In a bold stride towards maritime independence and regional trade leadership, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has berthed the MV Ocean Dragon—Nigeria’s first wholly-owned container vessel—at 05:05 a.m. on July 2nd, marking a historic turning point for indigenous shipping and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, the MV Ocean Dragon (IMO 9508770) boasts a 349 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) capacity and is set to redefine cargo movement in West Africa. With cutting-edge marine support from the NPA, this landmark berthing signals Nigeria’s readiness to revolutionize short-sea shipping and reduce over-reliance on congested and risky road transport.
“This is not just a vessel—it’s a vessel of transformation,” declared NPA Managing Director/CEO Abubakar Dantsoho. “It represents our dedication to unlocking Nigeria’s vast blue economy, enhancing trade efficiencies, and delivering the promises of the AfCFTA. We commend the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose vision made the recent national marine policy approval a reality.”
The MV Ocean Dragon will operate across major West African ports including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, with plans to expand to Egypt, South Africa, and beyond. Already, expressions of interest are pouring in from exporters and importers across the region.
Clarion’s Vice President, Bernadine Eloka, called the acquisition a “game-changer” for regional logistics:
> “We acquired Ocean Dragon to offer a seamless sea-based alternative to Nigeria’s overburdened roads. Instead of hauling containers from Lagos to Onitsha or Calabar by truck, we can now move 349 containers in under 48 hours, port to port.”
Eloka emphasized the strategic importance of enforcing Nigeria’s cabotage regime, saying it would foster local investment, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign shipping lines.
Clarion Suncity Terminal Logistics MD, Mustafa Mohammed, added that the company is already gearing up to compete with global players like Maersk and MSC.
> “We’ve secured bookings for over 1,300 export containers. By supporting Nigerian exporters—especially in landlocked and underserved areas—we’re not just moving cargo; we’re moving Nigeria forward.”
This milestone comes as NPA announces a new $60 million investment in eco-friendly port infrastructure, further underlining its commitment to Nigerian content development and sustainable growth in the marine sector.
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2025-07-03