE’s Credentials
A major component of the centre’s intervention is its portfolio of international accreditations.
The MCOE holds DNV accreditation for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, DNV-ST-0029 Maritime Simulator Centre and DNV-ST-0029 Maritime Training Centre.
The centre also has accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for six maritime courses, the Nautical Institute for Dynamic Positioning programmes, the Marshall Islands for maritime training courses, and Bermuda for gas tanker operations training.
It is equally accredited by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as a Maritime Training Institute.
The paper noted that these accreditations give Nigerian and African maritime professionals access to internationally recognised specialist training without necessarily travelling overseas.
Advanced Simulators Bridge Theory and Practice
The MCOE has invested in modern maritime training infrastructure, including advanced bridge simulators, engine-room simulators and Dynamic Positioning systems.
According to the paper, the facilities enable trainees to simulate real-life operational conditions, practise emergency response procedures, improve navigational competencies and develop decision-making skills in complex and risk-sensitive environments.
The use of simulation technology, it added, helps narrow the gap between classroom theory and the practical demands of vessel operations.
272 Cadets Complete Sea-Time Programme
One of the centre’s flagship interventions is the Seafarers Continuous Development Programme (SCDP), which addresses one of the major obstacles confronting young Nigerian seafarers—access to required sea-time experience.
Through partnerships involving organisations such as NIMASA and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the programme provides structured pathways for cadets working towards obtaining Certificates of Competency (CoC).
The paper disclosed that 272 cadets have completed sea-time training, while 54 others are currently either in college or onboard vessels progressing towards professional certification.
The programme forms part of NSML’s broader Nigerianisation agenda aimed at developing indigenous maritime professionals capable of operating vessels to international standards.
As of August 2026, NSML employs more than 700 seafarers, making it the largest employer of qualified Nigerian seafarers, according to the paper.
MCOE Expands Beyond Training
Beyond its training mandate, the centre also provides maritime research, intelligence and consultancy services across several areas of the industry.
These include shipbuilding supervision, commercial project evaluation, dry-docking supervision, vessel lifecycle support, as well as crew and vessel management advisory services.
The paper explained that these activities enable the MCOE to function as a knowledge hub where industry experience, research and emerging maritime trends continuously feed into its training programmes.
Building a Regional Maritime Hub
The MCOE’s impact, according to the paper, extends beyond Nigeria, with the institution increasingly positioned as a regional hub for maritime excellence in West Africa.
Its combination of international accreditation, modern training infrastructure, practical sea-time opportunities and industry-driven programmes demonstrates that African institutions can provide globally benchmarked maritime education while retaining training investments within the continent.
The model could also help reduce Africa’s dependence on foreign expertise for specialised maritime operations and create sustainable pathways for developing indigenous professionals.
Expansion Plans Underway
Looking ahead, the MCOE is set to expand its facilities and service offerings with support from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The planned expansion is expected to increase training capacity, introduce additional courses and broaden the range of maritime certifications available locally.
The ultimate objective, the paper stated, is to ensure that most, if not all, international maritime certifications can be obtained within Nigeria.
The NSML MCOE therefore represents a significant intervention in Africa’s maritime human-capital development, combining technology, international certification, practical exposure, research, consultancy and industry partnerships.
As Africa seeks to deepen its participation in the global maritime economy, the centre’s integrated approach could provide a blueprint for developing a highly skilled indigenous workforce capable of competing effectively in the international shipping industry.
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