On Thursday, June 4, 2026, The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, Abdulkadir Ahmed, has said that the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence development has successfully secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute, the event was held recently in Lagos.
Ahmed noted that the Established centre, as a one-stop centre for world-class maritime expertise, MCOE operates from Bonny Island, Rivers State, serving Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime community. The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals, with an expanding portfolio of both mandatory and specialized courses.
This latest certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre. It confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence, he said.
Importantly, this is not the first recognition of its kind, Ahmed explained, that The MCOE is already accredited by DNV under globally recognized standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and the DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres. These certifications reinforce our commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery.
Building on this foundation, the MCOE is now licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, including induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses. Today, the Centre stands as one of the institutes in West Africa with this level of Nautical Institute
accreditation for DP training, he noted..
In addition, the MCOE delivers a range of specialised courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) widely regarded as the gold standard in maritime training globally. These include programmes in Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, ECDIS, and High Voltage Training at both operational and management levels. This achievement is particularly significant for Nigeria.
According to him, it has strengthened our global standing, certification by globally respected bodies affirms that the standard of training and expertise developed here in Nigeria can compete with the best anywhere in the world. It enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognized training.
Nigerian seafarers were better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations, he noted.
It reinforces our commitment to building capacity locally, this milestone demonstrates clearly that world-class maritime training can be delivered here at home, reducing reliance on foreign institutions while raising national capability, It also reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector, Ahmed explained.
“Maritime operations demand and requires discipline, technical competence, and continuous learning. The certifications obtained by the MCOE a=rm that the professionals trained here meet high international expectations in performance, safety, and operational readiness.
Beyond the industry, the impact is broader, A stronger maritime workforce contributes directly to trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy supporting job productivity, and national competitiveness. Let me emphasize that this achievement is the result of deliberate and sustained effort, it reflects strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor capability, and robust quality assurance systems.
“Our goal has always been clear to build not just a training institution, but a true Centre of Excellence. While we are proud of this milestone, we also recognize the responsibility it brings, it challenges us to continue, deepening innovation, and maintaining global best practices in everything we do. Looking ahead, NSML remains committed to further strengthening the Maritime Centre of Excellence, expanding access to maritime training for young Nigerians, and deepening partnerships that align with international standards”, he explained.
The UK Nautical institute certification has now given the MCOE the license to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes which include induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses.
The Maritime Centre of Excellence is the NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence. It was established as a one-stop centre for world-class maritime expertise which serves Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime community.
The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals, with an expanding portfolio of both mandatory and specialized courses, he disclosed.
Maritime research consultancy provides world class maritime intelligence & consultancy for a variety of maritime projects, shipbuilding supervision, commercial evaluation for maritime projects and drydocking supervision. We have a proven track record, a reliable partner from keel laying to vessel
delivery, NSML offers vessel management, crew management as a part of her suite of services that supports customers safely and proficiently.
The future for us, increases the number of courses, service offerings being explored, at the MCOE we continue to grow, support of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) the MCOE has begun steps towards a facility expansion project, with the aspiration of delivering more value to our customers and to the Nigerian market from a larger, even better equipped facility.
