By Aisha Cole
Clarion Shipping on Tuesday boosted indigenous shipping industry in Nigeria by inaugurating its new vessel, Ocean Dragon, which is set to begin operations in October.
Dr Boniface Aniebonam, Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), at the inauguration of the vessel in Lagos, said the ship would operate under a Free on Board (FOB) arrangement in Naira.
Aniebonam said the move is crucial to saving Nigeria billions in foreign exchange.
He urged importers, exporters and stakeholders to rally behind the initiative, stressing that indigenous shipping had collapsed mainly due to lack of commitment.
The NAGAFF founder commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for enforcing the Cabotage law to protect and support local shipping businesses.
“Clarion Shipping has taken a huge risk to bring this vessel into the country.
“With this step, we can stop losing resources to foreign shipping lines,” he said.
He also criticised the payment of war risk surcharges by shippers, but assured that Clarion Shipping would not impose such costs.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chinedu Ukatu, hailed the project as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Ukatu, President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, said the ship’s capacity to carry larger cargo volumes would cut Nigeria’s carbon footprint and boost global trade.
“This unveiling is not just about a ship, it’s about a new era. The Ocean Dragon will set the pace for sustainable and efficient shipping practices,” Ukatu said.
Vice President of Clarion Shipping, Mrs Ifeoma Eloka, explained that the company was created to address challenges faced by Nigerian and African exporters.
She said the vessel would eliminate transshipment, while ensuring that consignments are delivered directly to destinations worldwide.
“Currently, we operate internationally with China, with a strong base in Abidjan.
“If we get more African patronage, we will expand further,” Eloka said.
She stressed that the company’s goal was to position Nigeria as a hub for export shipping across Africa and beyond.
Clarion’s Operations Manager, Mr Solomon Ogudo, said the company offers multiple destination options, faster delivery, and inland port access in Lagos, Onne, Kano and Onitsha.
He highlighted incentives such as 21 days of free container deposit, flexible demurrage waivers, and dedicated customer support in both China and Nigeria.
Ogudo disclosed that the Ocean Dragon would depart China on Sept. 28 and is expected to berth in Nigeria by Oct. 25.
The inauguration attracted importers, exporters, freight forwarders, marketers and media representatives, who described the launch as a landmark achievement for indigenous shipping.
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