Tag: blue economy

  • Maritime Firm Announces Pan-African Fleet Expansion Drive

    Maritime Firm Announces Pan-African Fleet Expansion Drive

    Figures cited by BusinessDay show that Starzs Investment Company Ltd, a leading Nigerian maritime and logistics firm, is set to significantly expand its operations across the continent. The company’s CEO, Iroghama Ogbeifun, revealed plans to acquire new DP2 AHTS tugboats as part of a fleet renewal strategy to meet the rising demand in Africa’s oil and gas sectors.

    Beyond Nigerian waters, the firm is targeting emerging oil hotspots in Namibia, Mozambique, Guinea, and Congo. This expansion is fueled by strategic partnerships and a renewed investment momentum within the Nigerian offshore industry, where Starzs currently operates 11 vessels, including security patrol boats for major international oil companies.

    As one of the few privately licensed maritime security firms with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Navy, the company’s growth is seen as a boost for indigenous participation in the high-stakes maritime sector. The move is expected to create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s footprint in the global maritime economy.

    The expansion was also reported by NANNamed and ThisDay, with ThisDay noting, “Starzs is positioning itself as a Pan-African champion in the maritime space.” The Guardian quoted Ogbeifun saying, “We are investing in response to aging assets and the growing offshore demand across the Gulf of Guinea.”

    Echotitbits take: Starzs’ move into Namibia and Mozambique shows that Nigerian indigenous firms are now mature enough to export services. This is a positive sign for the “Blue Economy” policy of the current administration.

    Source: DailyByTesng – https://dailybytesng.com/single_news/firm-plans-fleet-expansion-across-africa-as-oil-gas-projects-gain-momentum, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: DailyByTesng

  • Nigerian Navy Heightens Maritime Surveillance to Combat Crude Oil Theft

    Nigerian Navy Heightens Maritime Surveillance to Combat Crude Oil Theft

    The Nigerian Navy has deployed high-speed interceptor boats and drone technology to the Niger Delta to intensify operations against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism that continue to drain foreign exchange earnings.

    The Chief of Naval Staff said the new assets will provide real-time surveillance for remote creeks and offshore assets, cutting response time and tightening control of maritime corridors.

    The Navy also announced a collaboration framework with private security firms and local communities to improve intelligence and disrupt the logistics chains that support illegal refining.

    Echotitbits take: Crude oil theft remains one of Nigeria’s biggest revenue leakages. Drone-led surveillance can change the game, but the real test is whether enforcement reaches the high-level ‘godfathers’ behind the theft—not only the foot soldiers in the creeks.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/navy-backs-fgs-2-5mbpd-oil-projection-by-2027/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • LASWA Reopens Ikorodu Ferry Terminal After Hyacinth Clearance

    LASWA Reopens Ikorodu Ferry Terminal After Hyacinth Clearance

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) says the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal will reopen for full passenger operations from Monday, January 19, after clearance of water hyacinth that had disrupted service since October 2025.

    Authorities say safety assessments and consultations were completed, and operators have been directed to resume schedules while enforcing standard passenger safety rules, including life-jacket compliance.

    Echotitbits take: Restoring the terminal should help relieve Ikorodu–Lagos road congestion, but long-term resilience requires sustained hyacinth management (biological and/or mechanical) rather than episodic clearing.

    Source: Leadership – https://leadership.ng/lagos-reopens-ferry-terminal-after-clearing-water-hyacinth (January 17, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Leadership

  • NIMASA Issues 30‑Day Ultimatum for Maritime Operators to Self‑Audit

    NIMASA Issues 30‑Day Ultimatum for Maritime Operators to Self‑Audit

    In an update published by ThisDay, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) directed terminal and jetty operators to conduct comprehensive self‑audits within 30 days as part of a drive to tighten safety and compliance standards.

    NIMASA warned that operators who fail to submit audit reports within the deadline may face sanctions, including possible suspension of operating licences, as the agency aligns operations with international maritime expectations.

    Premium Times and Vanguard also reported the directive, highlighting NIMASA’s warning on enforcement and its stated commitment to stronger port security and operational safety.

    Echotitbits take: The audit window signals tougher enforcement in a sector long criticized for weak safety practices. Operators should prepare for follow‑up inspections after the 30‑day period, especially around jetties linked to illegal activity.

    Source: TheNation — https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/nimasa-threatens-vessel-detentionviolators-of-30-day-compliance-ultimatum/amp/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: TheNation

  • FG Unveils New Digital Tools for Maritime Operations

    FG Unveils New Digital Tools for Maritime Operations

    The Federal Government has launched the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s Enterprise Content Management System to digitise document handling in the maritime sector. The Marine and Blue Economy Ministry says it will improve transparency and reduce bottlenecks.

    PUNCH, 11 Dec 2025

  • FG Unveils New Digital Tools for Maritime Operations

    The Federal Government has launched the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s Enterprise Content Management System to digitise document handling in the maritime sector. The Marine and Blue Economy Ministry says it will improve transparency and reduce bottlenecks.

    PUNCH

    11 Dec 2025