NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited’s (NSML’s) Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) has made history by becoming the first training centre in Africa to receive the highly sought-after accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA).
According to a statement on Thursday, the groundbreaking achievement allows the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) to deliver and issue certificates for the STCW 2010 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations courses, placing it among globally recognised maritime training institutions.
The UK MCA, an agency under the UK Department for Transport, is renowned for regulating maritime standards and safety worldwide. Its accreditation is often referred to as the “Gold Standard” in maritime training, a mark of excellence that underscores the quality of the MCOE’s programmes.
Reacting to the accreditations, NSML’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, said achieving this certification was no easy feat as the centre underwent a rigorous two-year review process, during which it was thoroughly evaluated against stringent international standards.
He emphasised that the accreditation confirms that the MCOE’s courses are not only in line with global best practices but also crucial for enhancing maritime safety, modern navigation, and operational efficiency.
Ahmed expressed immense pride in the certifications, stressing that it was a significant milestone for both NSML and the maritime industry in Africa.
“Earning the UK MCA accreditation is a testament to the high standards we maintain at the MCOE. The accreditation has been a key objective for the MCOE since its inception.
“This achievement aligns perfectly with our growth and sustainability goals, positioning the MCOE as a fully-fledged, advanced maritime training centre, accredited to provide top-tier training and competency development programs for seafarers in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
The newly accredited courses are vital for seafarers globally, as they are mandatory for those aiming to advance their careers and ensure safe operations at sea. With this accreditation, NSML’s MCOE is poised to become a leading hub for maritime training in Africa.
NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (formerly NLNG Ship Management Limited) is a renowned name in the maritime industry, offering a comprehensive range of top-tier shipping, marine, and maritime services. NSML was incorporated as a private limited liability company on October 9, 2008. Over the years, NSML evolved from a mainly manning company into an international maritime services company providing a wider range of top-notch maritime services, including terminal management, maritime training, maritime project management, maritime consultancy, and business advisory services