By Anthony Nwachukwu
Clarion Shipping West Africa has called on shippers, freight forwarders and market associations to exploit the many advantages presented by the indigenous container vessel, MV OCEAN DRAGON, as it revolutionises Africa’s trade and logistics business
Unveiling Ocean Dragon in Lagos, Vice President of Clarion Shipping, Bernardine Eloka, said the vessel is a strategic investment to deliver faster, cheaper and more flexible cargo services across Nigerian ports and into regional markets.
Eloka disclosed that the vessel had already begun operations, moving containers between Calabar and Port Harcourt, with bookings from Abuja, Calabar and other trading hubs.
According to her, one of the company’s key objectives is “to move Nigeria-made products to other African markets quickly and efficiently.”
Eloka explained that rather than leave containers stranded for weeks at foreign ports, Ocean Dragon will deliver them within hours, giving Nigerian businesses a competitive edge.
She further disclosed that Clarion Shipping is partnering leading global carriers, including AMC, PIL and Maersk Line, to enable direct shipments from China to Nigeria from October, thereby eliminating costly transshipment delays.
On his part, the President of Igbo Market Association and chairman of the occasion, Chinedu Ukatu, said the vessel’s unveiling will expand Nigeria’s shipping capacity and unlock new trade opportunities under AfCFTA and others.
According to him, this “is the launch of a new phase for Nigeria’s maritime economy. With its increased capacity and eco-friendly design, Ocean Dragon positions Nigerian traders to reach more markets sustainably and efficiently.
Also speaking, the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, declared that Clarion Shipping and MV Ocean Dragon are the new way to go.
Urging Nigerian shippers and traders to patronise Clarion Shipping in order to strengthen local capacity and reduce dependence on foreign lines, he noted that “the forex advantage alone is enough reason for Nigerian shippers to support this indigenous solution.”
However, he urged the shipping line to remain steadfast and focused on its assurances and promises to Nigeria shippers and freighters, warning that going the way of some indigenous airlines by making its services too expensive will be counter-productive.
Meanwhile, Clarion’s Regional Manager, Solomon Ogudu, listed the incentives of shipping with the company as container deposit waivers, 21 days’ free storage, and competitive terminal charges.
The others include improved turnaround, 24-hour inland clearance, which enables shippers to cut costs while delivering to preferred locations, as well as an absence of the War Risk Premium being charged on Nigeria-bound cargo by foreign ocean liners.
