The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), the flagship maritime training and research institute of the NLNG Ship Management Limited, has secured international certification from the The Nautical Institute, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime training sector.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, announced the development, describing it as a significant achievement for both the organisation and Nigeria’s broader maritime industry.

According to him, the certification validates the quality, relevance and international competitiveness of the training programmes offered by the centre, which is located on Bonny Island.

Established as a one-stop hub for maritime training, research and competence development, the MCOE serves professionals from Nigeria, West Africa and the global maritime community. The facility is equipped with advanced simulators and modern training infrastructure designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and other maritime personnel.

Ahmed said the UK Nautical Institute accreditation confirms that the centre now meets globally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.

He noted that the latest recognition builds on existing international certifications already secured by the institution.

The Maritime Centre of Excellence is currently accredited by DNV under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and the DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres.

According to Ahmed, the certifications underscore NSML’s commitment to maintaining consistency, quality and excellence in maritime training delivery.

The latest approval also authorises the centre to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes under the UK Nautical Institute framework, including induction, simulator, revalidation and vessel maintenance courses.

With the accreditation, the MCOE becomes one of the few institutions in West Africa licensed to provide this level of internationally recognised Dynamic Positioning training.

Beyond the DP programmes, the centre also offers a range of specialised courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading maritime training regulators.

The programmes cover areas such as Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and High Voltage Training at both operational and management levels.

Ahmed said the achievement carries significant implications for Nigeria’s maritime industry and the country’s growing blue economy.

He explained that certification by globally respected institutions demonstrates that maritime expertise developed in Nigeria can compete favourably with international standards, while enhancing the employability and global mobility of Nigerian seafarers.

According to him, internationally recognised training will better position Nigerian maritime professionals to access opportunities across global shipping fleets and offshore operations.

He also noted that the development reinforces NSML’s commitment to building local capacity by proving that world-class maritime education can be delivered within Nigeria, reducing dependence on foreign training institutions while strengthening national capability.

Ahmed added that the certifications would further promote safety, professionalism and operational excellence across the maritime sector by ensuring that trainees meet stringent international performance and competency standards.

He said the benefits extend beyond the maritime industry itself, noting that a stronger and more skilled workforce would support trade, shipping, offshore energy operations and the broader expansion of Nigeria’s blue economy through job creation and improved productivity.

Describing the certification as the product of deliberate and sustained investment, Ahmed said NSML had focused on developing modern infrastructure, enhancing instructor capability, strengthening curricula and implementing robust quality assurance systems.

“Our goal has always been clear—to build not just a training institution, but a true Centre of Excellence,” he said.

Looking ahead, he reaffirmed NSML’s commitment to expanding access to maritime training for young Nigerians and strengthening partnerships that align with global best practices.

“Our ambition is to build a maritime institution that Nigeria is proud of, and one that is respected across the global maritime community,” Ahmed added.