In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s maritime industry, Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited has unveiled the country’s first 100% indigenously-owned container vessel, the Ocean Dragon. This historic achievement marks Nigeria’s entry into the global maritime trade with a vessel owned and predominantly crewed by Nigerians.

The Ocean Dragon, with a capacity of 349 TEUs, is set to revolutionise cargo movement by providing direct shipping services between Nigerian ports and key destinations across West Africa, including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast, significantly enhancing intra-African trade connectivity. This new service is also expected to substantially reduce delays and costs previously caused by indirect transits and reliance on road transportation.

Clarion Shipping’s leadership emphasised the importance of local capacity building, with up to 70% of the crew being Nigerian, and expressed a commitment to further increasing this number to strengthen the domestic maritime workforce. The vessel’s arrival is also seen as a strategic move to maximise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and boost Nigeria’s participation in regional and global trade.

The successful acquisition and delivery of the Ocean Dragon, despite logistical and technical challenges, stands as a testament to the resilience and ambition of the company’s managerial team and industry stakeholders.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our stakeholders, strategic partners, and supporters, including but not limited to:  

1. Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan,  Apapa & Western Marine Commands.
2. NIMASA officials. 
3. Nigeria Ports Authority: Port Manager, Harbour Master Tincan & other officials.
4. NIWA officials.
5. 5-Star Logistics Terminal.
6. Sallaum Lines GM, Mr. Suheil.
7. Zenith bank officials. 
8. Fidelity bank officials. 
9. Stanbic IBTC officials. 
10. ANLCA Chairman & officials (Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents).
11. NAGAFF Officials (National Association of Govt. Approved Freight Forwarders).
12. MD/CEO Santiago Hotels, Lagos. 
13. Sharaf Shipping Agency officials. 
14. MD, OKOMAH Worldwide Shipping Ltd, Onne.
15. MD, Master Contact Intel Ltd, Okota Lagos.
16. APMT Officials.

 As well as numerous supporters and guests who all came out to witness this occasion and show their support.     
As seen in: The Sun, Shipping Position, Punch , NTA , The Nation , Channels TV , The Maritime Executive, Marine Insight, This Day.